USA vs. France Women's Olympic Soccer: How Matchup Will Impact Group G

France started the match strong. Two goals in the first 15 minutes had the USWNT looking for answers.

And it responded.

Coming into the match, everyone knew that these were the teams to beat in Group G. The impact of this match was going to likely determine who won the group and who finishes in second. Important because the team that finishes second will likely match up with the defending World Cup champions, Japan.

Japan defeated Canada 2-1 in its opening-round match.

The USWNT roared back with four goals.

Abby Wambach got the scoring started in the 18th minute off of a corner kick that she headed in the net. Everything was squared when Morgan struck in the 31st minute. The half ended with the score knotted at 2 and the US having all of the momentum.

Carli Lloyd, a substitute for an injured Shannon Boxx, put the US out front in the 55th minute on a laser. Then after a short skirmish in front of the net in the 66th minute, Morgan tapped the ball in for its fourth.

The rest of Group G should be elementary.

France does not have to play another elite team again until the quarterfinals. The pressure to perform is off, it learned a lot from this game and can move forward making the adjustments. France showed its firepower in this game and had the world's best team reeling early. Now it works on maintaining possession and keeping the lead.

The USWNT should coast from here on out. It put itself in a rough spot but fought back. It does not panic when down because it knows it has what it takes to come back. We have seen it time and again over the years.

The impact from this game will be felt in the knockout stages. This game made both teams better.

France knows it scores on anyone and had the US on its heels. Now it works on those adjustments and prepares for a potential gold-medal rematch.

The US tested its resolve and composure early on. No one else in the group poses much of a threat. It can continue to get comfortable with its new starting rotation and get ready for the quarterfinals knowing it likely has the group won.

And that is not to take anything away from North Korea or Columbia. They just are not elite-level currently.

North Korea comes in with a young roster that is likely not ready for the size, skill or experience of the US or France. Columbia just does not have the quality of playmakers to threaten with a victory, but it can potentially earn a draw.

The effects of this match will be seen later in the tournament. Do not be surprised if France uses this game to catapult itself to a medal. It played great. Just a few mistakes cost them an opportunity at an upset.

If they meet again, expect a tighter game.