Watch the majestic goal that sent the U.S. into the World Cup semifinals

Carli Lloyd of the United States celebrates as she heads the ball past goalkeeper Wang Fei of China in the second half for her team's first goal in the FIFA Women's World Cup 2015 Quarter Final match at Lansdowne Stadium on June 26, 2015 in Ottawa, Canada. Getty Images

By Chris Greenberg

1 minute to read

Carli Lloyd earned the captain’s armband before and during this one.

In her 200th appearance for the national team, Lloyd scored the decisive goal in the United States’ 1-0 win over China in the quarterfinals of the 2015 Women’s World Cup. Following a scoreless first half in Ottawa on Friday, the 32-year-old midfielder rose above a defender to meet a long cross from defender Julie Johnston in the 51st minute. Approximately 10 yards from goal, she headed the ball down off the turf and past China goalkeeper Fei Wan.

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“I don’t just train to be a participant,’’ Lloyd said, via Goal.com. “I train to come up big in big moments. That’s when I know I’ve got roll the sleeves up.’’

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The narrow win sent the second-ranked U.S. into a semifinal matchup against top-ranked Germany. The game is scheduled for Tuesday, June 30. It will be the fourth Women’s World Cup meeting between the two teams. The U.S. emerged victorious in 1991 and 1999. Germany won the matchup in 2003.

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The U.S. Women’s World Cup roster:

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