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Rolling a 7 U.S. sends message to WWC challengers
Posted: Saturday June 26, 1999 11:18 AM
CHICAGO (AP) -- When China and Norway rolled 7s in their second outings of the Women's World Cup, the United States took notice. Then the hosts duplicated the feat, making sure the other two favorites in the tournament didn't get cocky. Although the Chinese and Norwegians already own spots in the quarterfinals and the Americans don't -- only a highly unlikely set of results on Sunday could keep the U.S. team from advancing -- all three took huge steps in improving to 2-0 in the tournament. And the United States did so against probably the toughest opponent. "We're respectful that these are World Cup teams, high-quality teams, and we have to realize we must be on our game," said Tiffeny Milbrett, who scored twice in a 7-1 rout of Nigeria. "I was thrilled Nigeria came out to play because it allowed us to play to our strengths, too." Those strengths begin with scoring. Although China and Norway also have found the net frequently, no team is as balanced offensively. While Mia Hamm is the catalyst, the Americans don't lack for creators or finishers anywhere up front or in midfield. That was particularly obvious against the porous Nigerian defense. Once the Americans got rolling, they were unstoppable because of their creativity and relentlessness, and because of Nigeria's uncertainty in its own end. "I know we lost to the better, more-experienced side," Nigeria coach Ismaila Mabo said. "They've been together even before football was introduced in Nigeria. "If any coach has the materials the U.S. has, in the next five to seven years, they would continue to win whatever championship they participate in." The coach who has those resources, Tony DiCicco, isn't about to gloat over his team tying its best World Cup scoring output. He knows there will be more difficult challenges and tighter games ahead -- even if it doesn't happen Sunday against North Korea at Foxboro, Mass. But there might not be a more physical game. Nigeria committed 29 fouls, compared to three by the United States. "I'm really proud of the team for handling the physical nature of the game, which was close to getting out of hand, and our team never retaliated," DiCicco said. "They showed great restraint, and they got it done on the field and got some outstanding goals scored." Three of the goals began from free kicks or corner kicks, which also pleased DiCicco and the U.S. players. "We felt if we executed our free kicks, we would score goals," he said. "There was some great execution in there, some wonderful balls played in by Mia and the other set-piece servers." Added Milbrett: "The set pieces were something Tony stressed we should work on. I guess we learned something." What the rest of the field should have learned is that this U.S. team is versatile enough to win tight defensive games, such as the opener against Denmark, or wide-open affairs. The Americans are uncertain what awaits against North Korea, but seem unconcerned. Instead, they're concentrating on the rewards that would come from a win or tie -- first place in Group A; a berth in the quarterfinals at Landover, Md., next Thursday; a likely spot in the Olympics; and loads of momentum. "It's great to win our first two games," Kristine Lilly said, "but there's so much more ahead."
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