Mia Hamm stamped her famous name all over the women's World Cup on Thursday, inspiring the US to a 5-0 rout of Nigeria that should guarantee the defending champions a quarterfinal place.
Hamm, 31, one of the most recognizable soccer players in the US, scored from the penalty spot after six minutes in Philadelphia and again on 12 minutes with a direct 45m free kick which eluded the grasp of goalkeeper Precious Dede.
PHOTO: AFP
Striker Hamm also set up Cindy Parlow for the third goal two minutes after the break. Substitute Abby Wambach added a fourth after 65 minutes before captain Julie Foudy converted another penalty.
The US have a 100 percent record in Group A and their six points will be enough to qualify for the last eight, barring surprise results in the last round of games tomorrow.
Sweden, beaten by the US in their opening fixture, improved their chances of reaching the quarterfinals by beating North Korea 1-0. Victoria Svensson volleyed the only goal in the seventh minute.
Tomorrow, the US face North Korea needing to avoid a heavy defeat to progress, while Sweden will aim to better North Korea's result when they take on Nigeria.
The US hope defender Brandi Chastain, who suffered a broken bone in her right foot in the first game against Sweden, will return for the latter stages of the tournament.
"Coming out with six points from two matches was our goal. In order to give Brandi a chance to return to the team within this tournament, we had to progress to the next stage," coach April Heinrichs told reporters.
In Group D, China made life difficult for themselves by drawing 1-1 with Australia in the 100th match in the 12-year history of the women's World Cup.
Heather Garriock gave Australia a shock lead after 28 minutes in Carson, California and, although China equalized 50 seconds into the second half through Bai Jie, the 1999 runners-up could not sneak a winner.
Russia earned their second group win by overcoming Ghana 3-0 with strikes from Marina Saenko after 36 minutes, Natalia Barbachina nine minutes after the break and Olga Letyushova 10 minutes from time.
The Russians top the section with six points and China, on four points, remain favorites to join them in the quarter-finals.
However, China must play Russia in the last group game tomorrow while Australia, who have one point, will hope to force their way into the last eight by beating Ghana.
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