TWO-time winners United States are into the Women’s World Cup last 16, but looked short of their best in a laboured 1-0 win over Nigeria. Abby Wambach’s volley just before the break proved enough for the U.S., but they could not add to their lead despite Nigeria’s loss of defender Sarah Nnodim to a second yellow card.
They will play one of four third-placed teams to progress from the pool stages.
Australia secured Group D’s second spot with a 1-1 draw against Sweden.
The Matildas will play Brazil in the next round in Moncton.
Meanwhile, Sweden, ranked fifth in the world, will have to wait to see whether they can claim one of four qualifying spots for teams finishing third in their group.
Australia took the lead after just five minutes as captain Lisa De Vanna sprinted onto a long ball forward and coolly slotted home.
Sofia Jakobsson levelled 10 minutes late with a low shot inside goalkeeper Lydia Williams’ near post.
In Edmonton, the 14th World Cup goal of Wambach’s career – an instinctive far post volley from Megan Rapinoe’s corner – proved enough for the United States.
But Nigeria coach Edwin Okon was left aggrieved by the referee’s decision to issue Nnodim with a second yellow for a challenge on Sydney Leroux that left his side down to 10 players for the final 20 minutes. (BBC Sport)