The Courier-News from Bridgewater, New Jersey • Page 50

D-4 SUNDAY, JUNE 20, 1999 SOCCER THE COURIER-NEWS Sissi, Pretinha lead Brazil to rout of Mexico MLS tournament, including eight goals in Canada's 21-0 win over Puerto Rico, to more than double her career international scoring total to 27 goals. By becoming so adept at scoring, she gave Canada an offensive threat to complement leading goal scorer Charmaine Hooper who got an assist on Burtini's goal but otherwise had a quiet night after getting an early yellow card. Hooper headed the ball near midfield and it bounced high down the field. Burtini sped toward the ball and pushed her way past defender Tomoe Sakai to get free for the shot. A crowd of 23,289 about 3,000 under capacity attended the game at San Jose State's Spartan Stadium.

Some of those fans unfurled a huge Japanese flag that covered several rows of the stands in the second half. WORLD CUP STANDINGS IN SCOREBOARD. D-9 EAST RUTHERFORD (AP) Pretinha and Sissi each scored three times and Brazil lived up to its reputation as the best non-seeded team at the Women's World Cup on Saturday with a 7-1 rout of Mexico. Katia added a penalty kick goal as Mexico couldn't stay with Brazil. Pretinha took only 130 seconds to score and put her side ahead 2-0 after only 12 minutes.

Sissi added two first-half goals in the final 22 minutes as Brazil put Mexico on the defensive almost from the start. Played as the second game of the opening-day doubleheader after the United States beat Denmark 3-0, many in the record crowd of 78,792 at Giants Stadium had left by the start of the second half. Brazil, considered by many the fifth best team in the world behind the United States, Norway, China and Germany, tory over Sweden. Swedish midfielder Kristen Bengtsson, the oldest player on the team at 29, scored the first goal just two minutes into the game cracking a hard, high ball into the upper left corner of the net. China's goalie, Gao Hong, got her hand on it but the ball slid in.

The second-fastest goal in Women's World Cup history Sweden scored in the first minute in 1991 against Japan was also Sweden's only goal of the game. Fifteen minutes later, China came back when Liu Ying knocked a sweeping corner kick across the front of Sweden's goal and Jin Yan headed it down into the corner, just past the fingertips of diving goalie Ulrika Karlsson. China's decisive goal came in 68th minute when Liu Ailing kicked a low, fast shot into the middle of the net. Her goal, moved forward from the opening kickoff. Pretinha sent a left-footed blast past Linnea Quinones in the third minute.

Maribel Dominguez tied it seven minutes later, sending a shot from 30 yards just past the outstretched arms of goalkeeper Maravilha and barely inside the far post. It was the only shot on goal Mexico would get all half. Pretinha restored the lead two minutes later and Sissi signaled the start of the rout by bending a free kick from just outside the penalty area in the 29th. She scored on another free kick in the 50th minute. Pretinha matched Sissi's hat trick by getting her head onto a cross from Marisa in the 90th minute.

CHINA 2, SWEDEN 1 SAN JOSE, Calif. Tight play, sharp passing and superb goalkeeping led China to a vic assisted by Liu Ying, came at the end of a string of seven passes down the field by China. Coordinated, neat play distinguished China, contrasting with Sweden's faster, more aggressive style. Gao, one of the top goalies in women's soccer, recovered after her initial miss to stop several tough shots. JAPAN 1, CANADA 1 SAN JOSE, Calif.

Nami Otake headed toward the goal as soon as she saw the shot. The rebound landed at her feet, and a moment later she tapped the ball into an open net to give Japan a tie in its Women's World Cup opener. Otake's goal midway through the second half gave Japan a 1-1 tie against Canada on Saturday night. Silvana Burtini scored in the first half for Canada. Japan came out of its defensive shell in the second half, scoring the tying goal minutes after Burtini left with a reag-gravated left hamstring injury.

Tamaki Uchiyama took a long shot with her left foot that slammed off the crossbar and ricocheted in front of the net. Canadian goalie Nicci Wright had no time to recover before Otake slid the ball into the net in the 64th minute. Otake, who scored seven goals in qualifying matches for the World Cup, had two other excellent scoring chances. In the first half, her long shot deflected off the crossbar. In the second half, just seven minutes before her goal, she had a shot smothered by Wright at the side of the Canadian net.

