Hamm Leads USA In Rout Of Nigeria

The most notable player in US Women’s soccer, Mia Hamm, showed the crowd of 31,553 why she is the still one of the best players in the world. At the age of 31, she took control of the game with her speed, hustle, defensive play, offensive play, passing, and shooting in the USA 5-0 win over Nigeria. The only part of the game that she didn’t have control over was the way the game was officiated, which in this reporter’s mind was not good for the level of play.

Hamm scored the first goal of the game on a penalty kick after forward Cindy Parlow, was taken down inside the box. The second goal, scored by Hamm, was also set up when Parlow was again taken down about 35 yards out to the left side. Hamm looked like she was trying to serve the ball to the far post for a head ball, but hit it in the top corner of the net. The Nigerian goalie should have stopped it, but was too worried about the heading of the USA team.

In the second half, Hamm took a corner and this time Parlow scored on a header. This was the 2nd time in the World Cup that Parlow has scored a goal off of a Hamm corner kick. Abby Wambach scored the fourth goal of the game, on a cross by Tiffany Milbrett. Wambach also had a hand in the last goal scored on a penalty kick by Julie Foudy. Wamback was coming down the right side of the box and was taken down inside. Foudy scored, but had to take it again, and scored again.

The Nigerians did have some scoring chances. They did score twice, but both time were taken away on offside calls by the linesperson.