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Norway’s Anita Rapp celebrates her second-half goal. (Gary Hershorn/Reuters)Norway got its 2003 Women’s World Cup campaign off to a great start on Saturday with a 2-0 victory over France in the tournament’s opening match at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
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Oh great - i was really hoping to have anyone around who follows Women’s Soccer - i decided not to open the thread as there are rarely people who watch Women’s game - glad finally there are some out here - nice to have you here Nutz - may I ask who do you support and which team do you want to win this World Cup?
Anyway back to the game - USA beyond any doubts are the hot favs. of winning the thrid straight title by miles - China is our arch-rival and if U.S and China meets at any point of the tournament - it is going to be a huge match - trust me 
- last time when both teams met in the Final which U.S won on the penalty corner was was highly anticipated game - IMO - this time hot favs. of winning the World Cup are USA, Brazil, China, France, Germany - and the underdogs are Ghana, Nigeria and Russia.
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16 teams are divided into four groups
**GROUP A **
USA
Sweden
Nigeria
North Korea
**GROUP B **
Norway
France
Brazil
South Korea
GROUP C
Germany
Canada
Japan
Argentina
GROUP D
China
Ghana
Australia
Russia
First Day’s Result:
Nowary vs France: 2-0
North Korea vs Nigeria: 3-0
Germany vs Canada: 4-1
Japan vs Argentina: 6-0
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Life is full of surprises!
Great start of the tournament by the Norwary - they have shocked France - i did not expect French team to be so pathetic - they found it hard to even control the ball - overall the French team did not have focus on the game - and this is the reason they lost their opening game.
Good game by North Korea - i think they can pull the game off when they face Sweden - if they able to do so - they could qualifiy for the QFs.
Germany were down by 1 goal to none - but in the second half they rolled… - Canadians found it hard in the defence area - Germans offensive game in the 2nd half was a treat to watch.
Japan has killed Argentina - a solid start for them - Japan vs Germany is one of those games which I will be looking forward to watch.
Ah just one day passed by - and yet there are more interesting games to come - who says Women’s Soccer ain’t worth to watch.
Hey thanks Talha ! I too was a bit apprehensive about posting this :-). I don’t really follow women’s soccer that much . I kind of have a short attention span which only revolves around the World Cup.
So how come you are into Women’s soccer? Dunno about you, but for me, it all started with Mia Hamm -I 'm one of her biggest fans.
I am rooting for USA :dhimpak: . But they are up against some pretty tough competition , mainly China as you mentioned. Hey,I was wondering,how come you didn’t say anything about Norway?Going by their reputation, I think they can be pretty tough to beat. Or did I miss something?
I don’t know why, but I have a bad feeling about Germany too:-/
Second Day’s Result:
USA vs. Sweden - 3:1
Brazil vs. South Korea - 3:0
Australia vs. Russia - 1:2
China : Ghana - 1:0
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Surprises never end - in a dramatic fashion - Australians lost to Russia - can’t believe this happened - the Australians were much better side than the Russians but i guess with inacurrate passes and poor play torn them down - Take no credit away from the Russian team - they did not lose the focus and concentrate more on their offensive game in the 2nd half - team work was there - and with 1 min left to go - Russian forward Elena Fomina unleashed a right-footed blast which turned into a winning goal.
United State started off the tournament with a hope to have three-peat - good game. Our defence is strong but today we lacked offense game - nevertheless - a good win for U.S
Brazil - another big contender for World Cup title is on their way - finished off helpless South Koreans by 3 goals to none. However - China vs Ghana match was below average - no excitement as I expected.
Well…I love Soccer - this is the reason I am into it - plus another reason as you already said is Mia Hamm - like you I am her fan as well - to be honest in the U.S - when you go to the any Women’s Soccer club and ask them what’s your on ideal player? - 95% of the time they will say Mia Hamm - and why wouldn’t they? She was the youngest woman to ever play with the U.S. team when she made her first national team appearance at 15 in 1987 - she has played at the game’s top levels for over half of her life and has an astounding 138+ goals in international competition - Her 228+ international caps rank her second in the FIFA Century Club - her record speaks for it self - and she’s a perfect strong forward that any team would love to have it.
