Veteran forward Abby Wambach lead the way for the US Women's National Team as they beat Nigeria 1-0 to advance to the next round of the 2015 Women's World Cup in Canada. Wambach's 45 minute goal was the 14th of her World Cup career which ties her for second on the all-time list with Birgit Prinz of Germany. Brazilian talisman Marta, who broke the record earlier in the tournament, holds the record with 15.
''Getting that goal right before the half was big for us,'' Wambach said. ''Not taking too many injuries is also positive, and going out first in our group was absolutely what we set out to do.''
Another bright spot for the US is the fact that star attacker Alex Morgan seems to be rounding into form at the right time. Morgan entered the tournament battling nagging injuries, but Coach Jill Ellis handed her a berth in the first XI against the Super Eagles. Morgan's showing was not without problems. She failed to convert a few routine opportunities such as her 48th minute shot which she sailed over Nigerian keeper Precious Dede. However her increased presence in the US attack will be key if the Americans want to secure their 3rd FIFA Women's World Cup trophy.
"[Morgan] created a lot of good runs," said U.S. midfielder Carli Lloyd. "I think what we've been missing in these games is we've needed forwards to check back so we can play off of them and them be a bouncing board. I think Abby and Alex did that really well this game. Alex also made runs in behind that back line. That's important. We can't lose that."
The United States' win means they finish atop the so called 'group of death'. The finished with 7 points, topping Australia 3-1 in the opener, drawing 0-0 with Sweden, and finishing with the aforementioned 1-0 win over Nigeria.
The United States' opponent in the round of 16 has yet to be determined. The Americans, currently 2nd in the world, are one of the favourites to win it all. However current world No.1 Germany still holds a slight edge in most predictions.
