Game

The U.S. put on a clinic in the first half, and continued to dominate the match with controlled speed and organization. The Matildas presented a packed defensive

approach with just one attacking player up front, and rarely presented much of a threat. They gave away a needless penalty kick that opened the scoring for the USA, and they were lucky not to be called several other times for some clumsy physical responses when well beaten, although their biggest offender was carded just before the final whistle.

Post game quotes

U.S. Head Coach April Heinrichs

It's difficult for these players who play 40 games and 11 months out of the year to get excited for every game. Collectively our team struggled mentally for the Russia game, and we all knew we had to be better tonight. You saw some dynamic, attacking, creative soccer. We created enough chances to win and scored some nice goals.

Cindy's a threat in the box every time we get in there and every time we have a set play.I'm pleased with her. I think she knows she played well tonight. With her back to goal, she was a little more confident. She was dangerous running at players and also playing her teammates in.

Cindy Parlow- Chevrolet Woman of the Match

Scored her 51^st. and 52^nd. international goals.

On both goals I had great passes. On the first one Mia and Kristine played a great combination and it was pretty easy shot for me, I just had to flick it. Mia's service was key on the second one. It came off Joy and I just had get through a couple of defenders to kick it in.

Mia Hamm

This is a big field and you want to try to compact the other team as much as possible. We were patient and let them play around with the ball in the back and then they got forward into our zones and gave us the opportunity to step in an intercept balls. Lorrie Fair and Aly Wagner did a great job finding seams. It's tough when you play four in the (center) midfield to get out wide, but Kristine and Julie (Foudy) did very well. Kristine was awesome tonight. She got around the defense and when you do that, you have defenses running at their own goal and that puts them in a tough spot. It was more of what we expect out of ourselves.

Other

The tournament will end on Wednesday, Oct. 9 as Italy faces Australia in the final game of the competition, a match that will be moot if the Americans can pick up a win or a tie against the Italians on Sunday.