World Cup notes: Parlow is coming on strong for U.S. team
Associated Press

Published September 24, 2003 WCUP24

With superstar Mia Hamm and rising sensation Abby Wambach flanking her on the front line, Cindy Parlow gets little attention on this U.S. team. Then Parlow goes out and scores a big goal.

Parlow did it in the United States' opener of the World Cup, a 3-1 victory over Sweden. She lifted her 5-11 frame in the penalty area and, virtually uncontested, headed home the Americans' second goal.

It was her 63rd international score -- third in a World Cup -- and, she claimed, typical Parlow.

"Mia gave me a perfect corner kick and I just had to go up and put it in," Parlow said Tuesday, relaxing in a hotel library after practice was canceled. "I just kept saying, 'Don't put it over the net.'

"It's a lot about attitude and being fearless and just going up and doing it. The keeper might be punching you in the back of the head, but you have to do it. So much of it is timing.

"And it doesn't hurt when you are 5-11."

Wambach is the same height as Parlow, and that combination makes for some aggressive play up front by the United States. But while Wambach sometimes looks like a runaway train as she heads toward the net, Parlow is more controlled.

Indeed, Parlow, only 25 but in her ninth season with the national team, significantly has improved her overall game. While hardly a speedster, she has upgraded her moves with the ball and her playmaking. She's even gotten better as a defender after playing in midfield at times for the WUSA's Atlanta Beat.

Parlow is especially adept at shielding the ball from rivals while trying to get into scoring position.

"I think that's one of Cindy's biggest strengths now," Hamm said. "She's a versatile player and a great finisher."

"In 1999, I was young and naive to the international game," Parlow said. "Now I'm more comfortable and more complete."

Rockin' good time

Several U.S. players got to meet rock star Jon Bon Jovi in the lobby of a Philadelphia hotel.

There was no need to ask him about investing in the WUSA since it ceased operations last week because of lack of sponsors and finances.

"No," Parlow said with a laugh. Then she paused: "Maybe I should have."