U.S. ignores Colombia trash talk

EDMONTON, Alberta – Never mind the infamous punch and the trash talk: The U.S. women’s team says the only motivation it needs for defeating Colombia is the opportunity to move on at the Women’s World Cup.

When the teams met nearly three years ago in the London Olympics, Colombia striker Lady Andrade sucker-punched U.S. star Abby Wambach in the eye, drawing a two-match suspension.

Then in advance of today’s game against the United States in the round of 16 at the Women’s World Cup, Andrade made provocative statements about the Americans to a reporter.

U.S. striker Alex Morgan wasn’t taking the bait.

“Yes, we’ve seen what Lady said,” Morgan said. “We’ve always respected them. We want to let our actions speak on the field.”

Coach Jill Ellis said she understands Andrade’s posturing, but it has no impact on the United States’ approach to the match.

“She should say she’s going to win. Every athlete here is an elite athlete. At that level, you should have self-belief in what you can do,” Ellis said. “Does it derail us? Do we focus on it? No. I just want to win the game.”

The second-ranked Americans emerged from the so-called Group of Death on top and drew No. 28 Colombia in the round of 16. A victory over Las Cafeteras would move the U.S. to the quarterfinals against No. 16 China, which defeated Cameroon 1-0 on Saturday.