Women's World Cup: U.S. tops Swedes, 2-0

Chengdu, China - The United States Women's National Team came away with a 2-0 win over Sweden, Friday in Chengdu, China in the Women's World Cup.  Abby Wambach recorded both scores for the U.S.  Her first goal came in the 34th off a penatly kick, while the second occured in the 58th minute. 

Coming into this second game of their Group B play, the U.S. women were desperate for 3 points and a win over Sweden after playing to a 2-2 draw with North Korea Tuesday.  The win over Sweeden gives the Americans a total of 4 points and puts them in position to advance out of Group B.

Entering the match versus Sweden, many fans were worried about United States goalkeeper, Hope Solo, after she mishandled a shot that gave North Korea their temporary lead in the U.S.'s first match.  Solo rebounded against Sweeden, making several key saves and playing strong throughout the match. 

Sweden fired out of the gate, winning 5 corners in the first 18 minutes of the match.  Solo and the U.S. defense held their own, keeping the ball out of the back of the net.  The United States did struggle for the first twenty minutes, allowing Sweden to posses the ball, and giving up too many opportunities.  Once the Americans slowed down the pace, controlled possesion, and began looking to pressure Sweden's young goalkeeper, they had much more success.  In the 34th minute, a dangerous ball was sent in to Sweden's box by Kate Markgraf, and was then misplayed by Swedish goalkeeper, Hedvig Lindahl.  The ball bounced over Lindahl's head, allowing for a scoring opportunity for American, Lori Chalupny.  Chalupny was taken down in the box by a Swedish defender, drawing a penalty kick, which Wambach scored.

At the half the United States led 1-0.

In the 58th minute, a ball was played into Wabach at the top of Sweden's penalty box.  Wambach settled the ball with her chest, then struck the ball with her left foot into the goal off of the half-volley.  It was by far, the best goal of the World Cup, for the American side.

The Americans now control their own fate as they are tied with North Korea with 4 points and a +2 goal differential.  Advancing would achieve one of the marks the U.S. women set for themselves, and would be a great accomplishment.  Most other countries would be happy just to surive Group B, but the U.S. has high hopes, planning to make it much further. 

Group B was labeled "the Group of Death" by everyone in the world, as it held three of the top five teams in the world.  Number one ranked United States, third ranked Sweeden, fifth ranked North Korea, along with twenty-fourth ranked Nigeria make up the four team group.  Only two of these teams will advance out of the group, meaning that at least one of the top-tier teams will be sent home.  To make this group even more difficult, Group B's runner up will likely face second ranked Germany, who is hot, after beating Argentina 11-0 in their first match. 

The U.S. WNT is scheduled to play Nigeria at 8 am EST on September 18th.  ESPN will televise the game beginning at 7:55 am EST.