The U.S. women's national team's Olympic campaign could not have started any worse, but after 14 nightmare minutes, the two-time reigning gold medalists restored order and opened group play with three points.
Alex Morgan and Abby Wambach scored to eliminate an early 2-0 deficit, and early substitute Carli Lloyd scored the game-winner on a long-range rocket to help the U.S. women topple France 4-2 at Hampden Park in Glasgow, Scotland. Morgan scored two goals in the match, icing the result with a tap-in in the 68th minute off a cross from the left from Tobin Heath that found its way through the area to an unmarked Morgan at the far post.
France stunned the United States out of the gates, with Gaetane Thiney and Marie-Laure Delie scoring two minutes apart to put the Americans in a hole 14 minutes in. Wambach started the comeback in the 19th minute, heading home Megan Rapinoe's corner kick. Morgan completed the climb back running onto a long ball from Hope Solo and flicking in the equalizer.
Lloyd, who replaced Shannon Boxx (hamstring injury) in central midfield after France's two goals, notched the game winner on a right-footed strike from long range, taking a feed from Rapinoe and lacing a shot inside the left post in the 56th minute.
The U.S. women return to action Saturday, when they face Colombia in the second game of the group stage.
What did you think of the U.S. women's victory? Worried about the slow start? Confident in the USWNT's chances at winning gold?
Share your thoughts below.