US eves have a ball, in quarters

A penalty converted by Abby Wambach and two second half goals from defender Cat Reddick took the US’ goals tally to 11 from three games. Hamm, the leading player in the women’s game, was not used at all, while Foudy was introduced as a 46th-minute substitute.

‘‘After we scored our first goal, we were playing very confidently, even kind of borderline cocky,’’ said Wambach. ‘‘But I think that’s what’s so special about this team. We can score three goals without the most prolific goalscorer in the world (Hamm). When you can do that, you know you have a great team. You know you’e going to be successful in the long run.’’

The US will meet 1995 world champions Norway in their quarter-final in Foxboro, Massachusetts on Wednesday, while Brazil take on Sweden in the other quarter-final on Wednesday.

Sweden earned their passage on Sunday as runners-up in Group A with a 3-0 victory over Nigeria, with the help of a double strike from Hanna Ljungberg.

In Group D, Russia were already assured of qualification after two wins, but they missed out on top spot after losing 1-0 to China in Portland, Oregon. Bai Jie, one of the players of the tournament so far, scored the winner after 16 minutes to take China to seven points, one ahead of Russia.

It means China can look forward to a quarter-final match with underdogs Canada on Thursday, while Russia have the unenviable task of overcoming in-form Germany if they want to reach the semi-finals.

Australia had begun the day with a slim hope of making the quarter-finals from Group D, But those vanished in a 2-1 defeat to Ghana.