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Posted at 6:46 a.m., Thursday, July 12, 2007

Football: U.S. tops Germany, reaches World Cup final

Associated Press

KAWASAKI, Japan — The United States scored two early touchdowns today to defeat Germany 33-7 and advance to the final of the American football World Cup.

Cody Childs put the U.S. up 6-0 in the first two minutes when he ran the ball in from the 6-yard line.

Wendell Johnson scored from the 3-yard line four minutes later and the U.S. added a safety to take a 16-0 lead in the first quarter.

The U.S. will face Japan in Sunday's final. Japan defeated Sweden 48-0 in Thursday's late game.

Cornerback Rob Rodriguez blocked two punts for the U.S. team.

"Our special teams were outstanding," said U.S. coach John Mackovic. "They bailed us out when we weren't moving the ball and our defense hung tough."

The U.S. team, making its debut in the six-nation tournament, is comprised of players from Division I, II and III colleges.

Germany scored its only touchdown of the game when U.S. quarterback Jeff Ballard threw an interception that defensive back Matthias Weil ran back for a 94-yard touchdown in the second quarter.

"We had our opportunities but couldn't take advantage of them," said Germany's offensive coordinator Brad Arbon. "Our defense played great but our offense wasn't able to capitalize."

Adam Austin was the starting quarterback for the U.S. and completed five of eight passes for 106 yards.

The U.S., which defeated South Korea 77-0 in its opening game, improved to 2-0 in Group B.

The tournament is being played for the third time. Japan won in 1999 and 2003.