Hamm Helps U.S. Women to a Draw Against China

Mia Hamm stole the ball from the fingertips of goalie Han Wenxia just outside the penalty area and scored with five minutes remaining to give the United States a 1-1 tie with China in the DFB Jubilee soccer tournament Wednesday in Gattingen, Germany.

Hamm, international soccer’s all-time leading scorer, chased down a long clearance from her own goalkeeper, Siri Mullinix. Han came out to grab the ball and reached down but hesitated when she realized she was beyond the area.

With the Chinese goalie frozen in indecision, Hamm pounced with a swift, jabbing kick, prying the ball loose and knocking Han to the ground. The ball bounced free behind Han and Hamm pushed it into the open net to tie the score.

The game was rough, with 40 fouls called and few scoring chances, but the United States outshot China, 11-2, and managed a point from the draw and a chance at the championship, with its third game Saturday against Germany.