USA sets record in World Cup opener, crushes South Korea
KAWASAKI, Japan -- Bobby Awrey ran back an 85-yard return on the first play of the game Tuesday as the United States coasted to a 77-0 win over South Korea in the American football World Cup.
Awrey's touchdown on the opening kick off set the tone as the U.S. scored 28 points in the first quarter en route to a one-sided victory in its first game of the six-nation tournament being played in Japan.
"There was a lot of adrenaline flowing at the start of the game," said Awrey. "A couple of guys made some great blocks and I was able to take it all the way down the field. It was exciting to start the game that way."
Awrey, a running back for Saginaw Valley State University, added a 75-yard punt return in the second quarter to give the U.S. a 42-0 lead.
In an earlier game, Ola Kimrin's field goal late in the third quarter lifted Sweden to a 16-14 win over France.
The U.S. team, making its debut in the tournament, is made up of players from Division I, II and III colleges and is coached by John Mackovic, the former Kansas City Chiefs coach who has also spent many years in the college game.
The U.S. scored most of its points off defensive gaffes by the South Koreans, who were also playing in the tournament for the first time.
The 77 points scored by the U.S. were the most scored in the history of the tournament, which is being played for the third time. Japan won in 1999 and 2003.
"I was pleased with the focus of our team," said Mackovic. "We only had three weeks to get ready so we were a little uncertain how we would play in this first game."
With Sweden trailing 14-13, Kimrin's 43-yard attempt with just over a minute remaining in the third quarter was the difference as Sweden won its first game.
France, which lost 48-0 to Japan in its first game, dropped to 0-2 in Group A and has no chance to advance to the championship game.
The United States will play Germany on Thursday in its final round-robin game.
All teams will play a round-robin within their group. The top team in each group will advance to the July 15 championship game.
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