Former champions the United States became the final team to qualify for the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup on Saturday with a 1-0 (2-0 on aggregate) win over Italy in Chicago.
Amy Rodriguez scored for the hosts in the 40th when she slotted home a rebound of Megan Rapinoe’s shot past Azzure goalkeeper Anna Picarelli from six yards out.
The USA outshot Italy 17-5 over the course of the match but was denied time and time again by Picarelli’s heroics and poor finishing. Italy had three decent opportunities on goal but was mainly outplayed by the fitter and more technical American players.