Coming into the second game of pool play, the US needed the three points of a victory after their draw against a very strong North Korea a few days prior. So they took care of business with a hard fought 2-0 win.
Of course, it did not come easy. In fact, in the first four minutes of the game, third-ranked Sweden had four corner kicks while the US barely made it across midfield. Needless to say the friends and family section was a tiny bit anxious.
That didn't last for long. After a few great chances out of Carli and Tarp, the US finally got the goal they needed when Abby scored off a PK fourteen minutes into the game. Phew. We could finally breathe! (I happened to be sitting right behind her parents who I think may get more nervous than she does.)
The Swedes continued to bring on the attack, only to run across the Wall of the US defense, with Cat cleaning up anyone sneaking through and Hope saving any ball that came her way. The 1-0 lead was nice, but just not enough.
Thankfully, with 20 minutes left in the game, Abby took a beautiful chest trap off a well-placed ball and ripped a shot that Swedish keeper Lindhal had no chance at keeping out of the back of the net. The stands erupted. I was relieved. And the woman sitting next to Abby's parents yelled, "You guys made such a wonderful person!" I'd have to agree.
Watching these girls in person on the World's Stage I am convinced that these ladies represent the ultimate definition of a great team. (More of that to come on nikesoccer.com later when we share the vids we've grabbed while here.) After speaking with them throughout the week, I am sure they are very happy about the win, but their minds are already set on the next game ahead: Nigeria.
Stay tuned for more stories, live from China.
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