U.S. romps in soccer opener

Associated Press

Greece's Eftichia Michailidou split the USA's defense of Julie Foudy, left, and Lindsay Tarpley in yesterday's match won by the U.S., 3-0. Associated Press Today on TV 7 a.m. Soccer: Portugal vs. Iraq MSNBC

Mia Hamm set up a first-half goal with a stutter step that left a Greek defender sprawled on the turf and covering her head in shame.

By the time Hamm scored on a solo run in the second half, the U.S. women's soccer team's 3-0 embarrassment of their hosts was complete, compounded by a mostly empty stadium at kickoff yesterday on the first day of competition in the 2004 Olympic Games at Iraklion, Greece.

"You know Mia — she does that to us in practice," teammate Shannon Boxx said of Hamm's faked-out opponent. "I know how she feels — I would be nervous seeing Mia running down at me one on one."

The Americans completely dominated. Even though the Greeks took the first shot, it was also their last. The U.S. team went on to take 26 of their own, and Briana Scurry picked up her 70th career shutout.

Looking to re-establish their supremacy after disappointing finishes in the 2000 Olympics and 2003 World Cup, the Americans continue first-round play Saturday against Brazil.

In other women's games, Germany beat China, 8-0; Brazil defeated Australia, 1-0; and Japan beat Sweden, 1-0. On the men's side, Argentina opened with a 6-0 win over Serbia-Montenegro; Tunisia tied Australia 1-1; Mexico and Mali played a scoreless tie; and the host Greeks tied South Korea 2-2.

Hamm's heroics began only moments into her final Olympic tournament. In the 14th minute, she put a stutter fake on Angeliki Lagoumtzi and took advantage of the clear alley to hit Boxx, who nailed a 12-yard shot to the left of goalkeeper.

Lagoumtzi, suitably humbled, pulled her shirt up to cover her face when she saw the ball go into the net.

But Lagoumtzi's embarrassment wasn't over. She also played a key role in the Americans' second goal — thanks to her jewelry.

Lagoumtzi was ordered to the sideline by the referee because she was wearing a necklace. While she was taking it off, the Americans exploited the temporary player-advantage and moved quickly, with Kate Markgraf crossing to Abby Wambach for a 10-foot-header over Maria Giatrakis in the 30th minute.

Hamm added a goal of her own in the 82nd minute, outmaneuvering two defenders for a 16-yard shot that banked off the left post.

Wambach's goal continued a remarkable scoring run — 15 goals in 16 games — as the Americans overwhelmed a team that qualified for the tournament only because it represents the host nation.

"A 3-0 victory in our first game, you kind of get the butterflies out," said Hamm, who increased her world records tallies with her 152nd goal and 130th assist.

"For us to start off this tournament stroking the ball around, creating scoring chances and finishing three of them is a wonderful place for us to be," coach April Heinrichs added. "It's one step — getting our feet wet looking forward to the next game."

TRACK AND FIELD

Devers to replace suspended Edwards

Torri Edwards' two-year doping suspension cleared the way for 37-year-old Gail Devers to try to win her third gold medal in the 100 meters.

Of course, that means defending champion Marion Jones gets left out of the event at the Athens Games.

Just another day of drama yesterday on the U.S. track and field team.

Edwards appealed to the international Court of Arbitration for Sport, where a binding decision should come before the track competition begins on Aug. 20. Her chances are not good.

"I really want some time to myself right now," Edwards said at the Crete resort where the team is training. As she walked away, she nodded and smiled when asked if she was taking her case to the CAS.

Edwards' suspension for taking a banned stimulant elevated Devers, a five-time Olympian, into the 100 because she finished fourth at the U.S. trials last month.

There had been speculation Devers would turn down a spot in the 100 to concentrate on the 100-meter hurdles, a decision that would have let Jones — fifth at the trials — defend her gold medal from the Sydney Games.

Devers ended that idea, telling U.S. women's coach Sue Humphrey of her decision.

"Gail has told me that she will run the 100 meters and has adjusted her travel to do that," Humphrey said.

Edwards' spot in the 200 will go to LaShaunte'a Moore, who was fourth at the trials. Moore had been in the relay pool, so that spot becomes vacant and can be filled by another sprinter.

IOC

Second female elected as vice president

Sweden's Gunilla Lindberg yesterday became the second woman in history elected vice president of the International Olympic Committee.

Lindberg, who has been on the 15-member executive board since 2000, was elected unanimously to one of the four available vice presidential spots.

The IOC's first female vice president was American member Anita DeFrantz, who served from 1997 to 2001.

In her acceptance speech, an emotional Lindberg cited DeFrantz as "a role model who encouraged women members to stand for election."

Lindberg, 57, has been an IOC member since 1996 and secretary general of the Swedish Olympic Committee since 1989.

She replaced first vice president Thomas Bach of Germany, whose four-year term expired in Athens.