WOMEN'S WORLD CUP: U.S. opens with 3-1 win

The United States opened the defense of its Women's World Cup title with a 3-1 win over Sweden in Group A Sunday.

Kristine Lilly, Cindy Parlow and Shannon Boxx scored for the Americans. They three goals were set up by Mia Hamm — Lilly's with nifty backpass and the other two off corner kicks.

The Swedes forced Briana Scurry to make six saves but were no match physically for the Americans.

The next U.S. game is Thursday against Nigeria in Philadelphia. Nigeria lost to North Korea, 3-0, Saturday.

USA-SWEDEN SUMMARY:

Sept. 21 in Washington

USA 3 Sweden 1. Goals: Lilly 27, Parlow 33, Boxx 78; Svensson 48.

USA — Scurry, Pearce, Fawcett, Chastain (Reddick, 46), Sobrero, Foudy, Boxx, Lilly, Parlow (Wagner, 70), Wambach (Milbrett, 56), Hamm.

Sweden — Jonsson, Westberg, Tornqvist, Marklund, Mostrom, Larsson, Andersson (Sjoestrom, 77), Ljungberg (Oeqvist, 83), Svensson, Fagerstrom, Sjoegran (Oestberg, 46).

Referee: Zhang Dongqing (China).

Att.: 35,144.