The United States Women's National Team have finished atop the group of death at the Women's World Cup and are going to face Colombia in the Round of 16. They finished undefeated In Group D with a record of 2-0-1 (W-L-D). The Yanks opened up the tournament on the right foot with a comanding win against Australia by a score of 3-1, and were led by Megan Rapinoe who scored two goals in that game. In their second group stage game the Yanks went up against a really good Sweden team coached by former United States coach Pia Sundhage and drew 0-0. They drew against Sweden thanks to a goal line clearance from Meghan Klingberg.
In the last Group Stage match the Americans beat Nigeria 1-0, thanks to a heroic goal with her foot, not her head, from star Abby Wambach. Wambach, who is playing in her last World Cup at 35 years of age was a key contributor in the 1-0 win to send the USA to the Round of 16 at the top of Group D. The United States in Group play looked good at points but beatable and flawed at others. They looked flawed and beatable in their 2nd game, which was a winnable game for them, and they almost lost it, if not for, as previously stated, Klingenberg’s head.
Alex Morgan’s injury has made a big impact on the United States. She played all 3 group game matches but has not scored or assisted on any of the United States goals in the group stage. She has played as previously stated but has not played up to her normal play, where she can take over a game and be the best player on the field by far. If she can do that in the coming rounds, the United States will be fine and mesh but if she plays the way she played in the group stage they are in trouble.
However, it should be said that the Americans' attack looked much better, more dangerous and far more fluent against Nigeria. That is due in large part to Morgan starting the match. She didn't play more than a quarter of an hour in the first two Group Stage matches, and lacked match fitness against the Nigerians. Yet, she made a huge difference.
The United States offensively have struggled; they only scored 4 goals in qualifying for the Round of 16 on 38 shots, sending only 14 of those shots on target. That’s good for a measly 28% conversion rate in the group stage. By comparison, the Germans have scored 15 goals on 92 shots, and 41 of those were on target good for a 36% conversion rate.
The United States looked like a great team in the first game and an ok team in the third game. They dominated 2nd place finisher Australia 3-1 in the first game and looked great. The United States are looking to go to the Quarterfinals by beating Colombia in the Round of 16.