USA kicked off their Women's World Cup campaign in style on Tuesday night as they upset Korea DPR 2-0 at the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion in Dresden.
The Americans had the better of possession as the Koreans couldn't impose their game through nothing more than 47% of the ball in total. But the USA may consider themselves "fortunate" to come out with all 3 points knowing that the score line was 0-0 at half time.
“As you know, we lost 2-0. I was pretty happy with the first half, but in the second half my players didn't have the energy,” said a rather disappointed Kim Kwang-Min according to FIFA.com. The Korea DPR coach continued:
“They were tired and couldn't put what we'd discussed into practise. They weren't physically fit enough for the 90 minutes, but they gave their all.”
However, Pia Sundhage's women were all smiles. A great cross from the left wing by veteran striker Abby Wambach played the trick as it found 23-year-old Lauren Cheney who headed the ball past Korea DPR's goalie. With almost 15 minutes before the end of the game, Buehler assured victory for the United States with a terrific strike after tearing the Asian's sea of red shirts and socks.
So it's great start for the United States whose male team stumbled to a heartbreaking defeat to Mexico in the Gold Cup final recently. And while some have already started chanting the "what men can do, women can do better" line, USA top striker Abby Wambach prefers to relish her team's current situation as she looks ahead:
“These 3 points were very important. To me they felt like 7,” Wambach was quoted as saying by FIFA.com.
“It's going to be tough against Sweden and Colombia, though.”
Earlier in the day, Sweden had claimed a 1-0 victory over Colombia. However, USA top Group C after match-day 1 on goal difference. The Americans’ next game is set to come up on Saturday, July 2.
“As you know, we lost 2-0. I was pretty happy with the first half, but in the second half my players didn't have the energy,” said a rather disappointed Kim Kwang-Min according to FIFA.com. The Korea DPR coach continued:
“They were tired and couldn't put what we'd discussed into practise. They weren't physically fit enough for the 90 minutes, but they gave their all.”
However, Pia Sundhage's women were all smiles. A great cross from the left wing by veteran striker Abby Wambach played the trick as it found 23-year-old Lauren Cheney who headed the ball past Korea DPR's goalie. With almost 15 minutes before the end of the game, Buehler assured victory for the United States with a terrific strike after tearing the Asian's sea of red shirts and socks.
So it's great start for the United States whose male team stumbled to a heartbreaking defeat to Mexico in the Gold Cup final recently. And while some have already started chanting the "what men can do, women can do better" line, USA top striker Abby Wambach prefers to relish her team's current situation as she looks ahead:
“These 3 points were very important. To me they felt like 7,” Wambach was quoted as saying by FIFA.com.
“It's going to be tough against Sweden and Colombia, though.”
Earlier in the day, Sweden had claimed a 1-0 victory over Colombia. However, USA top Group C after match-day 1 on goal difference. The Americans’ next game is set to come up on Saturday, July 2.
