USA held by Korea Republic - FIFA WOMEN'S WORLD CUP
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| Getty Images |
The United States were held to a goalless draw in their final warm-up match against Korea Republic, just over a week before they open their FIFA Women's World Cup campaign in Canada. The Americans, ranked at number two in the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women's World Ranking, dominated play but lacked finishing in front of goal as they struggled without star striker Alex Morgan, who has not played in a month because of a knee injury.
Before a capacity crowd of 26,467 at Red Bull Arena they came up against a solid defence from the 18th-ranked South Koreans and goalkeeper Kim Jungmi. South Korean midfielder Park Heeyoung left the pitch after 17 minutes with a dislocated right shoulder.
Sydney Leroux had the best chance to break the deadlock for the hosts after 40 minutes, but the Seattle striker struck just wide. The draw follows comfortable wins for the reigning Olympic champions against the Republic of Ireland 3-0 on 10 May and Mexico 5-1 a week later.
The USA were runners-up to Japan in the last Women's World Cup in Germany and won the title in 1991 and 1999. They leave for Canada on Tuesday where they open against Australia in Winnipeg on 8 June 8 in a tough Group D which also includes Sweden and African champions Nigeria.
Korea Republic are in Group E with Brazil, Costa Rica and Spain.