Thomas Peter / Reuters

Lauren Cheney, center, celebrates with teammate Carli Lloyd as Paek Sol-Hui looks on.

It was Cheney's 14th goal in her 40th appearance for the United States.

"When Lauren scored that goal, it's obviously kind of like the monkey off your back," Wambach said.

The Americans practically camped themselves on North Korea's side of the field, with Wambach hitting the crossbar in the 65th and Amy Rodriguez putting a shot wide in the 73rd before Rachel Buehler scored the insurance goal in the 76th minute. A shot off the crossbar ricocheted back into the scrum and Carli Lloyd collected the ball and headed it to Buehler, who unleashed a monster strike with her right foot. Hong dove and stretched out her hand, but she never got close and the ball rolled into the net.

It was the second goal of the defender's career.

"Hopefully, we'll be able to build confidence off this win," Buehler said.

The Americans have heard plenty of criticism about their uncharacteristic inconsistency these last few months. After going more than two years without a loss, the U.S. dropped three games in five months. The Americans were stunned in the semifinals of regional World Cup qualifying by Mexico, a team that had been 0-24-1 against its northern neighbor. The U.S. had to win a home-and-home playoff with Italy just to get to Germany.

The United States lost to Sweden in the Four Nations opener, though it did go on to win the tournament, and was beaten by England for the first time since 1988.

But the Americans insisted they would be fine once the tournament started, and their victory over North Korea only reinforced that.

"It doesn't matter what happened in the past," Wambach said. "It's all about what's happening in this tournament, and that's what we're focused on."

More news

Getty Images

Under a bad sign

PST: With the 2012-13 season in the books, take a look at which players underperformed, weren’t worth the hype and proved to be pretty bad buys for their sides.

AP

PST: Yankees, Man. City to own NY-based MLS club

PST: The 20th MLS franchise, the New York City Football Club, will have some well-heeled backers in the Yankees and Manchester City.

Headlines

• Label

PST: Yankees, Man. City to own NY-based MLS club

The Hype: Is there room for two MLS teams in New York?

PST: Why MLS wanted New York as market

NYCFC may play at Yankee Stadium  |  Options

Dortmund's Götze to miss UCL final vs. Bayern

Pulis out at Stoke  |  Affect on Americans?

PST: Mourinho officially leaving Real Madrid

PST: Ancelotti eyes Real job, but PSG deny release

PST: Arsenal wins to book CL spot, leave Spurs out

PST: Tottenham win late, but fall short of Top 4