U.S. shuts out Colombia, 3-0, to reach Women’s World Cup quarterfinals

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The U.S. swept into the quarterfinals of the Women’s World Cup on Saturday with a dominating display in a 3-0 victory over Colombia in front of a sellout crowd of 25,475 in Sinsheim, Germany.

Sweden also advanced to the final eight when it shut out North Korea, 1-0, earlier in the day in Augsburg, Germany.

Goals by Heather O’Reilly, Megan Rapinoe and Carli Lloyd meant that the American team, a two-time world champion, has scored five goals in the 16-nation event while allowing none. Goalkeeper Hope Solo earned her second shutout of the tournament after blanking North Korea, 2-0, in the opening match.

The Americans also hit the crossbar and a goalpost with shots as they outshot Colombia, 18-6, according to unofficial statistics.

The U.S. will play Sweden in its final first-round match on Wednesday in Wolfsburg, Germany, needing only a tie to finish atop Group C because it has a plus-five goal difference compared to Sweden’s plus-two.

Saturday’s results meant that Colombia, which is playing in its first Women’s World Cup, and North Korea were eliminated from advancing in the tournament. Five teams have so far reached the quarterfinals: host and defending champion Germany, France, Japan, Sweden and the U.S. The tournament ends July 17 in Frankfurt, Germany.

For more on Saturday’s games, please see http://www.latimes.com/sports/soccer/ later Saturday.

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-- Grahame L. Jones