[WOMEN’S WORLD CUP QUALIFYING] The USA finally qualified for the 2011 Women’s World Cup — two days before Monday’s draw in Frankfurt — and Coach Pia Sundhage acknowledged the U.S. women’s game needs to improve in face of increasing competition from the rest of the world.

Amy Rodriguez‘s goal in the 40th minute gave the USA a 1-0 win over Italy Saturday afternoon at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill. , and 2-0 aggregate victory that sends theAmericans to next year’s Women’s World Cup in Germany.

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