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TELEVISION | USA TEAM SCHEDULE 98/99 | INTERVIEWS
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WOMEN'S WORLD CUP '99 GAME RESULTS
U.S. Breaks North Korea's Bunker with 3 - 0 Win
Shannon MacMillan and Tisha Venturini sparkled in tonight's match, combining for three goals. Coach DiCicco rested Foudy, Akers, Sobrero and Milbrett, giving MacMillan, Venturini, Sara Whalen and Tiffany Roberts their chances to start in this Cup. All four played solid, impressive games, showing the world the depth of the U.S. Team.
The N. Koreans settled into a tight bunker defense from the start, which was not broken until Foudy and Milbrett came in to replace Hamm and Parlow at the half. Once again the U.S. forwards - especially Hamm - were targeted and taken down by their opponents, but excellent calls (and the just distribution of three yellow cards) by Referee Katriina Elovirta of Finland kept the game well controlled.
Foudy helped break open Korea's defense, feeding a ball to MacMillan, who scored in the 56th minute, shooting just in the inside near post. In the 68th minute Milbrett sent a great pass to MacMillan who crossed to Vinturini, whose diving header couldn't be stopped by the Korean keeper. In the 76th minute MacMillan placed a free kick in front of the goal mouth, setting up Venturini for her second score of the night. Both Venturini and MacMillan had terrific games, the hardworking MacMillan rightly named as Player of the Game.
Briana Scurry had a big game, too, thrilling the fans with numerous saves. In the 70th minute the Koreans launched their strongest attack, and Scurry saved two dangerous shots in succession.
Once again the fans were wonderful. A small contingent of Koreans played traditional instruments while over 50,000 U.S. fans loudly cheered and drummed their support, sporting the colorful array of body paint, draped flags and signs we are coming to expect at U.S. matches in this cup. The U.S. women once again well earned the devotion of their fans!
Nigeria 2 Denmark 0
Nothing has gone right for this Denmark squad, and this game was no exception.
They were unable to handle the fast moving shotgun style of Nigeria. As
in previous games they had their chances but seem to be unable to finish.
Against teams as physical as North Korea and Nigeria they seem at a lost
as to how to handle them, and looked disorganised throughout their match
against Nigeria.
With some lucky officiating calls Nigeria put themselves into a possible
trip to the quarterfinal round.
Italy beats a courageous Mexico team 2-0 in the final game for both in WWCup '99.
Both teams played their best games as they finished their first round schedule
today, with Mexico outplayed but showing that given continued future support
they could be another fast rising team in international competition.
Their young goalkeeper Lenny Quinones has made more saves than any other
keeper in the tournament and has a great future. Italy's performance at
the Cup was disappointing for those that have admired them in the past,
they do not seem to have improved during the last four years unlike the
rapid improvement shown by many of the other countries. For a country with
such a long history of soccer it is sad to see them falling further behind
the rest of the world. Brazil ties up Germany 3-3 to finish atop Group
B
In the best match seen yet, Brazil scored in injury time to draw with Germany
and finish at the top of their group.
The German team started off fast and furious in attempt to catch Brazil
off balance. They almost succeeded when Inka Grings took a shot off a well
placed cross from Martina Voss that was batted away by Brazil. Just 5 minutes
later Germany opened their scoring with a break away by Birgit Prinz.
Brazil settled down and at the 15th minute Prethina collected the ball from
Steffi Jones and passed to Katia who evened the score with a beautifully
taken shot. 5 minutes later Sissi scored her 6th goal in WWCup `99 with
a perfectly placed free kick past German keeper Rothenberg who was screened
by her own six tall players.
Brazil controlled the game through the rest of half, while in the background
could be heard a German oompah band and Brazilian drums.
Germany came out running in the second half and within 2 minutes were awarded
a penalty kick which Bettina Wiegman converted to tie up the game. Just
11 minutes later a kick by Steffi Jones was deflected by a Brazilian defender
past the goalie to give Germany the lead.
It held despite Brazilian pressure until the last minute of injury time,
when Maycon was taken down outside the box. In an example of poetic justice,
the ensuing free kick by Sissi was headed back to Maycon who put it away
to even the game and win the Player of the Game award.
