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Solo on Sasic's missed penalty: 'I did the stall tactic. It worked'

Reuters

Hope Solo knew exactly what she was doing.

The American goalkeeper, who watched with glee as Germany striker Celia Sasic missed a penalty in Tuesday's enthralling Women's World Cup semifinal, admitted after the match that she attempted - and succeeded - to get in Sasic's head by forcing her to wait longer than usual to take the spot kick.

"I did the stall tactic. It worked," Solo told FOX Sports after the United States' 2-0 win.

Did it ever. Sasic, the leading scorer at the tournament, who had converted twice from the spot in Germany's previous match, rolled her attempt wide of the post, keeping the tense match goalless.

The U.S. would take advantage by scoring - from the penalty spot, no less - just nine minutes later en route to the victory and a berth in the final.

Midfielder Carli Lloyd, who scored the Americans' opening goal, admitted to Solo's stalling tactics after the contest as well.

"We were laughing about it last night," Lloyd was quoted as saying by the Washington Post. "She was totally psyching the shooter out."

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