Also there is another young player who got everyone’s attention - People call Defender Catherine “Cat” Reddick a ‘Redeye to catch’ - She always seems to know what’s gonna happen - when’s gonna happen, how to defend - very quick, sharp and attractive too - Cat is dedicated, determined - and one of the best collegiate players, brightest of youngsters in America today.
Just for the record - here’s a USA team pic
[thumb=D]USA.JPG[/thumb]
Back row, from left are, Joy Fawcett, Kate Sobrero, Julie Foudy, Brandi Chastain, Cindy Parlow and Briana Scurry, Front row, from left are, Abby Wambach, Christie Pearce, Shanno Boxx, Mia Hamm and Kristine Lilly
Anyway by now you have known that I support the USA team - back to the tournament - well I really have no knowledge about the Norway team but after their win against France yesterday - i think they are a good team - you tell me about them because you seems to be their fan i suppose?
As for Germany … i think either Germany or The United States will surely be Champions and they got chances - keep your eye on Brazil too - they know how to nailed their opponent against the wall especially with Ronaldo’s wife at the front!
:smokin2:
U.S. vs North Korea later this week should be exciting to watch.
^ u bet :k:
Well I dont really support Norway , but I think they are a good team and their record is pretty impressive too. Here’s more on Norway as a team ..
Norway: At a glance
Women’s World Cup appearances: Four
Best finish: Winner in 1995
Key player: Dagny Mellgren, forward
Coach: Aage Steen
The Norwegians have a winning record against U.S. team, the only nation in the field with such a mark. Norway beat the Americans in the semifinals of the 1995 World Cup and won gold at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.
Norway has some of the top players in the WUSA, including Boston’s Mellgren, who tied for the league lead with 14 goals. New York’s Anita Rapp and Carolina’s Unni Lehn provide versatility in midfield.
Hege Riise, one of the top players from the 1995 championship team, is recovering from knee surgery and if she plays at all, may be limited. Still, Norway has the best chance of knocking off the U.S. team.
Thrid Day’s Result
• CANADA(3) : (0)ARGENTINA
• FRANCE(1) : (0)KOREA REPUBLIC
• NORWAY(1) : (4)BRAZIL
• GERMANY(3) : (0)JAPAN
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oh well Nutz - that’s fine - i have read that posted article of yours already - i was kinda hoping that you gave your opinion about Norway side - ah well nevermind.
Today Norway lost to the toughest opponent Brazil - though Brazil is the youngest team in the event but they humbled quite experienced Norway team which shows chances of Brazil winning the World Cup are bright - so is Germany who looked strong too - and are another team for World Cup hunt.
Hey Talha..sorry about that …actually I just have a vague idea about them from previous world cups. If I remember correctly, it was this famous rivalry between Norway and USA which made the last world cup so exciting.Umm that’s pretty much what I had in mind when I was making the observation that maybe they are the team to beat 
.Hey I really appreciate your posts here …been kinda busy lately..couldnt quite catch the teams in action today.. :-/
Wow 
that’s a pretty comprehensive defeat for Norway..hmm ..interesting..
Nutz - things were different back in 95 - i would not say Norway and The United States were arch-rivals but yeah there had been tough games between the two nations - Now the Norway team lacks co-ordination team spirit - and they are by no means a threat to any team.
4th Day’s Result
Sweden (1) vs. North Korea(0)
Ghana (0) vs. Russia (3)
USA (5) vs. Nigera (0)
China (1) vs. Australia (1)
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Total dominated game by the United States - Girls were in confident and fine form - and did not waste any chances - Hamm Mia was named player of the game- she scored two goals within 15 mins of the first half, set-up a thrid goal in the 2nd of the game - and with tonight’s win - the United States are now officially in the QFs of the World Cup.
