The 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.
USA team celebrating its third-place finish, led by captain Kristine Lilly, number 13
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.
