The defending champion United States advanced to the quarterfinal round of the Women's World Cup soccer tournament Sunday with a 3-0 Group A victory in Columbus, Ohio.
Team USA rested its veterans and relied on the younger players for the victory. It was the first time ever all-time career goals leader Mia Hamm did not appear in a Women's World Cup game for the United States.
Amy Wambach scored on a penalty shot in the 17th minute. Defender Cat Reddick scored her first ever goal for the national team by deflecting a corner kick in the net in the 48th minute, then headed in another shot in the 66th minute. The loss eliminated North Korea [1-2] from the tournament. The 3-0 United States won Group-A and will square off against Group B runner-up Norway on Wednesday at Foxboro, Massachusetts. Earlier Sunday, Sweden defeated Nigeria 3-0 for its second win of the opening round. The Swedes did all their scoring in the second half, with forward Hanna Ljungberg tallying in the 56th and 79th minutes, and Malin Mostroem capping the game with an 81st minute strike. Sweden finished second in Group A and will take on Group B winner Brazil on Wednesday.
In Group D matches at PGE Park in Portland, Oregon, Ghana helped China out by beating Australia 2-1. Ghana's win allowed China to clinch its quarterfinal berth before edging Russia 1-0. China finished first in Group D and will play Canada Thursday, while second-placed Russia takes on Germany.