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Hamm sits as US cruises by North Korea 3-0
( 2003-09-29 10:48) (Agencies)

The undefeated United States didn't need its star power to reach the quarterfinals of the Women's World Cup.

Mia Hamm watched from the bench and team captain Julie Foudy got a new role ! super sub ! as the United States relied on its depth to beat North Korea 3-0 on Sunday.

Abby Wambach had a penalty-kick goal and Cat Reddick scored twice in the second half, sending the Americans (3-0) into a quarterfinal matchup with an old nemesis.

Norway beat the U.S. women at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and is the only team with a winning record against the United States. They'll play Oct. 1 at Foxboro, Mass.

The United States won its first two games in Group A ! considered the toughest in the tournament ! as Hamm reasserted herself as one of the world's best. Hamm, the all-time leading scorer in international play with 144 goals, warmed up at halftime but wasn't needed.

"We told her the scenarios before the game," said coach April Heinrichs, who has juggled the lineup for each game. "We talked to her a little bit about that. I'm sure she's a little disappointed."

Hamm said: "As a competitor, you want to get in there. But at the same time, I have respect for my coaches and the decisions they make. And the thing is, we made them together. It wasn't just April deciding this."

Her flashy teammate on the WUSA-champion Washington Freedom put the United States ahead to stay with a penalty-kick goal in the 17th minute. Wambach, who tied Hamm for the WUSA scoring lead, beat goalkeeper Ri Jong Hui with a low kick to the right corner.

Foudy started the second half and played a role in both of Reddick's goals.

Foudy's header off a corner kick sent the ball on one bounce to Reddick, who knocked it in with her right thigh in the 48th minute. Foudy later passed to Shannon MacMillan, who lofted the ball to Reddick in front of the net for a header.

"After we scored our third goal, we were playing very confidently and had borderline cockiness," said Wambach, Hamm's teammate on the WUSA-champion Washington Freedom. "I think that's what's so exceptional about this team.

"We can score three goals without the most prolific goal-scorer in the world. When you do that, you know you have a great team, and you know you have a lot of depth."

Reddick, the only collegian on the roster, assumed a major role when Brandi Chastain broke her foot. The senior from North Carolina scored her first two goals in the tournament Sunday.

The crowd of 22,828 at Crew Stadium chanted "We want Hamm" as the second half wound down. She removed the tape from her socks after Reddick's second goal ! a sign she wouldn't even get into the game.

Needing a win to advance, North Korea controlled the ball for most of a tough-and-tumble first half with its quickness and precise passing, but couldn't get a shot on goal against the physical U.S. defense.

Hamm and Foudy jogged across the field at halftime, sharing a laugh as they warmed up on a cool, brisk afternoon. Hamm then went back to the steel bench and stayed there, not even removing her jacket.

 
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