So far, so good for USA

WASHINGTON — The veterans led, the stars starred and the youngsters enjoyed the ride. It was a terrific way for the U.S. women to open defense of their World Cup title.

Mia Hamm showed why she is the biggest star in women's soccer, setting up three goals Sunday as the United States beat Sweden 3-1. Kristine Lilly, who has played in more international soccer games than anyone, scored the first goal and was a dynamo all over the field.

Joy Fawcett, playing in her fourth World Cup as are Hamm, Lilly and Julie Foudy, was a rock on defense, particularly after 1999 World Cup heroine Brandi Chastain broke her right foot and left at halftime. Chastain will miss the rest of the first round, at least.

Newcomers Shannon Boxx, who scored on a header off Hamm's corner kick, and Abby Wambach made a huge impact with their physical play.

It was just what the Americans were looking for.

"Our presence in this win was incredible," Hamm said. "Our defense was extremely well-organized, and Bri (Scurry) had some good saves and Kristine led us all over the field. I hit some balls well, but those guys finished them."

Those guys were Boxx and Cindy Parlow off corner kicks, and Lilly off a smart feed from Hamm. But soccer's career scoring leader was the catalyst, displaying her vastly upgraded playmaking skills.

"What a wonderful inspiration she is to this team," coach April Heinrichs said. "She inspired this group to get pressure on the ball. And if anyone saw Mia's celebration on the third goal, she came over to the bench and slapped hands with everyone. She is such a team player."

The Americans pride themselves on having a roster filled with team players, and it showed Sunday. Before 34,144 — many of them young girls with red-white-and-blue painted faces and No. 9 Team USA jerseys — the U.S. squad played physically when it had to and kept Sweden, ranked fifth in the world, off-balance much of the game.

But the third U.S. goal was critical because the Swedes finally had taken control of the pace. Sweden got back into it when its star, Hanna Ljungberg, sent a long cross in front of the U.S. net and Victoria Svensson headed it over Briana Scurry in the 58th minute.

But Hamm, playing in her WUSA home, sent a corner kick in the 78th minute that Boxx, in just her third international appearance, converted into her third national team goal. The three in three is a record for a U.S. woman.