U.S. Has a Real Blast for Half

Now this is how to win fans. And World Cups.

The United States emphatically displayed why it is one of the world’s best women’s soccer teams with a 7-1 rout of Nigeria on Thursday before 65,080, the second consecutive sellout for the American squad in the Women’s World Cup. The fans at Soldier Field, many decked out in red, white and blue clothes, hairdos or body paint, were treated to an astounding offensive display.

The victory, following the Americans’ 3-0 defeat of Denmark in the opener, virtually assured a spot in the quarterfinals and a berth in the 2000 Olympics.

Nigeria, which won its first game in Group A and promised it would not be intimidated by the highly ranked American squad, scored first, in the second minute. Big mistake.

The Americans responded with two goals in 58 seconds, both involving their biggest star, Mia Hamm.

Before the first half was over, the United States added four more for a 6-1 edge. This six goals tied a Women’s World Cup record.

Hamm started the party with a free kick from near the left sideline that ricocheted in, apparently off Michelle Akers’ right foot as she was falling. That made it 1-1 in the 19th minute.

It was Hamm’s turn to hit the net less than a minute later as she was inexplicably left alone on the right wing. Her rocket of a shot sailed over the right hand of goalkeeper Ann Chiejine.

As Nigeria’s midfield continued pushing upfield, the Americans struck again. Tiffeny Milbrett easily beat Nigeria captain Florence Omagbemi on the right wing and centered, where Kristine Lilly’s shot was blocked. But the ball bounced off Cindy Parlow directly to Milbrett, whose shot went in off Chiejine’s hands.

With three goals in four minutes, the United States could have relaxed. Instead, the hosts poured it on.