Commentary Norway slogs past Japan, 4-0, in rainy Chicago
34,000 fans braved heavy downpours in Chicago to see Norway continue their string of first round victories against a plucky and spirited Japanese squad.
Riise scored early on a penalty kick, but Norway's celebration crashed minutes later as Medalen received an accidental blow which took her out for the match and may have broken her nose.
In the 26th minute Norway scored when Lenn lofted the ball out of a huge puddle, it deflected off a Japanese defender and was counted as an own goal. Playing through a heavy downpour, Aarones scored after a flurry of activity in front of the Japanese net. In the 61st minute Mellgren (later named Player of the Game) scored from Lenn's cross.
The Japanese showed great character, never letting down their effort as they battled for every ball until the final whistle. Tomei, still playing with a bandaged broken nose, was accidentally stepped on twice, but played her heart out the entire 90 minutes. Japan deserves recognition for perseverence and spirit. Standings Canada 1 Russia 4 Canada played its best game in the tournament but unfortunately for them they could not finish their many opportunities. Their continued improvement during the competition reinforced the generally held view that they are a potential Canadian national treasure that has been sadly neglected by the Canadian Soccer Association.
Isabelle Harvey played an outstanding for Canada, her speed and skill leaving her Russian counterpart in the dust.
The final score is misleading since Canada was throwing everyone up front in the final minutes allowing Russia, a team lacking in creativity, to play its strongest weapon: long ball counterattack. They advance to the quarterfinals where they will meet a strong China team. Standings
China 3 Australia 1 The loss of a red carded player within 2 minutes made this an even more difficult challenge for Australia playing in 95' F heat against a Chinese team that was certain to advance. The Maltildas made a valiant effort but in spite of a superbly taken goal by Murray they never looked as if they would succeed. But wait until the Olympics arrives!
China looked like a team on the way to the finals in spite of the heat, and Sun Wen scored two skillfully taken goals before being rested. She equals Brazilian Sissi's Cup '99 goal total.Standings Sweden 2 Ghana 0 Sweden looked unsure of itself in most of this game allowing an underdog Ghana team to stay in the match. Although dominating the play Sweden was able to finish only two of its multitude of chances. Svensson scored both goals and was named the Player of the Game.
Other
This game was marred by the inanities again of the female commentator, whose ignorance of women's soccer coupled with her compulsion to say something all the time resulted in unintended statements detrimental and degrading to women's soccer. When uttered with such an unpleasant nasal voice, and with a male colleague who also likes to talk continuously without much knowledge but lots of supposition, it explains why soccer on television in the USA has difficulty in attracting an audience.Standings
What a Pep Rally: Fans ecstatic as USA pummels Nigeria 7-1. Soldier Field had been sold out since the weekend and the 65,080 fans who were lucky enough to get tickets cheered themselves into a frenzy as the USA demonstrated seven brilliant ways to score goals.
In the second minute of the match Okasieme scored for Nigeria and their fans (which included a band) celebrated with terrific drumming and dancing. The U.S. took a few minutes to settle themselves into their own rythm, but once they did, the scoring show began. In the 18th minute Akers knocked in a terrific ball served up by Hamm (later it was noted that there was some question as to whether it may have been an own goal - this is being decided by a tape review after the game). At the 19th minute Mia took it in alone (her 111th international goal), showing total control and poise.
At the 22nd minute Milbrett hit a rocket so hard the keeper had no chance of stopping it.
The first half then saw Lilly score on pefect service from Hamm, Akers scored at the 38th on a great ball from Foudy, who had just taken a short corner. The ever-striving Akers, who came off at the half, was justly named Player of the Game.
At the 41st minute Parlow headed in her first World Cup goal, off an amazing header from Chastain. In the 83rd minute Milbrett scored off a wonderful curving pass from Parlow.
Chastain showed her usual productive and high work rate, Hamm was all over the field - helping out with defense, taking corners, free kicks and scoring. Unfortunately, Hamm was all over the field from fouls, also. She (as well as most of her teammates) was targeted with obviously intentional hacks, kicks and shoves until Tony DiCicco finally took her out in the 49th minute.
