Canada demonstrated their intent in this Olympic semi-final with two clattering challenges within one minute. Herdman accused USA of being too physical before kick-off, but it seemed the Canadians were set solely on overpowering their opponent. Not so.
They wanted to outplay them too. Sinclair dropped the shoulder and worked the delicately placed pass of Melissa Tancredi onto her right foot for a 22nd minute lead.
It was an exquisitely worked goal, prompting the latest in a series of flag waving exercises in the stands. The screeching choruses of USA and Canada ensured the Stretford End momentarily resembled the noise levels in the East End of Stratford.
The last time Old Trafford heard such squeals was when Andy D’Urso was sent here to referee. Sinclair later took her international goal tally to an extraordinary 143.
If the 1st half was full of promise, the second was scintillating, including 4 goals in 11 minutes. Meetings here between United and City do not display more intensity and emotion.
The first USA equaliser, on 54 minutes, was freakish, direct from a corner by dashing blonde winger Megan Rapinoe. The momentum shift lasted 13 minutes when Sinclair bulleted past USA keeper Hope Solo, but Rapinoe responded instantly with an even better strike from 20 yards.
Sinclair struck back, heading her third from a corner on 73 minutes, only for Canada defender Diana Matheson to be adjudged to have handled with full-time approaching. Wambach struck a third US equaliser from the penalty spot before Morgan had the late, last word.
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