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United States’ Mia Hamm, center, celebrates her first-half goal as Nigeria’s goalie Precious Dede walks behind her in the first half of their World Cup game in Philadelphia Thursday, Sept. 25, 2003. United States’ Cindy Parlow is at left, and Julie Foudy is at right. (AP)
even though if you look at the final score - it seems U.S won it easily but after the first two goals - the game became more physical encounter - i admire efforts shown by the Nigerians tonight - although two goals they did able to make were disallowed by the refs but if that actually counted - the game could have gone either way - Nigerians are aggressive team and do make good passes but they need to work on their finishing - they have worked really hard but continue to be fragile as they lack composure - but as along as they keep qualifying for big competitions - i think they will improve.
it seems along with The United States - Sweden will be qualified for the second round - i don’t think beating North Korea is a difficult job - luckily the draw for the U.S team was easier this year than it was back in 99 world cup - anyway i hope Brandi makes her comeback soon - i wanna see Brandi take her jersey off after scoring the goal again.. 
Chinese team continued to play their not-so-good game - they were losing the game at the half time but did able to make a draw - it wasn’t that huge game.
^I’m sure you do :halo:
Yup I remember that decisive penalty kick against China in the championship match. Did you know she’s from San Jose ,CA :love:?..not that it’s a big surprise or anything :halo:
5th Day’s Result
• Canada(3) vs. Japan(1)
• Argentina(1) vs. Germany(6)
• France(1) vs. Brazil(1)
• South Korea(1) vs. Norway(7)
======================
Yet another unpredictable day of the World Cup - Canada has made history when they overwhelmed strong Japanese opponent - biggest upset so far in the tournament - despite showing their brilliant skills and midfield panache for a third-straight time, the Japanese were the ones shedding bitter tears at the final whistle - Canada has qualified for the second round!
The inexperienced French team did far better than the unprepared Argentines and Koreans alike with four respectable points from three matches - thanks to yet another last-gasp equalizer from the right foot of fabulous French striker Marinette Pichon - but Soccer being a cruel - often unfair game - they’ve joined the despairing Argentines and South Korea despite their proud points-total - i still can’t believe how on earth Brazil held a draw with France - nevertheless it was a good game effort by the inexperienced French team.
South Korea got the thrashed of their lives by the Nowarians - complete demolition of newcomers South Korea - as another debutante blushed and bowed out.
Dominant Germany ran to the top of Group C with a 1-6 drubbing of Argentina - Germans are flying high!
6th Day’s Result
Sweden(3) vs. Nigeria(0)
North Korea(0) vs. USA(3)
Ghana(2) vs. Australia(1)
China(1) vs. Russia(0)
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The league games of the World Cup ends in dramatic fashion - China got a first half goal from Bai Jie and held on to beat Russia 1-0 and claim the top spot in Group D - thereby avoiding Germany in the quarter-finals - the Chinese will face Canada instead - a tough task - but Russia now face the unenviable chore of having to beat the in-form European Champions - The Steel Roses have been finding it difficult to break down defences in these finals and despite creating a host of chances here they have managed to score no more than one goal in each of their group games.
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[thumb=D]Miateamates.JPG[/thumb]
USA players Mia Hamm, Julie Foudy had smile for U.S Goalie Briana Scurry who saved three goals
Earlier today USA defeated North Korea by 3 goals to nil - The victory, in a match that largely failed to live up to its advance billing, gives the Americans a perfect nine points from three matches and sends them into the quarter-finals where they will face Norway - huge rivarly match is expected on October 1st - today USA team had unusual start lineups - Mia Hamm did not play in today’s match and Julie Foudy played 15 minutes in the second half of the game - i liked the shrewed skills shown by the U.S team coach April who does not feel to be afraid of testing a team mixture of veterans and rookies in a World Cup match.
An early penalty kick from Abby Wambach set the side on their way - surprisingly the ref blew the whislte for bad call(who was not actually btw) same time when Abby had put the ball into the goal - however the goal was taken - and Abby scored it on a penalty kick.
[thumb=D]Cat.JPG[/thumb]
***USA’s defender Cat Reddick congratulates by her teammate Aly Wagner ***
Second half braced from defender Cat Reddick finaliszd the straightforward win for The United States when she scored 2 goals - yet another brilliant young college student is America’s future star - Cat was declared Player of the match.
Stunned but defiant - the Koreans continued to move the ball well through midfield - showing off their silky passing skills - But as in their previous matches - their finishing was lacking today.
