By Steve Keating
VANCOUVER (Reuters) - The United States beat Nigeria 1-0 to take top spot in the 'Group of Death' on Tuesday and move onto the knockout round of the Women's World Cup with Australia.
Abby Wambach, the all-time leading scorer in women's soccer, added to her record total in the 45th minute and that was the only goal the Americans would need to finish the group phase unbeaten with a record of 2-1-0.
The Nigerian challenge faded in the 69th minute when the Super Falcons were reduced to 10 women after Sarah Nnodim was shown the red card for a clumsy challenge on Sydney Leroux.