After enduring a difficult test in the opening stage after being paired in a group termed as the "group of death", the USWNT will be full of confidence as they prepare to face Colombia in a Round of 16 clash.
Colombia however will be a tricky tie especially after their impressive performance in the group stages which saw them pick an impressive 2-0 victory over France. Colombia's rising star Lady Andrade has taken a snipe at the US team claiming that they cannot underestimate Las Cafeteras . She has further asserted that she is confident Colombia will record a victory over their counterparts on Monday.
"They belittle us. They think we're a team they're going to walk all over and it will be an easy game for them," Andrade said in an interview with USA TODAY Sports.
"We're going to beat them since they like to talk so much," she added.
The USWNT camp has responded to these claims made by Andrade with both the coach as well as the players denying the accusations made by the 23 year old.
Coach Jill Ellis was first to refute the claims made by the Colombian star and insisted that her side will not be taking Colombia lightly.
"What I know about [Colombia] is they’re classy, they like to play with their feet, so I can't imagine our players acting that way," Ellis said. "I just know my players."
Andrade has a history with the US after she received a two match suspension in the 2012 Olympics after hitting US forward Abby Wambach in the eye when the two sides met in the Group Stages.
U.S. forward Alex Morgan recalled the incident which took place at the Olympics but also offered her admiration for both Colombia and for Lady Andrade.
"Obviously yes, we have seen what Lady has said," Alex Morgan said. "But we never started that or said anything in the media. We always respected them and every other team that we've played so far. We want to let our actions speak on the field. We don't necessarily want to respond to that because she is a good player and we do respect her."
"Obviously she didn't do great things at the Olympics in terms of trying to take Abby out of the game, but this is a new tournament."
The USWNT head coach has claimed that her players will not dwell over the statements much as they aim to make it to the Quarter-Final of the tournament.
"She should say she’s going to win," Ellis said. "Every athlete here is an elite athlete, and at that level you should have self-belief in what you can do. For me, those are things that you can expect in terms of what an opponent is going to say. Does it derail us? Do we focus on it? No."
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