Norway continues to lead the U.S. at halftime of their semifinal match in Athens, Ga.
The match has been like most in this intense rivalry — the U.S. controls most of the possession, while Norway plays a great deal of long balls.
Mia Hamm, despite the ankle injury she suffered against Sweden on Tuesday, is the most dangerous player for the U.S. thus far. Tiffany Roberts has done an excellent job marking Norway’s Hege Riise.
The U.S. had an excellent scoring opportunity in the 42nd minute, when Hamm took a pass 30 yards out, waited for Tisha Venturini to make a run, and then fed her a great pass. Venturini had a one-on-one with Bente Nordby, the Norweigan keeper, but her chip shot was saved.
The U.S., playing a 3-5-2 formation, will continue to press in search of an equalizer in the second half.