U.S. women defeat North Korea in World Cup: A fan's reaction - 7M sport

U.S. women defeat North Korea in World Cup: A fan's reaction



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Posted Wednesday, June 29, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

The U.S. Women's National Team went to the FIFA Women's World Cup with purpose, and they took their first step today with a 2-0 win over North Korea. While the first half wasn't the best, United States got through it without conceding a goal.

Hope Solo came up big at goal, with five saves in the first half. She kept United States in the match, giving the side the chance to put the game away after the intermission.

In the second half, United States came out stronger and with more organized attacks. With the 2-0 win the American side is at the top of Group C early, as Sweden defeated Colombia 1-0 earlier in the day.

Changed to start, Cheney scores goal

Lauren Cheney scored the first goal for the American women off a nice cross in from Abby Wambach. Cheney sent a header to the back of the net in the 54th minute to break the scoreless deadlock. Cheney was a late change, coming in to start in place of Megan Rapinoe. Her goal will certainly help silence critics of the decision.

Cheney also scored the lone goal against Mexico in a friendly June 5, the last game United States played before coming to the World Cup. Her stoppage-time score gave the Americans a 1-0 win, not to mention a confidence-builider

Rapinoe, who came into the game in the 76th minute, is a good player and will surely see a lot of minutes before the tournament is over.

The insurance goal provides differential space

The second goal came from another player whose name might not be the first thought of when talking about scorers for United States, Rachel Buehler. The American defender was in front of goal fighting for possession, and threaded a shot past two North Korean defenders and the 'keeper. It was just a nice, low ball that fooled everyone.

It was important because Sweden failed to get a second goal against Colombia, putting United States at the top of Group C based on wins and goal differential. Both American goals represented the first-ever World Cup scores for each player.

United States are leaving Dresden on top, and should have it bit easier for the next match. The Americans take on Colombia July 2, while North Korea must face Sweden. On July 6, it's United States vs. Sweden and North Korea taking on Colombia.



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