Jill Ellis’ USA team grinded out a tough 1-0 victory to top Group D against bottom of the table Nigeria who were fighting for their World Cup survival.
The result leaves USA continuing their impressive form in the tournament having never failed to make the knockout stages.
One of the big stories going into the match was that Abby Wambach and Alex Morgan were to start up top together for the first time in this year’s competition. Alongside Nigeria’s pacey, physical play, this promised to be a very open match with the possibility of goals – something the crowd in Canada thought they had early on, but the USA’s Julie Johnston had her effort disallowed for offside.
Unfortunately that proved to be one of the only pieces of goal-mouth action in a first half of little chances for either nation. But just as it looked like the two sides were going to head into the break level, a stoppage time corner saw USA take the lead.
Megan Rapinoe sent the perfect cross into the area from the set-piece and in spectacular fashion, veteran Abby Wambach volleyed into the back of the net to make it 1-0.
The Americans could have extended their lead after the restart but Nigerian goalkeeper Precious Dede made a good save to stop an onrushing Alex Morgan get her first goal of the tournament.
The African’s physicality put Ellis’ side to the test with a combination of strength and pace. However, this came back to bite them in the end, when on the 70th minute mark, Sarah Nnodim was shown a second yellow card, reducing Nigeria down to ten.
The sending off proved to take the wind out the African side’s sails as the number two side in the world showed off their superiority, with Nigeria looking fatigued and sluggish, despite not being out of the game.
USA however couldn’t capitalise on their extra player but late in the match, a nice moment ensued for the supporters as Christie Rampone came on as a substitute, setting the record for the oldest women to play in the Women’s World Cup at 39 years of age.
Another clean sheet for the USA meant that the defensive unit spearheaded by goalkeeper Hope Solo, have not conceded a goal in 243 minutes of football, leaving them top of Group D and avoiding the prospect of a last 16 encounter with Brazil.
