2011 FIFA Women's World Cup Team USA Watch- Good Start

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In the weeks leading up to the 2011 Women's World Cup in Germany there were more concerns and questions about the FIFA number one ranked Team USA squad than confident answers. 

USA head coach Pia Sundhage said she wasn't worried, but we fans sure were, especially when we were playing a deja vu opening Group C matchup with North Korea and that 2007 2-2 draw was dancing in our heads.  After being tied with the youthful and speedy North Koreans after 45 minutes of action in Dresden's Rudolf Harbig Stadion, USA fans were even more nervous.

But  in the second half Team USA began to look more like their FIFA world number one ranked selves.  They pretty much stayed on North Korea's side of the pitch and kept blasting away at the North Korean goal until Lauren Cheney scored in the 54th minute to give Team USA their first goal of the 2011 tournament and more importantly a 1-0 lead.

Rachel Buehler added a second goal in the 76th minute and we almost had a third one from Megan Rapinoe in extra time that was disallowed.  

Team USA finished up with a 2-0 win and more importantly, is on the top of the Group C standings.  They can clinch their trip to the knockout round with a win Saturday in Sinsheim against Colombia.

And I'll also be watching today's Group D matches as well with renewed interest.