Colombia 0 - 3 United States
Final
  for this game

U.S. women will not overlook Colombia

Jul 1, 2011 - 10:08 PM Sinsheim, Germany (Sports Network) - The United States women's national team eased concerns about its pre-World Cup form Tuesday, and a win over Colombia on Saturday could seal a berth in the knockout stage.

"I think we showed that we are ready," U.S. coach Pia Sundhage said following a 2-0 win over North Korea.

"It was a great start to the World Cup."

But like every coach, Sundhage already turned her attention toward Colombia - a South American side making its first appearance in the World Cup. The teams meet at Rhein-Neckar-Arena on Saturday.

"I want to stress how important it is to look at the next game," she said.

With a match with Sweden looming on the final day of group play, the U.S. can take the pressure off with a win against Colombia. If Sweden also beats North Korea on Saturday, both the U.S. and Sweden would clinch knockout berths.

That would still leave first in the group up for grabs, but the Americans can take a major step toward winning Group C with a convincing win over Colombia.

A tie against Sweden would leave first to be decided by goal differential, an edge currently held by the U.S. Sweden beat Colombia, 1-0, in its opener.

Lauren Cheney, a late addition to the starting lineup, scored the first goal against North Korea and should remain in the lineup against Colombia, but it wouldn't be surprising to see Sundhage make some more adjustments.

Regardless of the lineup, U.S. forward Abby Wambach, who assisted on Cheney's goal, believed it was important to focus solely on Colombia.

"We are not going overlook any team and we respect all of our opponents. They want to win as much as us," Wambach said. "We have to play our strongest game every single time we line up, not only because it will give us confidence, but because we also know each team is going to give us their best."

Although Colombia played well against Sweden, with all the squads more settled after opening-round matches, coach Ricardo Rozo's side will likely need a much better effort against the U.S.

Yoreli Rincon, Colombia's 17-year-old sensation, played a deeper role against Sweden, but may be forced to play a more attacking role if Colombia hopes to pull off an upset.

Rozo knows the Colombians have a tough road ahead, "But we are still convinced that anything is possible in this group."






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