Tonight, nothing could take away from the joy of the fans, who danced, chanted, and cheered every move of the US team. Girls with American flags painted on their midriffs, guys with painted faces, fans with banners and signs whooped it up. After the game Brandi Chastain exulted, "These are our fans and we're very proud...." Game Commentary
After being caught off guard and disorganized the U.S. team found themselves down a goal with minutes, but it did not take them long to destroy the Nigerian myth of divine intervention. They would go on to dominate a game that was spoiled by the crudest tackling seen in the Cup '99 so far. The Swiss referee should be forced to review the tape of the game until she realizes that her lack of proper use of a caution card put the players in physical danger in a match where the outclassed Nigerian squad, with over 30 fouls, used elbows, feet, and sliding tackles to compensate for their inability to compete at this level. A tape review shows that many were not accidental but deliberate and would have earned red cards in a men's game. WSW had recently complimented the officiating at this Cup '99 but this performance lends support to those who wrote to WSW complaining that the use of only women referees would mean that officials from countries with a low standard of soccer play could influence game results by their lack of proper control.
Two superbly taken goals by Sissi take Italy out of the game
Brazil 2 Italy 0
Brazil used little energy in controlling the match after their early goal.
Italy showed no pattern or consistency to their game and left one wishing
for a Morace to appear. They should have an easier game against Mexico. China Shows World Class Play in 7-0 Romp over Ghana
The Chinese were in top form tonight, showing the world why they are one of the top contenders for this World Cup, as they dominated Ghana in a lopsided match.
Nearly 18,000 fans at Civic Stadium in Portland created a festive atmosphere, with cheerful garb, face paint and banners. It was great to see supporters from China and Ghana out to cheer their teams, along with the thousands of American fans of the women's game who were treated to a clinic on skilled and organized play by the Chinese squad.
China's Sun Wen scored a hat trick, despite being pushed, kicked and knocked down from behind on about every other play. The Ghanians should have learned in their opening game that this dangerously rough play is not acceptable in international competition. Once again they received a red card, when Ansah pushed down a streaking Zhang, who had a clear run on goal in the 52nd minute. This blatant "professional" foul is the type that FIFA has been trying hard to get rid of in the men's game.
Despite taking a physical beating from their opponents, the Chinese players demonstrated beautifully their skill, knowledge of the game, strength and speed as they thrashed Ghana on the score board. Especially impressive were the long balls, served up by their defenders and midfield players, with not only accuracy but perfect timing and pace.
Ghana's keeper, Sulemana, again made some terrific saves, but received little support from her defenders. Jin, Zhang (2 goals), and Zhao joined Sun in the scoring parade. Like the U.S., China has many players who are capable of finishing. Russia 5 Japan 0 Once again a skilful Japanese squad was unable to compensate for their smaller physical size as a much taller Russian side took control with rapid movement through midfield and long range shooting. It puts Russia in a strong position with Canada needing a win against them to advance. N Korea 1, Nigeria 2
Game report
North Korea made a respectable showing in their World Cup debut, continuing to scramble desperately for a tying goal until the final whistle sounded.
The contrast between the styles of the two sides was vast. The Nigerians are this trounament's personality team - marked by great individual ball skills, imaginative play and spontaneous decisions, as well as by their fantastic hairsyles and flamboyant emotions. In their white uniforms and near-identical haircuts, the Koreans were tightly regulated and disciplined. At the 28th minute their key midfielder, Kim, was taken out and her captain's band passed to her replacement. As she came back to the bench, her coach did not even look at her, and she apparently was excluded from going in with the rest of the players at halftime, sitting stoically alone on the bench.
The Nigerian women controlled most of the first half, with the Korean keeper managing to save several well placed shots. In the 4th minute of the second half, Mercy Akide streaked down the right flank almost to the end line, then managed to curl her shot into the net, from what appeared to be an impossible angle. The Korean keeper touched the ball but had no chance to deflect it.
After a jubilant ensemble dance in the corner, the Nigerians seemed to loosen up, playing a wide open game which allowed Jo to score for Korea in a surprising comeback at the 74th minute. Finally the Koreans let their emotions show, with hugs all round. Thier joy was short-lived, with Rita Nwadike socring in the 78th minute off a pass from Akide, who well deserved to be recognized as Player of the Game.
