Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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September 30, 2007

US Claims Third at Women's World Cup
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=19AED09:A6F02AD83191E1604F99B76C6BFB4D4A9574F7DCC14957C0 United States
women football team wins over Norway with a score of 4-1   





USA team celebrating its third place finish, led by captain Kristine
Lilly, number 13The United States has placed third place at the
Women's World Cup football tournament in China. VOA's Jim Stevenson
has more from Hongkou Stadium in Shanghai, where the U.S. women were
4-1 winners over Norway.

The U.S. women took the field seeking to make a statement following a
devastating 4-0 loss to Brazil in the semifinals. And they pressured
Norway from the start, firing 12 shots in the first half compared to
just three for Norway.

Abby Wambach was credited with a goal in the 30th minute when a pass
from midfielder Lori Chalupny went off her calf and into the net.
Norway's defense began to crumble in the 46th minute when Wambach
easily tapped in a loose ball.

Chalupny added a 58th minute score on a deflected pass. Heather
O'Rielly also found an opportunity to score just one minute later.
Chalupny says the team achieved its immediate goal of rebounding from
the semifinal defeat.

"After the game, it was a special feeling for this team. We did come
here with a goal in mind to win first place," said Chalupny. "After
the semifinal it was kind of a heartbreak. But we did come together as
a team and really went after this game."

Norway salvaged a goal in the 63rd minute on a beautiful header by
Ragnhild Gulbrandsen, who ended the tournament as Norway's top scorer
with six goals.

The next major tournament for both teams will be the Beijing Olympics
next year.


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