Pia Sundhage's side cruised to an easy victory as Abby Wambach put them into the lead after 27 minutes, continuing her run of scoring in every match of London 2012 so far.

Sydney Leroux (pictured top, off ground) settled American nerves with less than five minutes remaining, to ensure they reach the last four.

New Zealand will be pleased to have reached the knockout stage of a major tournament for the first time, despite their defeat.

The US will now face North American rivals Canada, who stunned hosts Britain 2-0 at the City of Coventry Stadium.

Christine Sinclair (number 12) scores Canada's second goal in the defeat of Great Britain

Jonelle Finiglo scored a brilliant opening goal when she fired home from the edge of the area following a corner just over 10 minutes in.

A free-kick from Christine Sinclair on 25 minutes gave Canada full control of the match, as Britain crashed out after an impressive group stage.

Canada will hope that they fare better against the US in the semi-final than they did last time the two met.

That was in the final of the North American qualifiers in January, which the US won 4-0 in Vancouver.

France won the all-European quarter-final with Sweden 2-1 at Hampden Park in Glasgow.

France were impressive as they passed the ball around stylishly, and were not concerned even by the concession of the opening goal.

Nilla Fischer scored with a slice of luck as the ball bounced in off her shoulder from a corner kick.

Wendie Renard (second right) scores the winning goal for France against Sweden

France fought back well, and equalised through Laura Georges shortly afterwards, and Wendie Renard then grabbed a winner before half-time.

The French will be dark horses for gold after another impressive display, and they will next take on Japan, who defeated Brazil 2-0 at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

Yuki Ogimi scored the opening goal for the world champions in the first period, with Shinobu Ohno making it two with 20 minutes left.

The result means it is down to Brazil's men to win the country's first ever Olympic football gold medal.

Japan and the US are also now on course to meet in the final of the Olympic football tournament, just over a year after they met in the World Cup final.

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