American midfielder Heather O'Reilly Tuesday lashed home a goal 43 seconds into the game, sending the United States on track for a 4-0 win over New Zealand and booking a quarterfinal berth of the Olympic women's soccer tournament.
O'Reily launched the long dipping shot from more than 40 yards away, only to see the New Zealand's goalkeeper Jenny Bindon too late to make an effective saving move. It became the quickest goal in women's Olympic soccer history.
"Everyone tries to score early in football. I don't know, it's just an instinct. I get a ball and I take a touch and just run for it," said O'Reily after the match.
"We are very proud of each other, to go first in the group, you know it's exactly we wanted to be. I'm very happy," she added.
Despite losing the match and finishing bottom of the pool, New Zealand coach John Herdman said he is proud of his team.
"Once you get that early goal, they just seem to grow confidence," said John Herdman. "For the first 25 minutes, we can't get into the game. It was really tough."
"We are a little bit shocked, and we were not expecting an early goal like this," said defender Kristy Yallop. "Obviously we are very disappointed but we have to get back into the game. Throughout the second half they are on top of us and we failed to produce the quality that we need to come through this game."
The early lead gave coach Pia Wundhage's side a lot of confidence and they frequently bombarded the Kiwis' goal with long-range shots outside the box.
Three minutes before the break, forward Amy Rodriguez received a superb cross inside the area and nonchalantly netted in the second goal.
New Zealand found some form back following the restart, with Kirsty Yallop penetrating the U.S. midfield and putting Amber Fearn through on goal. But her shot were easily saved by Hope Solo.
It was the United States who have more killing touch. Lindsay Tarpley extended the lead to 3-0 in the melee inside the box in the 57th minute.
Only three minutes later, Lori Chalupny slammed a shot from the left to hit the crossbar, and Angela Hucles followed up with an easy strike in front of the goal. Bindon stuck up a hand, but could not stop the ball sailing towards the back of the net.
The United States will meet Canada in the quarterfinals on 15 August, while New Zealand is eliminated.
"We know Canada very well and they know us very well," coach Wundhage said. "I have positive feeling that whoever can get the Olympic spirit can win that game."
(Xinhua News Agency August 12, 2008)