Minute-by-minute analysis of the Women's World Cup semifinal game between the favored Americans and surprising French. The Journal's Matthew Futterman is in Germany for the game, and Jim Chairusmi provides analysis of the game and the ESPN broadcast.

11:26 am | Pregame | by Matthew Futterman

A new day, a new challenge for the U.S. women's soccer team, which takes on France in the Women's World Cup semifinal in Moenchengladbach, Germany today.

This game will likely be quite different than Sunday's match with Brazil, which turned into an intense physical battle. The technically sound and skilled French team doesnât have the size on their back line that Brazil had, and even their coach noted the teamâs physical inferiority to the U.S. But Sweden showed the U.S. defense can be vulnerable when attacked with speed, so that may very well be a part of the French plan.

U.S. coach Pia Sundhage said she wants to get back to playing the possession-heavy brand of soccer her side focused on in training before the tournament. She wants her players moving the ball not just up and down, but across the pitch as well, shifting the point of attack and building chances through the midfield rather than simply sending long-balls over the defense.