Much like their match against North Korea, the United States have been dominant against New Zealand and have created enough chances for a half dozen goals, but they only have one by halftime. Hope Solo and the USWNT central defenders have been made to deal with a number of tough long balls over the top, but they’ve cleaned up all of them expertly and hold a 1-0 lead at halftime.
USA Vs. New Zealand, 2012 Olympics: Halftime Score, USWNT Leads 1-0
The game’s only goal came in the 27th minute, on a brilliant piece of play by Alex Morgan. She turned her defender inside-out on the left flank, then cut back onto her right foot to deliver a great ball that curled towards the back post. Abby Wambach made a perfect run, remaining onside by the slimmest of margins, then tapped in Morgan’s pass to score for the fifth consecutive Olympics game.
It looks as if New Zealand’s only chance to score is to catch the United States napping. They’re not a very technically strong team, but they have fast forwards and play accurate long balls. Rachel Buehler and Christie Rampone have been a step ahead of New Zealand’s attackers on every ball over the top, and they don’t look like they’re going to get beaten in this quarterfinal.
See More:
