The U.S. Women Go on the Offensive Kelley O’Hara (5) soared in to score the second goal in the United States’ 2-0 win over Germany in the semifinals of the Women’s World Cup. Dennis Grombkowski/Getty Images

During the group stage of the World Cup, the United States played with a more defensive alignment — a 4-4-2. Having extra players in the defensive end resulted in few scoring opportunities for opponents. The United States gave up only a single goal. But the strategy also limited the team’s offensive chances. So, in recent games, the United States has shifted to a more attacking formation — with great results.

Carli Lloyd has emerged as the key player in the United States attack. No player has benefited from the change in style more than Carli Lloyd. Freed from her defense-first obligations during the group stage, she has become a more creative offensive force in the knockout games. Carli Lloyd (10) headed the ball in for the United States’ lone goal against China in the quarterfinals. Marc Desrosiers/USA Today Sports, via Reuters

A look at Lloyd’s touches in the offensive third of the field before and after the strategic shift. Lloyd’s touches in the first three games Past three games

A more limited role for Wambach. The change affected the playing time of Abby Wambach, who did not start the two most recent games. Her presence in the lineup can dominate the offensive options, with her strength in the air making her a tempting target for long, high passes from teammates. Her absence shifts the burden to multiple players, who then rely on agility and movement to attack opponents on the ground. Abby Wambach (20) Michael Chow/USA Today Sports, via Reuters

4-4-2 Formation In the earlier games of the tournament, the United States played a more defensive alignment — a 4-4-2. The extra players in the defensive end stifled their opponents, but the strategy also left the United States farther to go when it won the ball and shifted into attack. Strikers 4-3-3 Formation For most of the game against Germany, the United States was attacking, using the offensive creativity of the 4-3-3 formation, with the lone striker Alex Morgan supported by two wings and three midfielders. The interplay among that front six created more chances. Morgan Wings