USWNT's Alex Morgan: Tournament starts at 'knockout stage'

© Jack Gruber-USA TODAY Network United States forward Christen Press (11) celebrates her goal against New Zealand with forward Alex Morgan (13).

Soccer has already been underway at the Tokyo Olympics, but according to Alex Morgan, the upcoming elimination rounds are where the real competition begins.

"This (knockout stage) is when the tournament starts," the USWNT forward said in a post-game news conference, via ESPN. 

Team USA did just enough in the opening matches to advance. The Americans lost their opening match to Sweden 3-0 and then rebounded to defeat New Zealand 6-1. A 0-0 draw on Tuesday against Australia ensured Team USA finished second in Group G behind Sweden.

Morgan appeared to score in the draw with Australia, but it was ruled offside. 

This was how close the offside call on Alex Morgan was... #USWNT #Tokyo2020 #Olympics pic.twitter.com/HnbdnL8GXy

— Joe Prince-Wright (@JPW_NBCSports) July 27, 2021

Team USA will face the winner from Group F in the quarterfinals.  

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