Akers-Stahl's Five Goals Carry U.S. Women Into Cup Semifinals

FOSHAN, China - Michelle Akers-Stahl scored five goals and Joy Biefeld and Julia Foudy scored one goal each as the United States routed Taiwan 7-0 yesterday and advanced to the semifinals of the first world women's soccer championships.

In Wednesday's semifinals, the United States will play Germany, which beat Denmark 2-1. Sweden, which beat China 1-0, will play Norway in the other semifinal. Norway beat Italy 3-2 in overtime.

"I feel very good about the way our team is coming together now," U.S. coach Anton Dorrance said. "The teams that are left, all of them could easily win. I certainly don't have any delusions of grandeur now."

Akers-Stahl, a graduate of Shorecrest High School in Seattle, leads the tournament with eight goals. She scored the first three U.S. goals against Taiwain as the Americans took a 4-0 halftime lead. Her fourth goal came on a penalty kick and the fifth on a diving header.

"It was probably her best finishing game ever," Dorrance said. "She got some great service from her teammates. She had some absolutely remarkable goals."

The U.S. (4-0) has outscored its opponents 18-2. Germany (4-0) has outscored its foes 11-2.

"Germany is an outstanding team with a great tradition," Dorrance said. "I think they are going to be a formidable opponent."

Heidi Mohr's sixth goal of the tournament, with 2 1/2 minutes left in overtime, gave Germany its victory over Denmark. Beate Wendt crossed the ball from left wing, and Mohr headed it into the net from 5 yards out.

Each team scored on a penalty kick in regulation, Bettina Weigmann connecting for Germany and Susan Jepsen Mackensie for Denmark.

Pia Sundhage, playing her 108th international match, scored the only goal in Sweden's victory over China.