Burtini scored midway through the first half, forcing her way past a Japanese defender and flicking the ball with her right foot past goalie Nozomi Yamago. Burtini scored 14 goals in five games during the qualifying ''lift ft 7 MM WORLD I 1 CUP I 99 Women's 1999 World Cup Soccer Date: June 19-July 10 Qualifying teams For the first round, teams only play opponents in their own groups: Norway Mia Hamm forward United States All-time leading international scorer Cup. Defending World Champion. No. 1 seed.

Japan Third Women's World Cup. Finished 7th at the 1996 Olympics. Canada Second Women's World Cup. Finished 10th in 1995. 1998 Foxboro Stadium Soldier Field Rose Bowl Giants Stadium Civic Stadium Spartan Stadium Stanford Stadium Jack Kent Cooke Stadium United States The champions of the inaugural Women's World Cup in 1991.

Automatically qualified for WWC as host country. No. Korea DPR First Women's World Cup. Finished 2nd at the Xlth Asian Cup and the 1998 Asian Games. Nigeria Third Women's World Cup.

Won 1998 African Women's Soccer Championship. Denmark Their third straight Women's World Cup. Went undefeated in European Group 4 play to berth in 1999 WWC. Germany Third Women's World Cup. Defeated Ukraine in two-game playoff I North and Central American and Caribbean body (CONCACAF) Women's Champion.

Russia First Women's World Cup. Defeated Finland in two-game playoff for final UEFA berth. Foxboro, Mass. -Chicago -Pasadena, Calif. -New YorkNew Jersey Portland, Ore.

-San Jose, Calif. -Palo Alto, Calif. -Raljon, MD. The field GOALKEEPER fEaLr1 DEFENDERS MIDFIELDERS FORWARDS mm China PR Third Women's World Cup. Won 1998 Asian Games.

No. 1 seed. for final European confederation (UEFA) berth to WWC99. No. 1 seed Australia Second Women Sd; World Cup.

Host Brazil Third straight Women's World Cup. Finished 9th in both the 1995 and 1991 FIFA WWC. Mexico First Women's World Cup. Defeated courury ana auiomaug qualifier for 2000 Olympics. Ghana First Women's World Cup.

Finished second trril at the 1998 African Women's Soccer Championships. ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO New England Revolution forward Giovanni Savarese and Chad McCarty of the Tampa Bay Mutiny collide going up for a header in the first half of Saturday night's game. Galaxy win on late goal WASHINGTON (AP) -Mauricio Cienfuegos scored on a free kick with six seconds remaining in regulation, lifting Los Angeles over D.C. United, 2-1, Saturday night and extending the Galaxy's winning streak to a season-high three games. United defender Geoff Aunger pulled down the Galaxy's Simon Elliott outside the top left corner of the penalty area, setting up the decisive kick from 19 yards out.

REVOLUTION 3, MUTINY 2 TAMPA, Fla. Joe-Max Moore scored twice and assisted on New England's third goal as the Revolution beat Tampa Bay. Moore broke a 2-2 tie with a low shot from 16 yards that banked in off the left post in the 81st minute. FIRE 2, CLASH 0 CHICAGO Rookie goalkeeper Greg Sutton recorded a shutout in his first Major League Soccer appearance and Chicago scored both of its goals while shorthanded in a victory over San Jose. Sutton had five saves after replacing starting keeper Zach Thornton in the 23rd minute.

Thornton was disqualified for a handball outside the box, receiving a red card for the first time in his MLS career. RAPIDS 2, BURN 1 DENVER Jorge Dely Valdes scored one goal and assisted on the other as Colorado beat Dallas. The Rapids (9-3, 23 points) moved ahead of Dallas (8-7, 22 points) and Chicago (7-6, 21 points) in the Western Conference. WHO: New YorkNew Jersey Met-roStars (4-8) vs. Kansas City Wizards (4-11).

WHENWHERE: 1 p.m. today at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Mo. TV: Univision, Ch. 41. METROSTARS REPORT: The MetroStars are looking to break a four-game losing streak.

Playmaking midfielder Tab Ramos returns to action after an 1 1-game absence since injuring his knee in the season opener. Ramos played the first half in Thursday's exhibition against A-League champion Rochester, won by the MetroStars, 2-1, in a shootout. Ramos returns to his normal right halfback position. Brian Kelly is expected to start at left half with Mark Chung and Mike Sorber in the center of the midfield. Starting up front will be Eduarto Hur-tado and Nansha Kalonji.

