While it is not uncommon to see several goals scored in games involving
the United States, it is generally the U.S. who supplies the scorers while
the opposition provides the "scorees". Breaking through a backline that includes
Carla Overbeck, Joy Fawcett, Kate Sobrero and Brandi Chastain is easier said
than done.
The few that succeed, find Briana Scurry, one of the premier keepers in the
women's game awaiting them.
So how does a player on a mid-rated team like Canada come away with four
goals in two games against the stingy U.S. defense? That's what Tony DiCicco
would like to know. Hooper also penetrated Norway's highly touted defense
when she provided the singular highlight for the Maple Leaves when they were
raked over the Norwegian coals 7-1 on June 23.
Here is what an obviously disappointed Charmaine Hooper told a group of reporters
afterward:
Hooper: I never really imagined that we'd lose 7-1 in a World Cup
match. I thought that was in the past. It was almost like déjà
vu. But, that was the result, so now we have to go on and try hard in the
next game and hopefully get a better result. We are hoping for a miracle
I think. It is going to be very tough. We have made it tougher on ourselves.
In the next game, we just have to try to win, and win with some goals.
Q. Was the team nervous about facing Norway?
Hooper: I don't want to say the team was nervous. We just wanted to
come out here and play a good game and play with them. We came in here trying
to win this game, but that wasn't the case.
Q. For a while Canada seemed in it. It was 1-1 at one point. So what
happened?
Hooper: They kept pressing us. They kept coming at us. They have a
good offense and they kept playing those long balls. We weren't able to stop
the service of their long balls and they were able to get on the end of them
and finish.
Q. [After tonight's disappointment], will you find it hard to regroup
for Russia?
Hooper: I think we have to be mature enough to put this game behind
us. I'm not taking anything away from Norway. I think Norway is a good team.
And I don't think we should feel ashamed. Nobody likes to be beaten 7-1,
but at least it was by a good team. From here we need to look on and not
back. We need to be looking towards Russia.
Q. Are you going to attack Russia the same way you did Norway, with
you playing a bit more offense?
Hooper: I hope so. I would like to play a little bit more offensively.
I try to drop back deeper into the midfield at times, but I think it would
be better if I played up a little bit more.
Q. Linda Medalen has the reputation of being a bit of a trash talker.
Did she have anything to say tonight?
Hooper: No. She doesn't trash talk to me. We know each other.
Q. Having played both the U.S. and Norway recently, how would you
compare them?
Hooper: Very different teams. Norway likes to play long ball, where
the U.S. likes to touch it around, but they play the long ball sometimes
too. The U.S. is able to change their game up, but Norway plays the same
way every time. It is effective for them and they get goals off of it (their
long ball style).
Q. But, how about their comparative strength?
Hooper: If the Americans keep going at them, I think they can beat
them.
Add Turnbull
Canada's coach, Neil Turnbull closed out the interview offering this when
asked to compare the U.S. and Norway. "The Norwegian team is a more solid
team than the U.S., although I think the U.S. is a more dynamic team.
It would be a good match up." Norway and the U.S. could meet in the final.
