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Abby Wambach clinches Group D for USWNT

Americans squeeze by Nigeria to reach last 16
Abby Wambach ensured a Group D victory for Megan Rapinoe and the U.S. with a goal against Nigeria. It was Wambach’s 14th at the World Cup, tied for second all-time.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Abby Wambach scored late in the first half, and the U.S. women’s national team went on to beat Nigeria 1-0 on Tuesday night for a first-place finish in its group at the Women’s World Cup.

It was Wambach’s 14th World Cup goal, pulling her even with Birgit Prinz for second on the all-time list behind Brazil’s Marta, who has 15.

Wambach came off the bench for the United States in the team’s last match against Sweden. Tuesday, she started up top with Alex Morgan, who made her first World Cup start in Canada after working her way back from a bone bruise in her left knee.

The win sent the United States through as the leader of its group for the sixth time in seven Women’s World Cups.

The team will to Edmonton, Alberta, for the first match of the knockout stage. The opponent has not been determined.

Wambach, who didn’t score in the first two U.S. group stage matches, never had gone without a goal in the opening round in four World Cup appearances.

Julie Johnston had the best chance for the United States early, but her strike in the eighth minute was ruled offside.

Minutes later, U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo dove to stop Nigeria forward Asisat Oshoala’s attempt.

Nigerian goalkeeper Precious Dede had to punch Megan Rapinoe’s long 25-foot blast in the 17th minute. Johnston battled to catch Oshoala on a fast break, sliding to deflect the ball as Solo charged.

Wambach finally put the United States ahead just before the end of the half when she rushed in on a corner kick from Megan Rapinoe and volleyed the ball into the goal at the far post.

Dede stopped a shot from an onrushing Morgan to open the second half.

A scary moment came when Wambach and Josephine Chukwunoye appeared to bump heads. Wambach got up quickly, but Chukwunoye – who got a yellow card on the play – was helped off but returned later.

Sydney Leroux, who grew up in the Vancouver area, replaced Morgan in the 65th minute. Leroux, who has an American father, left Canada to pursue her goal of playing for the United States.

Nigeria, which was physical all game, was hurt when Sarah Nnodim was sent off with her second yellow of the night for a tackle on Leroux in the 69th minute.



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