The United States only need a draw on Tuesday to secure first place in their group, but they won't be playing for a draw when they take on a desperate North Korea side at Old Trafford. While the United States have already locked up a place in the quarterfinals, North Korea needs a draw or better to ensure that they will join the USWNT. They can still go through with a loss if New Zealand and Canada are not both ahead of them on goal differential.
North Korea was solid against Colombia and won 2-0 behind two goals from Kim Song-Hui, but their defense fell apart in a 5-0 loss to France. They're facing an even tougher test on Tuesday, as the United States might have the most potent attack in the world. Megan Rapinoe has a goal and three assists, while Alex Morgan is one goal away from tallying 20 for the calendar year.
Carli Lloyd is expected to start in place of the injured Shannon Boxx again. Pia Sundhage will hope she has the more defensive-minded Boxx available for knockout stage games, but Lloyd has been excellent as a more attack-minded central midfield player in her absence, scoring in both of the United States' first two games.
Game Date/Time: Tuesday, noon ET, 5 p.m. local
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
TV: NBC Sports Network
Streaming: NBCOlympics.com
We'll have coverage of all of Saturday's games in our 2012 Olympics, Women's Soccer Day 3 StoryStream.