USWNT on to the World Cup

In front of approximately 9,000 fans at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Illinois the US Women's National team managed to avoid the embarrassment of not making the World Cup by defeating the Italian national team 1-0.  They were forced into this playoff when, in one of the largest upsets in women's soccer history,....
Mexico defeated the United States to go on to the Concacaf final and secure one of the two automatic qualifying spots available.  They then had to win the third place game before they could move on to a playoff against Italy.  Getting some of their confidence back the women took care of Costa Rica and easily won 3-0.  It was then off to Italy for a home and away playoff against the Italians.  A game full of missed chances by the Americans looked to be headed for a tie when in the dying moments of the game a long ball was played forward towards the top of the box.  It was flicked on for Alex Morgan who collected the ball and slotted it past the Italian goalkeeper into the far side netting.  It was a terribly deflating defeat for the Italians and a lucky win for the Americans who continued to play under their potential.  So, heading into the game at Toyota Park the women only needed a tie to advance but a scrappy sliding finish by Amy Rodriguez following the fumbling of a Megan Rapinoe shot by the Italian goalkeeper put the United States up 1-0 in the first half and thats how it would end.


 Focus now centers on next summer in Germany.  This US team will need to find their form and play at the level of a number one in the world team if they hope to win another World Cup.  Thoughts? Opinions?