American midfielder Heather O'Reilly Tuesday lashed home a goal 40 seconds into the game, sending the United States on track for a 4-0 win over New Zealand and booking a quarter-final berth of the Olympic women's soccer tournament.

O'Reily lauched the long dipping shot from more than 40 yards away, only to see the New Zealand's goalkeeper Jenny Bindon too late to make an effective saving move.

The early lead gave coach Pia Wundhage's side a lot of confidence and they frequently bombarded the Kiwis' goal with long-range shots outside the box.

Three minutes before the break, forward Amy Rodriguez received a superb cross inside the area and nonchalantly netted in the second goal.

New Zealand's Katie Hoyle mimiced the O'Reilly-style long shot right into the second half, but the attempt was denied by U.S. goalie Hope Solo.

It was the United States who have more killing touch. Lindsay Tarpley extended the lead to 3-0 in the melee inside the box in the 57th minute.

Only three minutes later, Lori Chalupny slammed a shot from the left to hit the crossbar, and Angela Hucles followed up with an easy strike in front of the goal. Bindon stuck up a hand, but could not stop the ball sailing towards the back of the net.

Source:Xinhua