Veteran defender Mark Semioli will be sitting out the game for picking up a red card in last week's 1-0 loss to Colorado. Billy Walsh and Kevin Knight will start in the center of the defense with Ramiro Corrales and Mike Petke on the outside. Mike Amman will be in goal. WIZARDS REPORT: Kansas City is coming off a 1-0 win over Dallas. The Wizards have a dynamic midfielder in Preki and veteran forwards in Chris Henderson and Mo Johnston.

Former MetroStars defender Alexi Lalas has been an iron man so far, the only Wizards player to play all 1,080 minutes this season. Lalas was traded to Kansas City in the offseason with goalkeeper Tony Meola for Amman and Chung. Meola is recovering from knee surgery. OUTLOOK: Kansas City is the worst team in MLS with six points and nine goals in 15 games. The MetroStars are not far behind with only eight points and 13 goals in 12 games.

A healthy Ramos makes a world of difference to the club, and Hurtado and Kalonji up top are a handful. This is a fine opportunity forthe MetroStars to pick up three points on the road. Gene Racz IQ Argentina in two-game playoff for final WWC99 berth Sweden Third Women's World WHO: Australia vs. Ghana. WHENWHERE: 1:30 p.m.

today at Foxboro Stadium, Foxboro, Mass. TV: ESPN. OUTLOOK: This should be a wide-open game with neither team giving an inch. Both are physical sides, hard in the tackle and quick to react to a foul. The referee could have her hands full.

Australia has Julie Murray to lead it up front, with Lisa Casagrande providing the creative inspiration on the wing. Ghana is something of an unknown quantity, but can counter with the speedy Vivian Mensah as the only real threat in a 3-5-2 formation. PREDICTION: Call it a tie, perhaps 2-2. WHO: Norway vs. Russia.

WHENWHERE: 4 p.m. today at Foxboro Stadium, Foxboro, Mass. TV: ESPN2. OUTLOOK: The world champion Norwegians face a bruising battle in their World Cup '99 opener. Russia is a team of powerfully built athletes who are especially good in the air.

That should curb some of Norway's passion for the long ball. If Coach Per-Mathias Hogmo switches tactics and allows the Norwegians to play on the ground, up-and-coming stars such as forward Marianne Pettersen and the lightning-fast winger Dagny Mellgren could cause Russia's defense problems all day. PREDICTION: Norway by one goal. WHO: Germany vs. Italy.

WHENWHERE: 7 p.m.today at the Rose Bowl, Pasadena, Calif. TV: ESPN2. OUTLOOK: The fact that Brazil won its first game by six goals, 7-1 over Mexico, will not have been lost on the Germans and Italians, who know the South Americans now hold a big edge in goals scored should it come down to a tiebreaker for second place in the group and a chance to advance to the quarterfinals. It seems unlikely that this game will produce many goals, however. Germany's defense, anchored by the vastly experienced Doris Fitschen, is one of the best in the world and Italy is, well, Italy.

PREDICTION: Germany by one goal. WHO: North Korea vs. Nigeria. WHENWHERE: 9:30 p.m. today at the Rose Bowl, Pasadena, Calif.

TV: ESPN2. OUTLOOK: This could be the match for second place in the group now that the United States has a victory under its belt and Denmark has a loss. The Koreans have an edge Jn technical skill and organiza tion; the Nigerians counter with individual flair and an exceptional striker in "Mar velous Mercy Akide. This also has the potential of being a flash-point game as far as the referee is con cerned. North Korea plays a studs-up game, sometimes tackling just a little too enthu siastically.

PREDICTION: North Korea by two goals Los Angeles Times -5 VA Cup. Finished 5th in 1 1995 and 3rd at the 1991 WWC. 1 fll APEd De Gasero ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO opening game of the Women's young fans said of the American team. Parents agreed. "It's inspirational to have an example of something to strive for," said Drew Caprio, who had come with his two daughters.

