United States Erupts for Nine as Group Stage Reaches Its Knockout Verdict

The United States entered its final group match at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup with its tournament still hanging in the balance. Ninety minutes later, there was nothing uncertain about it. The Americans overwhelmed New Zealand 9-0 on Saturday in Poland, producing by far their most complete performance of the tournament and securing a place in the Round of 16 after beginning the World Cup with a loss to Italy and a draw against Japan.

The result represented a dramatic change from the first two matches. The U.S. had been beaten 2-1 by Italy in its opener and then fought Japan to a 2-2 draw, leaving only one point between it and possible elimination entering the final day. Against New Zealand, the Americans finally converted their attacking pressure into the kind of scoreline their talent had threatened to produce, scoring nine without reply and removing any need to watch the other Group D result for help.