U.S. Women’s National Team Beats Nigeria, Wins Group Of Death

The USWNT did what they were supposed to do and beat Nigeria 1-0, topping Group D, aka the Group of Death.

U.S. Women’s National Team Beats Nigeria

Despite tying Sweden, USWNT headed into the Nigeria match with a bit of momentum. Not only did longtime legend Abby Wambach start the game — against Sweden, she came off the bench for the first time since 2003 — the U.S. also got back sensation Alex Morgan. She came off the bench in the previous two games, but was able to play 65 minutes yesterday, which was exciting to see because many did not know the state of the bone bruise on her left knee.

Simply, USWNT dominated the game offensively and defensively by controlling the ball: they had possession for 57 percent of the time. On top of this, there were not as many defensive slip ups like in the United States’ rusty game one against Australia. The U.S. only gave up seven shots with four of them being from inside the box and only two actually being on goal.

But it was Wambach that gave the United States the goal needed to secure the victory. With just seconds before halftime, Megan Rapinoe delivered a beautiful corner kick to Wambach, who, with a running boot, put it in the back of the net.

This is her 14th World Cup goal and her first of 2015: if she did not score in yesterday’s game, it would have been the first time that she failed to get a goal in group play. And with that score, Wambach tied Birgit Prinz for second all-time in World Cup goals: she is only behind Brazil’s Marta, who broke the record last week.

And if it was not for Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Precious Dede, the game would have gotten completely out of hand, as Alex Morgan had two amazing looks — both times she simply got behind the defenders — that were stopped by two gorgeous saves. Furthermore, the already tired Nigerian team had to play a woman down after Sarah Nnodim received two yellow cards for tackling Sydney Leroux, which simply made matters worse for the already outmatched Nigeria.

USWNT Wins Group Of Death

With yesterday’s 1-0 victory over Nigeria, the U.S. won Group D, aka the Group of Death. The victory gave them an additional three points, which makes their total seven. The team joining them in the next round is Australia, who has four points due to a draw with Sweden and a win over Nigeria.

Sweden would end the World Cup with three draws and Nigeria had two losses and a draw.

As for who the U.S. will play in the next round, it has not yet been decided. Tonight is the last day of group play before the single elimination round.