Carli Lloyd, USA Beat Germany in World Cup Semifinal

Jersey native Carli Lloyd was at the center of the action, again.

United States midfielder Carli Lloyd (10) reacts after scoring against Germany on a penalty kick during the second half of the semifinals of the FIFA 2015 Women's World Cup at Olympic Stadium. Michael Chow-USA TODAY Sports

United States midfielder Carli Lloyd (10) reacts after scoring against Germany on a penalty kick during the second half of the semifinals of the FIFA 2015 Women’s World Cup at Olympic Stadium. Michael Chow-USA TODAY Sports

Carli Lloyd, a native of Delran, New Jersey, is making her city, state and entire country proud.

The U.S. Women’s National Team is advancing to the FIFA Women’s World Cup championship match against either Japan or England, which play each other in tonight’s semifinal match, after defeating Germany 2-0 last night.

Lloyd scored the deciding goal on a penalty kick in the 69th minute of the match, just shortly after Germany’s own Celia Sasic missed her own chance on a penalty kick, sending it just left of the net. U.S. goalie Hope Solo has allowed one goal over the entire course of the tournament thus far, against Australia in the first game of the tournament.

And to ensure that Germany — the tournament’s most prolific offensive team with 20 goals before their elimination last evening — didn’t turn the game back around, Lloyd sent a pass right across the German goal to Kelley O’Hara, who slammed it in for the 2-to-nil lead.

But all the attention was on Lloyd herself. Her goal — the third of the tournament, and second that decided a match — put the U.S. in front after a very physically exhausting first half and a scary opportunity for Germany to take a lead. The penalty kick was not without controversy though, as it is still up to debate as to whether U.S. star Alex Morgan was fouled by Germany’s Annike Krahn within the penalty box or just barely outside the area.  

Carli Lloyd and her U.S. teammates will go for the World Cup championship on Sunday. In the 2011 tournament, it was Lloyd who missed a penalty kick, allowing Japan to win the final match. So far, she has redeemed herself in helping the U.S. get this far for the second time in a row. 

The U.S. national team hasn’t won a Women’s World Cup since 1999. 

[h/t NESN and Molly Geary/SI Wire