The U.S. women’s national team got a mini-preview of this summer as it routed Denmark 7-0 Feb. 24 in Winter Park, Fla.
Denmark, which features University of Hartford star Irene Stelling, will join the U.S., China and Australia in Group C at the Women’s World Championship in June. That draw prompted U.S. coach Tony DiCicco to call the group the toughest at the tournament and label Denmark a “contender.”
But the Danes didn’t live up to their reputation as the U.S. scored four goals in the first half. Michelle Akers, who played the full 90 minutes though still recovering from Epstein-Barr syndrome, had a hat trick and assisted on Kristine Lilly’s goal. Mia Hamm had two goals and two assists, while midfielder Tiffany Roberts netted her fifth goal in her 14th international appearance.
Denmark tinkered with its defense, dropping its sweeper to play with only three in the back. That led to numerous breakaway chances for the U.S. that the Danish backline couldn’t handle.
The next international competition for the U.S. will be at the Algarve Cup in Portugal. There DiCicco’s team will play Finland March 14, Portugal March 16 and Denmark March 17. The final is scheduled for March 19.
by Soccer America Associate Editor Dean Caparaz