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Favorites U.S. predicted to win in front of thousands of fans
Posted: Friday June 11, 1999 09:54 PM
NEW YORK (AP) -- For a change, the United States is favored to win the World Cup -- albeit the Women's World Cup. And just like when the men came to the United States in 1994, all kinds of predictions -- including a women's professional league in the United States -- are being offered. When the third FIFA Women's World Championship kicks off June 19 in Giants Stadium outside New York City, the Americans begin as definite favorites. They won the inaugural world title in 1991 and, after a third-place finish in 1995, took the Olympic crown in 1996. They'll be playing at home, in front of boisterous crowds of up to 70,000, attendance many of their opponents in the field of 16 -- like North Korea -- have never even contemplated. "After the Olympics, when we got to experience the reaction of the fans, it hit us how excited we were about playing in the U.S.," says U.S. forward Mia Hamm, women's soccer's career scoring leader. "I don't think people understand how appreciative we are of the support, and hearing crowds chant `U-S-A' and cheer us on, is every special. It just fills us with so much pride and helps us realize the importance of wearing that uniform and playing for your country. "To do it again in the U.S., well, we are so excited about sharing this game with everyone at a level which has never been reached." If the 32-game event goes as well as the men's World Cup in 1994, and if the U.S. women win the final on July 10 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California -- where Italy and Brazil fought to a penalty shootout, some are predicting a boon for women's soccer in the United States. To ignite the same kind of interest the 1994 World Cup received, U.S. organizers abandoned their original plans to keep the tournament at an equivalent level as the 1995 women's championship in Sweden. Eight major stadiums -- five of which were used in 1994 -- in seven U.S. cities will be used. There will be television coverage of every match, major corporate sponsors, and marketing promotions with things like an official Women's World Cup edition Barbie doll. Already, more than 400,000 tickets have been sold, and if the United States reaches the final the expectations are a half million. "For us, it's about the passion, which we can't wait to show the world," says U.S. veteran Julie Foudy, who also played in the 1991 World Cup in China and the '95 event, won by Norway in Sweden. "This is it, the pinnacle of your career. We're ready to put on a party. "We also see how young girls light up when they se us play and they think they might have a chance to play for this trophy." Adds teammate Kristine Lilly, "If we do what we have been doing, play attractively and with that passion, people will want to come out and be a part of it." A strong showing by the U.S. team and attractive play by the rest of the field, particularly defending champion Norway and top contenders China, Brazil and Germany, some feel could lead to professional leagues in the United States and abroad. Generally, most nations have only amateur women's teams, and the game struggles for acceptance outside North America and Scandinavia. "Our goal is not to get a league going, although we want one," Lilly says. "If we do well, it will get a league going, and that definitely is in the back of our minds. "But that's all it can be. We have one goal, to win the World Cup, and this will not be a cakewalk by any stretch of the imagination." It certainly shouldn't be, although playing at home gives the Americans an edge. So does their experience together as a national team. "I don't believe there is one favorite in the World Cup," Brazil coach Wilson says. "The U.S. is seen by so many countries as the top nation, mostly because they train together year-round and play many games together. They certainly would be the team to shoot for. "But there is a host of teams who when they put 11 players on the field, can compete with the U.S. or anyone else. That includes the Brazil team." It also includes China, which ended the Americans' 50-game home unbeaten streak earlier this year and also defeated the United States in the prestigious Algarve Cup in Portugal. The Chinese are quick, balanced and experienced. Norway appears a bit weaker than in '95 and has been hit by injuries. But in Marianne Pettersen and Ann Kristin Aarones, it has two players capable of making an impact in any game. Brazil will be entertaining, just like its men's team, and has a star in the making in Pretinha. But its best player, Roseli, is out with a knee injury. The top two finishers in each of the four groups advance to the quarterfinals. As a bonus, at least seven of the eight quarterfinalists automatically qualify for the Sydney Olympics next year. That's the main purpose for some teams in the World Cup. Australia, as the Olympics host, already is guaranteed a spot for 2000, and if the Matildas do not make the final eight, a formula will be used to bump one of the World Cup quarterfinalists from the Sydney field. The Americans, naturally, aren't thinking Olympics or quarterfinals. Their goal is simple: be in the Rose Bowl on July 10 and carry out the trophy. "Anything less than winning the World Cup would be disappointing," says Michelle Akers, who preceded Hamm as America's best player. "You set your sights on being the best and winning a world championship, and when you don't, you're disappointed. That's the standard we have set. "I don't feel the pressure. I'm really excited about it. I feel kind of freed from the preparation period, and now it's time to rock 'n' roll."
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