Yet another surprised and unpredictable result tonight - The Queens of Africa - Ghana has beaten Australia by 2 goals to 1 - With this loss Australia heads back to home - and so does Ghana - finishing third - but the sweet taste of their first finals victory may sustain them on their way back to Africa - Ghana came to play with the passion and pride that no one expected - and Aussies sat back and waited for things to develop - I’m still scratching my head wondering what happened in the first half - never thought Aussies team could go down like that - ah well they do need to be eliminated at least from Soccer if not Cricket. 
Sweden defeated Nigeria easily and have secured their place in the QF against Brazil.
QuarterFinals
8 teams have qualified for QFs round.
Oct 1 USA vs. Norwary
Oct 1 Brazil vs. Sweden
Oct 2 Germany vs. Russia
Oct 2 China vs. Canada
Oct 1st - QuaterFinals Result
USA(1) vs. Norway(0)
Brazil(1) vs. Sweden(2)
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[thumb=D]Abby.JPG[/thumb]
***Abby Wambach (R) of the US celebrates after scoring during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2003 quarterfinal match between the US and Norway 01 October, 2003 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images/AFP) ***
Hey Nutz - where you at? Are you following the event or not? Two Group A sides have booked their places in the Semi-Final of the World Cup - Shoo what a day it has been
Abby Wambach who struggled in a league match against North Korea on the weekend proved to be the unstoppable - her match winning goal came when America’s # start Mia Hamm missed the crucial penalty kick in the 67th minute - damn i lost of my conscious that moment - i never thought Mia could missed the penalty kick - maybe she was under pressure or something but at that moment it was a set-back for all of us.
[thumb=D]Abby1.JPG[/thumb]
Wambach Of USA Celebrates Her Goal Against Norway - teammate Shannon Box (R)
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***Abby Wambach (20), Mia Hamm (9) and Kylie Bivens celebrate after beating Norway 1-0 in the quarterfinals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup USA 2003 Wednesday in Foxboro, Massachusetts. ***
The Norwegians were nothing short of overmatched by the U.S., particularly in midfield - they are the only side to have an all-time winning record against the Americans, never even mustered a serious chance on goal - their long-ball style did no damage against the experienced and well-organised American back-line - and talented forward Dagny Mellgren cut a friendless figure alone up front - Nonetheless great effort shown by the Norwegians but unfortunately they are the team who are OUT of the World Cup - The United States will meet either Germany or Russia in the Semi-Final.
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***Sweden’s Malin Andersson (2nd-R) celebrates her team’s second goal with her temmates during their FIFA 2003 Women’s World Cup quarter-final soccer match against Brazil at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. AFP PHOTO/Don EMMERT ***
In the other QF - another unpredictable result as Sweden worked their way to a 2-1 past a fancied Brazil side - thanks to a fantastic Malin Andersson free kick in the second half - the first half saw goals traded from the continuingly impressive Victoria Svensson and Marta - the latter from the penalty spot.
The Group B winners never really seemed themselves, failing to find any of the free-flowing rhythm on display in their earlier matches. The attacking prowess of Katia, Marta and company was blunted by the physical play of the Scandinavians - who largely owned midfield the whole game - whoever wins in China-Canada QF battle will meet Sweden in the Semi-Final.
Hey Talha! I wish i were in Portland..:-/.hey..I’m following ..I’m following..:-)…WHAT A MATCH! yeah my heart stopped too when Mia Hamm missed the penalty kick… yup..Norway didn’t look all that impressive today…but I thought USA was a li’l off as well . They better get their act together.
I can’t wait for tomorrow’s match between Germany and Russia…I think it’s gonna be a USA-Germany semifinal on Sunday..but then again..I was the won who thought Norway would give USA a run for their money..ah well ..
Thanks for all the cool pics :k:
OMG the Germans are slaughtering the Russians ..3 back to back goals in the last 10 mins
so far Germany 3: Russia 0
** edit :** oops I meant Germany 4: Russia 0
…
ok it's now Germany 4 : Russia 1
hmmm USA better watch out...I'm a li'l worried now :-/