VANCOUVER – Abby Wambach scored in the dying moments of the first half to give the U.S. women’s national team a 1-0 win over Nigeria at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. The win gives the U.S. top spot in Group D.
Playing in front of a huge crowd of American fans who travelled north to Vancouver, the U.S. team dominated possession for much of the game and forced Nigeria goaltender Precious Dede to make several saves to keep the score close.
Wambach, who had previously complained about the Women’s World Cup being played on artificial turf, scored her first goal of the tournament on a set play, getting free on a corner kick and connecting on a cross from Megan Rapinoe. The pair famously connected on a goal at the 2011 Women’s World Cup that is often referred to as one of the greatest moments in the history of women’s soccer.
“Scoring goals is not that easy. I’m not making any excuses,” said Wambach. “I need to finish chances that are handed to me …but that being said, the turf does make the ball bounce differently. You think differently about the game and that’s just the reality.”
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Despite never seeming to have the ball, Nigeria had one real scoring chance when Asisat Oshoala nearly converted a through-ball from Ngozi Okobi but Julie Johnston got a foot on it to deflect it wide of the net.
In the second half, Desire Oparanozie nearly fooled goaltender Hope Solo with her shot barely sailing over the U.S. net.
Alex Morgan made her first start for the U.S. since April and looked dangerous at times.
Morgan had her best chance early in the second half when she tried to loft a ball over Dede who managed to get a hand on it. She had another chance 15 minutes later when she nearly converted a cross from Ali Krieger.
More than 52,000 fans were in attendance, making it the largest crowd to watch a soccer match at BC Place since the stadium was renovated in 2011.
“I thought the crowd was amazing,” said U.S. head coach Jill Ellis. “I think that had a big part to do with our energy tonight.”
-with files from Canadian Press
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