The skillful and personable Nigerians took the game seriously, but showed much joy and flair as they competed. We can look forward to an entertaining and challenging match when they face the U.S. on Wednesday. Germany 1, Italy 1 at the Rose Bowl
Game report
Tesse soon re-entered the fray, where her teammates were establishing that although generally shorter and smaller than their German counterparts, they could match them for rough and tumble, vigorous play. Both teams also exhibited a high level of skill and ball control.
Around the 35th minute, Antonella Carta took a free kick not far out from the side of the German goal. She placed it beautifully to be hit into the net on a flying header from Patrizia Panico. This is the sort of set piece which the Italians have emphasized in practice - with obviously good results.
After the half, the Germans charged the opposing goal with a passion. The Italian keeper, Giorgia Brenzan, fended off waves of attacks, and was justly named Player of the Game for making 11 saves during the match. The only shot she could not save (though she made a fine try) was the penalty kick taken by Bettina Wiegmann after Birgit Prinz was brought down in the box by Roberta Stefanelli, who marked her tighly throughout the match.
The Germans continued to lay seige to the Italian goal for the rest of the match, while the Italians made several streaking breakaway runs, but despite coming close, neither side could score the definitive goal.
The temperature at the start of the game was 91 degrees F, and as the second half wore down, so did many of the players. In the last added-on minutes of injury time players from both squads were dropping all over the field - some from exhaustion, although both teams continued to take down their opponents with aggressive tackles to the very end.
Italy looked more formidable than some had expected, with Panico, Carta, Tesse (who stuck it out until the 68th minute despite her eye appearing to be swollen shut), and Brenzan showing their world class skills. Germany's Prinz (who was taken down more times than one could keep up with),Wiegmann, Wunderlich, and Rottenberg were outstanding for the Germans.
No wonder this is called the Group of Death. With this tie in their opening game, Germany and Italy will be taking on their other Group B opponents with a vengeance. Norway 2, Russia 1
Game report
Australia1, Ghana 1 Game report
China 2, Sweden 1
Game Report
China's supporters maintained a dramatic atmosphere with a swelling cacophony of gongs, drums and cymbals worthy of a Chinese opera production. Maybe this helped the Chinese team to build their own drama in the second half, as their forwards mounted so much pressure on Sweden's defense that Liu Ailing's goal in the 69th minute seemed inevitable.
Both goalkeepers were outstanding, coming out of their boxes to assist their defense, although China's fearless Gao almost caused disaster when she used her hands just inches out out of the box, setting up a Swedish free kick which barely missed the goal.
The Swedes continued their energetic onslaught in the first portion of the second half (with three successive corners), but seemed to lose luster after China's second goal. As the half drew to an end, Sweden's excellent defenders, who controlled the threatening Chinese offense so well at the start of the game, seemed to tire, booting long balls to clear instead of keeping possession or control. China looked stronger as the game continued, showing a higher level of fitness and motivation, and confirming expectations that they will be serious contenders for the Cup.
Japan 1, Canada 1
Game Report
Canada was obviously the stronger and sturdier side, and seemed more confident after Silvana Burtini scored in the 32nd minute. Amy Walsh played hard, sometimes running the ball down the flank without assistance, but unable to find anyone to connect with in front of the box.
Yumi Tomei played the entire game wearing a mask-like bandage to protect her recently broken nose, in a way symbolic of the bravery of the entire Japanese squad as they persevered without seeming to believe they had much hope against their more physical opponents. Then in the 64th minute Nami Otake scored for Japan, and her team was transformed for the rest of the match.
Once the Japanese equalized, both teams played with a fury, with Japan appearing confident and more frequently in the attacking position. Japan was able to win many headers and contain the Canadians, who continued to make a valiant effort to get the ball in the net once again. Had the Japanese played with that level of confidence and determination from the start, they could have had a good chance of winning the match. USA 3, Denmark 0
Game Report
In the 17th minute Hamm matched the record breaking occasion and confirmed
her reputation by taking a well placed looping ball from Chastain then faking
her close marking defender out of her boots, moved by her and hit a left
footed screamer past the keeper.
The players settled down and by the second half had the game under their
complete control, with the fairy tale event being firther enhanced by two
other remarkable top level goals by her fellow veterans Foudy and Lilly. Post game quotes
Mia Hamm
Mikka Hansen |
