Carli Lloyd did what Carli Lloyd does and scored the game-winning goal for the United States in a 1-0 win over France on Saturday afternoon.
After a stalemate for much of the opening hour between the world’s No. 1 and No. 3 ranked teams, Houston Dash midfielder Morgan Brian picked up a loose ball at the top of the penalty area in the 63rd minute and found Tobin Heath open on the left side of the box. Heath tried to beat the French keeper with a near post shot, but the ball pinged off the inside of the woodwork and back in front of goal. Lloyd stood unmarked just a yard from the goal line and touched the ball over the line.
The U.S. (2-0-0, 6 points) closes group play against Colombia (0-1-0, 0 points) on Tuesday evening (5 p.m. CT; NBCSN). France (1-1-0, 3 points) will take on New Zealand (0-1-0, 0 points) at the same time. The U.S. can clinch a spot in the knockout rounds if New Zealand and Colombia play to a draw in their match later Saturday evening.
