USWNT vs. Colombia: 6 Things We Learned from Olympics Group Game

The United States Women's National Team picked up their second three points of the 2012 Olympic Games after a 3-0 win over Colombia in Glasgow on Saturday.

After winning over France in their first game, this second win makes the team one of the clear favourites to go all the way.

Goals from Megan Rapinoe, Abby Wambach and Carli Lloyd did the damage with the three goals to send the USWNT top of their group with one match remaining.

Here are six things we learned from the game.

Firepower Key to USWNT Success

A certain No. 14 might grab the headlines and plaudits, but the truth is that the USWNT have goals in them from all over the park.

Carli Lloyd, the Olympic final hero of 2008, scored a well-taken goal against Colombia to wrap the win up, after Megan Rapinoe had curled a fine effort into the roof of the net from distance.

In addition to their three goals, the U.S. also had three goals disallowed for a variety of reasons.

It is clear to see that the attacking quality on display gives the team many options when trying to undo an opponent's defence.

Abby Wambach Continues to Write Her Own Legend

Fresh from scoring against France in their first Olympics game, Abby Wambach made it a whopping 140 international goals for the USA with the second strike against Colombia.

Not only did it put her out in second place on her own in the all-time international scorers list for women, it also made her the highest-scoring American in Olympic matches, with six goals.

Her 140 goals have come in only 184 matches.

Hope Solo Doesn't Take Kindly to Criticism

Following the 3-0 win over Colombia, USWNT goalkeeper Hope Solo took to her Twitter account to round on U.S. television commentator and former player Brandi Chastain.

Seemingly, Chastain suggested that there were specific areas of the USWNT which could be improved, something to which Solo took offence, tweeting:

"

Its 2 bad we cant have commentators who better represents the team&knows more about the game @brandichastain! #fb

— Hope Solo (@hopesolo) July 28, 2012"

"

Lay off commentating about defending and gking until you get more educated @brandichastain the game has changed from a decade ago. #fb

— Hope Solo (@hopesolo) July 28, 2012"

"

I feel bad 4 our fans that have 2 push mute, especially bc @arlowhite is fantastic.@brandichastainshould be helping 2 grow the sport #fb

— Hope Solo (@hopesolo) July 28, 2012"

Sandra Sepulveda Is a Goalkeeping Conundrum

Sandra Sepulveda, the Colombia women's national team goalkeeper, played an absolute blinder against the USWNT.

And then, had a nightmare.

Then was superb again.

And then, bafflingly bad.

In short, consistency seems to be a real issue for the stopper. Lithe, athletic and fearless when coming for crosses and high balls, she managed to get distance on punches and took the ball cleanly the first time several times—but also completely missed the ball twice, saw it bounce over her head once and was beaten six times in all, three goals which counted and three which were ruled out.

It made for entertaining viewing when the U.S. were attacking, but her manager would perhaps prefer a rather more conventional and consistent approach to goalkeeping.

USWNT Maybe the Strongest Contender for Olympic Gold

They did it in Beijing in 2008, and the USWNT look like they just might be capable of going on and doing it all over again in London 2012.

In fact, they look as though they are the team to beat.

Internationally accustomed players, goals, technical ability, a core of the squad who have played with each other for a long period of time, winning experience and plenty of momentum: the U.S. women's side are looking good to aim for Olympic gold for the third time in a row.

Alex Morgan Has the Class to Be the Star of the Olympics

Every successful team is built on a solid foundation of a team-first approach, where the collective holds the key to winning.

But great sides also contain an element of unpredictability, a player who can win a game on their own with a moment of magic and skill or creativity.

For the USWNT, Alex Morgan can be that player in the 2012 Olympics.

Cutting in from the right flank, the 23-year-old was a constant source of danger, using her technical ability to beat her opponent a number of times and create scoring opportunities for her teammates.

Morgan was involved in the opening goal against Colombia, finding Rapinoe with a quick pass outside the penalty area.

With almost 50 caps to her name despite her youth, she can have a massive effect for the USWNT for years to come—and can start by being their standout player at the 2012 Olympics.

Follow @karlmatchett