BEIJING, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- Defending champion the United States scored two goals in four minutes to take a 2-1 lead over underdog Japan 2-1 in the first half of their semifinal match at the Olympic women's soccer tournament here on Monday.

    Japan drew the first blood at the 18th minute when forward Mizuho Sakaguchi hit in pass from teammate Yukari Kinga. The American defence then was tricked by their own offside trap, leaving Sakaguchi unmarked just before the goal.

    Japan's defence began to shake when the United States stepped up their attack, and at the 41st minute, the defending champions equalised through midfielder Angela Hucles who raced to a back-heel pass from forward Amy Rodriguez and put the ball past Japan goalkeeper Miho Fukumoto.

    Three minutes later, the United States went ahead when defender Lori Chalupny cut in from the left and unleased a powerful right-footer into right top corner of Japan's goal.