USA, who lost a quarter-final game to Nigeria in India two years ago on penalty shoot-out, went in front from the penalty spot in the 43rd minute through Fuller, after Shakirat Moshood had fouled an opponent in the box. It would have been 2-0 in added time, but Adebayo did well to keep out the ball right on the line as the Americans piled more pressure.
In the 64th minute, Captain Taiwo Afolabi snatched the ball from dithering defenders, only to see her shot parried out for a corner. Fuller could have doubled USA’s advantage in the 71st minute, but saw her effort miss the target narrowly.
Three minutes later, USA went 2-0 up, when Afolabi was hacked in the midfield and the through ball was converted by Kim Ascanio who put the ball through the legs of the advancing Uzoma.
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