BOSTON (Sunday, June 27, 1999) - The United States completed an undefeated run through Group A with a 3-0 victory over Korea DPR, officially advancing them to the quarterfinals, eliminating Korea DPR, and giving Nigeria second place in the group.

After Korea DPR held them scoreless in the first half, the U.S. turned on their offense in the second half and scored three goals. Shannon MacMillan, who got her first start of the tournament on Sunday, scored the United States' first goal in the 56th minute and added assists on two goals by Tisha Venutrini. Those two players, as well as defenders Tiffany Roberts and Sara Whalen, were part of a new lineup for coach Tony DiCicco, who chose to rest several starters with the United States comfortable with their chances of winning the group. Michelle Akers and Kate Sobrero did not play while Tiffeny Milbrett and Julie Foudy were halftime substitutes.

The United States maintained possession well in the first half with their new lineup, but could not get the timing of their runs in sync well enough to beat the Korea DPR defense. Korea DPR kept attacking after MacMillan's goal - a 19-yard blast to the near post, off an assist from Foudy - and nearly equalized before Venturini extended the U.S. lead with a diving header in the 68th minute, beating the 'keeper to a cross from MacMillan, who served a pass from Milbrett across the goal from the left side. Korea DPR kept attacking, forcing some brilliant saves from U.S. goalkeeper Briana Scurry, who posted her second shutout of the tournament. Venturini's second goal was again assisted by MacMillan. MacMillan sent a free kick into the box from the left side, which Venturini again headed into the Korean net. Venturini celebrated her second goal with an acrobatic double flip.

The United States outscored their opposition 13-1 in their unbeaten run through the first round, getting goals from eight different players - two each from Mia Hamm, Kristine Lilly, Milbrett and Venturini - and an own-goal by a Nigerian player.

The United States faces a difficult quarterfinal match against Germany - the only top seed not to win their group. They face one another on Thursday in Washington, D.C. (7:00 p.m. ET / ESPN) in the first match of a doubeheader also featuring the game between Brazil and Nigeria (9:30 p.m. ET / espn2).

USA: 1-Briana Scurry; 4-Carla Overbeck, 14-Joy Fawcett, 7-Sara Whalen, 5-Tiffany Roberts, (3-Christie Pearce, 73); 6-Brandi Chastain, 12-Cindy Parlow (11-Julie Foudy, 46), 15-Tisha Venturini; 13-Kristine Lilly, 8-Shannon MacMillan, 9-Mia Hamm (16-Tiffeny Milbrett, 46).

Subs Not Used: 2-Lorrie Fair, 10-Michelle Akers, 17-Danielle Fotopoulos, 18-Saskia Webber, 19-Tracy Ducar, 20-Kate Sobrero.

Head Coach: Tony DiCicco.

PRK: 18-Kye Yong Sun, 2-Yun In Sil, 3-Jo Song Ok, 4-Kim Sun Hui, 5-Kim Sun Hye, 6-Sol Yong Suk, 7-Ri Hyang Ok, 10-Kim Kum Sil, 12-Kim Hye Ran, 13-Ri Ae Gyong (17-Yang Kyong Hui, 71), 15-Jin Pyol Hui (11-Jo Jong Ran, 61).

Subs Not Used: 1-Ri Jong Hui, 8-Kim Song Ryo, 9-Ri Kyong Ae, 14-Pak Jong Ae, 16-Ri Kum Suk, 19-Jang Ok Gyong, 20-Kim Un Ok.

Head Coach: Tong Chan.

Referee: Katrina Elovirta (Finland)

Asst. Referee #1: Maria Roman Rodriguez (Mexico)

Asst. Referee #2: Mary Cleidy Nunes Ribeiro (Brazil)

Fourth Official: Martha Liliana Toro Pardo