The group stage of major tournaments is a compulsory exercise for the U.S. women's national soccer team. As the sport's preeminent performers for a quarter-century, the Americans typically encounter light first-round turbulence before gliding into the elimination rounds of the Olympics and World Cup.
This year, so far, has been no different in terms of results. The United States won its first two matches in clinching a quarterfinal berth, though medal contender France caused problems during a tense 1-0 verdict Saturday.
The U.S. group finale comes Tuesday against last-place Colombia in Manaus, an Amazonian outpost closer to Panama City than Rio de Janeiro.