2012 Olympics: USWNT Defeats North Korea 1-0

USA Vs. North Korea, 2012 Olympics: Final Score, USWNT Wins 1-0 To Seal Perfect Group Stage

For the first time in the history of the Olympics, a women's team has gone through the group stage with a perfect record. The United States won their third match of the Olympics with a comfortable 1-0 victory over North Korea on Tuesday, ensuring that they went through to the quarterfinals as group winners. The North Korean defense was solid throughout, but did very little to challenge the United States goal.

The only goal of the match came in the 25th minute, with Alex Morgan setting up Abby Wambach for the eventual game-winner. Lauren Cheney started the move with a long ball over the top of the defense, which Morgan ran onto. She couldn't create a shot for herself with her first touch, but spotted Wambach's run and created a simple close-range opportunity for her strike partner.

That was one of many chances in the first half, but the United States didn't create much in the second. They were the more aggressive of the two sides, but appeared to be more concerned with possession and staying organized defensively than pushing for a second goal. North Korea showed very little desire to go forward, and the USWNT coasted to a comfortable win.

From SB Nation Studios, here's Matt Ufford breaking down the USWNT win:

We'll have coverage of all of Saturday's games in our 2012 Olympics, Women's Soccer Day 3 StoryStream.

USA Vs. North Korea, 2012 Olympics: Halftime Score, USWNT Leads 1-0

The United States women have put together an impressive and dominant first half against North Korea, and they're unlucky to only be ahead by one goal. They're very much in command of their final group stage game at the London 2012 Olympics, and they lead 1-0 heading into halftime.

Alex Morgan got things off to a fast start with an impressive 20-yard shot in the 5th minute, forcing O Chang Ran into a save. She set up Abby Wambach for what appeared to be the opening goal three minutes later, but Wambach's impressive overhead kick finish was disallowed for offside. In the 15th minute, Morgan almost scored again, but hit the far post on an attempt from inside the box.

The United States finally found the breakthrough in the 25th minute. Lauren Cheney set up the chance with a long ball into the box the Morgan was able to beat everyone to thanks to her blistering pace. Her first touch wasn't great, but she recovered well to set up Wambach for a simple finish from six yards out, giving the USWNT a 1-0 lead.

North Korea has struggled going forward and hasn't generated any chances. They're holding their own in midfield and defense, but don't look close to scoring at all. One goal might be enough for the United States, but expect them to continue to attack and attempt to expand their lead.

We'll have coverage of all of Saturday's games in our 2012 Olympics, Women's Soccer Day 3 StoryStream.

USA Vs. North Korea, 2012 Olympics: Lineups

The United States women are already through to the next round at the 2012 London Olympics after beating both France and Colombia in their first two matches, but they need to avoid losing to North Korea if they want to ensure that they finish their first set of games as group winners. North Korea, meanwhile, can still qualify despite an absolute battering at the hands of France the last time out thanks to their 2-0 win against Colombia.

I think we can probably all see where this is going. Lineups!

United States starting lineup (4-4-2): Hope Solo; Kelley O'Hara, Christie Rampone, Rachel Buehler, Amy LePeilbet; Megan Rapinoe, Lauren Cheney, Carli Lloyd, Heather O'Reilly; Abby Wambach, Alex Morgan.

North Korea starting lineup (4-4-2): O Change Ran; Kim Nam Hui, Kim Myong Gum, Pong Son Hwa, Choe Yong Sim; Choe Un Ju, Ri Ye Gyong, Jon Myong Hwa, Kim Chung Sim; Yun Hyon Hui, Kim Song Hui

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