Game report

Two goals from Wambach and one from Schott made it a totally one-sided affair in a 3-0 victory over Iceland in the opening game of the 2001 Nordic Cup.

Iceland played a defensive 5-4-1 formation, but the USA beat the bunker tactics early scoring in the 7th minute. The goal was created by U.S. captain Reddick after she intercepted a pass in the midfield and took off on a slashing run through the entire Iceland team. She got to the end line and played a cross on the ground to the far post for Schott, who slid and pounded her shot into the net from a sharp angle, five yards outside the post and just two yards from the edge of the field.

The USA made it 2-0 in the 31st minute on a goal that started in midfield as Schott and Lindsey played a quick wall-pass to carve through several Iceland defenders. Lindsey then played a weak-side pass to Barnes who ran the ball down and calmly chipped a perfect cross to the far post for Wambach to head in inside the six-yard box.
The U.S. added a third goal three minutes into the second half after Hawkins played a throw-in to Wambach deep in the left corner. She rolled inside her defenderbefore shooting into the upper left corner from 12 yards. The ball ricocheted off the crossbar on its way in, allowing Helgadóttir no chance.

Almost all of Iceland's danger came from the booming kicks of Helgadóttir. U.S. goalkeeper Solo picked up the shutout, but besides two through balls that shetook care of in the second half, had an uneventful match. U.S. defenders played with a quality rhythm throughout the game, releasing Marquand numerous times up the right flank during the first half and Kluegel up the left wing in the second.

Cramer was solid in the midfield for the U.S.as she used all of the 74-yard width to carve apart the Iceland defense. While the U.S. created chances they gave up many opportunities to increase their goal differential, the first tie-breaker should teams finish group played tied on points.

The U.S. suffered a minor setback in stoppage time as Wambach was issued a yellow card for plowing into the back of an Icelandic defender almost half her size. If Wambach receives one more yellow card in the tournament, she would be suspended for one match.

Post game quotes

U.S. Head Coach Jerry Smith

Our performance was very good in all aspects, except for our finishing. With 31 shots at goal, we would expect to score more than three goals, but it's three points earned and we came out of the match without any injuries. Abby proved in the match that she is the quality striker that we knew she would be when we selected her. She was unlucky not to get a hat trick. She might be the best goal scorer in the tournament.