With the pressure suddenly on, the United States women’s soccer team did what most expected it to do ahead of the Tokyo Games — win.
The reigning world champion shook off Wednesday’s 3-0 loss to Sweden with a 6-1 thrashing of New Zealand on Saturday at Saitama Stadium, leaving the side with plenty of breathing room ahead of Tuesday’s Group G finale against Australia.
“(The Sweden game) wasn’t our best performance obviously, and we came into Game 2 knowing that we don’t go from being a really great team from two days ago to not being a great team anymore,” U.S. defender Crystal Dunn said. “So I think we came in a little bit more relaxed, and trusting each other, knowing that we’re here and we can get the job done.”