"I don't think it is about vengeance, it is just a match and we have our usual approach to the game," he told reporters.
But for captain Wu Haiyan, who said she has watched recordings of the 1999 final, the game offers some cause for inspiration.
"I think it was an exciting and historical moment and I hope we can make history on Friday too," she said.
The Americans are perhaps burdened by the expectations that come from their past success.
Although the U.S have had little trouble reaching the last eight, their performances have been criticised and coach Jill Ellis conceded there is room for improvement, something she has made that clear to the players. "We met and they understand, they understand that we have to continue to raise our level with each round," she said.
"It is not a matter of being satisfied, these are players that love challenges, the coaches obviously have high expectations but it is about getting them to that point.
"Certainly we have a lot more, we are capable of a lot more, I think that is the expectation on ourselves.
"I think defensively we have been brilliant. In terms of attacking we have been creating chances but what it comes down to is that we have choices and options around the ball and it is about ... making the right decisions."
(Reporting by Simon Evans)
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