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U.S. striker Mia Hamm blows a kiss to the
audience at the end of the women's soccer gold medal match at the
Athens 2004 Olympic Games, August 26, 2004. The United States
defeated Brazil 2-1. (Reuters) |
The United States gave Hall of Famer Mia Hamm the perfect send-off on Thursday, beating Brazil
2-1 to win Olympic gold in the women's soccer tournament.
Abby Wambach powered home a header in the 22nd minute of extra time in
Athens to give the U.S. their second Olympic title after winning at the
1996 Atlanta Games.
For Hamm, widely regarded as the best ever female player, it was a
fitting end to a glittering 17-year career, even though she made little
impact on a disappointing game.
"They carried me tonight, that's for sure," said an exhausted Hamm, who
insisted there would be no change of heart about her decision to retire.
"There are few times in your life where you get to write the final
chapter the way you want things. I'm not going to be an athlete that says
so and then comes back.
"I have been extremely blessed to finish my career this way. It's a
wonderful feeling."
The Americans, who finished runners-up to Norway in Sydney four years
ago, took the lead six minutes before halftime with a superb long-distance
strike from Lindsay Tarpley.
Brazil striker Pretinha equalized in the 73rd
minute, pouncing on a
mistake from goalkeeper Briana Scurry to score from close range.
But Wambach settled American nerves in the second period of extra time,
the big striker heading a Kristine Lilly corner into the roof of the net
for her 18th goal in her last 20 games.
The 32-year-old Hamm, who helped the U.S. win the
World Cup in 1991 and 1999, never came close to scoring her 154th goal in
266 internationals.
But she was cheered every time she touched the ball by a raucous crowd
of 10,000 that included Olympic swimming champion Michael Phelps.
(Agencies) |