"It's great for them to see this." "I think it's good for them as young women to know it's not just a man's world," said Joe Coleman, who coaches his daughter Claire's team. Jackie Shannon, executive director of the Women's Soccer Foundation, said the women's team has done more to improve the reputation of soccer in America than the men's team, which hasn't had nearly the same success. "The U.S. team is the benchmark for all other women's soccer in the world," Shannon said. "All other countries measure themselves against the U.S." their third 1 seed.

earn a 1 El ry over Denmark, she threw up her hand, giving the crowd her best Austin Powers imitation. According to team captain Carla Overbeck, "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me" is getting rave reviews from the American players. "We've all seen it a couple of times," Overbeck said. "It's a big hit." Added Shannon MacMillan: "We're always saying lines from the movie at practice, in the locker room, at the hotel. Everywhere." FAMILY CHEERS: Carla Overbeck has one very special fan in the stands: her little boy.

Jackson Overbeck is not quite 2, but he knows when to cheer for his mom. "The entire team, when we were traveling, we would pull up to the stadium and he would start chanting: 'U-S-A All The Way!" Overbeck said. "Whenever he sees a stadium, that's free reign for him to cheer." The American team captain hadn't seen her No. 1 fan for a week leading up to the opening match. She was looking forward to a postgame hug.

"Hopefully, he'll run up to me," Overbeck said. "Hopefully, he'll recognize me. SOCCER VS. THE POPE: The opening match of the Women's World Cup was the best-attended sporting event in Giants Stadium history. The match between the host Americans and Denmark drew 78,972.

The attendance beat the stadium record of 78,817 for an NFL playoff game between the New York Jets and the Jacksonville Jaguars in January. The largest attendance ever at Giants Stadium wasn't beaten, though. The Mass held by Pope John Paul Mm 1995 drew 82, 948. The Associated (j Press If I 1 It HM It EH3 I IO Italy Second Women's World Cup. Finished 6th in their only WWC appearance in 1991.

Source: FIFA EAST RUTHERFORD How uptight was the American team heading into Saturday's Women's World Cup opener against Denmark? Let Brandi Chastain answer that. "We were acting like a bunch of 12-year-olds," Chastain said. "It was like a camp mentality. We were painting our nails, singing, and we even had a dance party in the hall (at the hotel). Cindy Parlow and Joy Fawcett had their nails painted red, white and blue to match their uniforms.

"This is the biggest tournament in the world and we're acting like a bunch of kids," Chastain said. Each player also received a long-stem rose from the equipment manager. MESSING'S REACTION: Maria Messing, the CEO of the Women's World Cup organizing committee, might have been wearing the widest smile at Giants Stadium on Saturday. "This is a huge tribute to them," she said of the U.S. team that was the main attraction in drawing a crowd of 78, 972, the largest audience for a women's sporting event in American history.

"I'm impressed and I couldn't be happier professionally. "To me, it's all about the World Cup and that really what we're striving to achieve is to create that World Cup atmosphere. I think we succeeded." Messing estimated the double-header Brazil defeated Mexico, 7-1, in the second game had a gate of about $4 million. "This is very positive for the Women's World Cup and for the sport in the future," she said. "There are a lot more families and a lot more children (than atthe 1994 men's World Cup).

The crowd was mainly soccer families, the grass roots soccer community. "There's a lot of hope for women's sports." YEAH, BABY: After Julie Foudy scored the second American goal in the 3-0 victo A capacity crowd watches the United States battle Denmark in the World Cup at Giants Stadium on Saturday. Team has By DEEPTI HAJELA The Associated Press EAST RUTHERFORD -Laura Gubitosa has heard it a thousand times from some of the boys she knows: There's no future for girls in soccer. But the 14-year-old knew better, as did all the girls waiting in the parking lots at Giants Stadium Saturday. They saw what the future could hold for female soccer players a chance to play in the Women's World Cup.

"It shows that women can do anything," Gubitosa said as she waited for the tournament to start. The U.S. women's team, considered a favorite, opened Saturday against Denmark. Brazil and Mexico played the second game. impact on The crowd was heavily female, with a lot of young girls who said seeing women play in a World Cup was an inspiration for their own soccer-playing hopes.

"It shows us that when we grow up, there's something we can do," said Cortney Gavin, 13. "There's no women's Super Bowl, there's no women's Stanley Cup," said Claire Coleman, 13. "It's good to see women are getting something." There are about 7 million girls and women playing the game, according to the Women's Soccer Foundation. Amber Avines said seeing the Women's World Cup could encourage more girls to try the sport, as well as provide role models. "They're setting a real nice precedent for little girls," she I..