In the final matches in Group D play the United States and Australia both punched their tickets to the knockout round as the U.S. topped the group with a 1-0 win, while Australia claimed a second-place finish behind a 1-1 draw with Sweden.
Thorns FC forward Alex Morgan and midfielder Tobin Heath both earned their first starts of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup as well as their first career starts in a FIFA Women's World Cup. Morgan logged 66 minutes in the match and came close to scoring in the 62nd minute as Ali Krieger sent a cross into the box from the right flank for Morgan, but the Nigerian goalkeeper made an excellent save on Morgan's shot. Heath, making her second appearance in the tournament, played 80 minutes in match.
The lone goal for the U.S. came from forward Abby Wambach just before the end of the first half as she volleyed home a corner kick from midfielder Megan Rapinoe.
READ:USA 1, NGA 0 | Wambach's volley wins WWC Group D for USWNT
In the other Group D match, Thorns FC defender Steph Catley made her third consecutive start of the tournament for the Matildas and made a critical save to clear a ball off the goal line in the 26th minute to keep the teams level. Both teams scored in the opening 15 minutes, but neither was able to find a game winner as Australia locked down second place in the group with the draw.
The U.S. will head to Edmonton for a Round of 16 match with its opponent to be determined after group play concludes, playing on Monday, June 22, at 5 p.m. (Pacific) on FOX Sports 1. The Matildas head to Moncton for their Round of 16 match against Brazil on Sunday, June 21, at 10 a.m. (Pacific) on FOX Sports 1.
