U.S. Women Blank Norway 3-0, Win Guangzhou Tourney

Behind goals from Tisha Venturini, Mia Hamm and Cindy Parlow, the U.S. women’s national team defeated archrival Norway 3-0 Jan. 24 to win the 1998 Guangzhou International Women’s Tournament in China. The victory took place in the Tianhe Stadium, site of the USA’s victory over Norway in the final of the 1991 Women’s World Cup. “It’s always satisfying to beat the reigning world champions,” said U.S. coach Tony DiCicco, whose 1995 World Cup team was beaten by Norway in the semifinals. “Norway is an outstanding team with a great tradition, and they are very well-coached. It was an impressive effort by the USA and something we can build on for the 1999 Women’s World Cup.” The U.S. struggled during the early part of the match, and Norway had the game’s first opportunity in the 20th minute, but Briana Scurry (who earned her first shutout against Norway in eight attempts) pushed Marianne Pettersen’s shot wide. The American’s didn’t record a shot until the 31st minute, but the first effort was part of a flurry that led to a goal for the U.S. Venturini’s one-touch pass found Shannon MacMillan on the right wing. MacMillan cut towards the goal and dribbled straight at keeper Bente Nordby, who charged out of the net. MacMillan then cut a pass back to Cindy Parlow, whose soft shot was cleared poorly off the goal line and right to the feet of Venturini. The former North Carolina star gave the scrambling Nordby no chance, as she blasted the ball home from 14 yards into the left side of the net. After the score, the U.S. found its rhythm and began to dominate possession. Just minutes later, Hamm broke free and made a 40-yard run before her booming shot was pushed over the bar in an acrobatic effort by Nordby. Hamm struck for the U.S. on the first shot of the second half. She slipped a pass behind the Norwegian defense to Kristine Lilly in the 53rd minute. Lilly proceeded straight at Nordby, who was helpless when the midfielder cut a pass back to Hamm, who put a left-footed shot into the right corner for a 2-0 lead. “We struggled to get our rhythm, but once we did, we took control of the game,” said Hamm, who was named tournament MVP. “All three goals resulted from good possession that made Norway chase and unbalanced their defense.” Parlow tallied the final U.S. goal in the 75th minute. A series of one-touch passes put the ball at the feet of MacMillan at the top of the box. Her shot was blocked by a defender, but the ball rebounded to Hamm, who played the ball back to Parlow. She then cracked an 18-yard shot through traffic and between Nordby’s legs for the score. The U.S. did not allow a goal in the tournament, beating Sweden 3-0 and tying host China 0-0. “To get three shutouts against teams of this caliber is something that hasn’t happened in a long time, if ever,” team captain Carla Overbeck said after the match. “It’s a credit to the entire team, and although the 1999 World Cup is a long way off, it was a great start to 1998.” Jan. 24 in Guangzhou USA 3 Norway 0. Goals: Venturini 31, Hamm 53, Parlow 75. USA — Scurry, Overbeck, Chastain, Fawcett (Pearce, 79), Foudy (Fair, 59), Venturini, Lilly, MacMillan (Keller, 77), Milbrett (Whalen, 69), Parlow, Hamm (Roberts, 83). Norway — Nordby, Andersen (Aarones, 60), Kringen (Tonnessen, 81), Ormen, Jorgensen (Sandaune, 79), Risse, Knudsen (Fagereng, 77), Haugenes, Lehn (Gulbrandsen, 66), Pettersen, Medalen. Yellow cards: USA — Chastain 39, Hamm 45, Parlow 55, MacMillan 65. Referee: Zuo Xiudi (China). Att.: 750. Note: China defeated Sweden 4-0 in the day’s other match.

Final Standings