OXBOROUGH - The fireworks followed as the sound system blared Bruce Springsteen's ''Born in the USA'' and fans waved Chinese flags. Quickly, the post-semifinal scene at Foxboro Stadium last night became an impromptu show of Chinese pride. A costume dragon paraded through the parking lot. In front of China's team bus, a crowd clamored for autographs.
Before 28,986 fans, the Norwegians watched in shock as the Chinese celebrated their 5-0 victory and berth in the Women's World Cup final. China took a victory lap, while defending champion Norway regrouped in a huddle at the edge of the center circle.
The result equaled the worst defeat in Norwegian soccer history and certainly sent shock waves to the West Coast, where coach Tony DiCicco and the US team await. The Chinese now have a perfect opportunity to avenge past tournament losses to the Americans and win top honors at a world championship. Last year, the US beat China for the gold medal at the Goodwill Games with a performance reminiscent of the Americans' gold medal win over the Chinese at the Atlanta Olympics. But the US-China rivalry can be traced to the inaugural World Cup in 1991 when the US took home the trophy with host China on the sidelines after a quarterfinal loss so devastating that the women's national team program was shut down for two years.
The Chinese have waited a long time for this championship rematch. And they have traveled a long way to reach the Rose Bowl final, criss-crossing the country three times to make the Foxborough semifinal.
''This is probably the best team we've had in a few years,'' said China coach Ma Yuanan, whose record against the US this year is 2-1. ''Next Saturday, the team we play will be stronger than tonight. I want the team [that beat the US on April 25] to show up.''
Cheered by a large red-shirted crowd in the southwest corner of the stadium and several bilingual banners, the Chinese scored early and peppered Norwegian goalkeeper Bente Nordby often in the first half. China outshot Norway, 11-0, in the opening half and finished with a 20-12 advantage.
The first China goal came in the third minute off a shot by captain Sun Wen. Positioned at the top of the penalty area, China's leading scorer controlled a rebound, bent the ball around a defender, and passed Nordby with a left-footed shot. The goal gave Sun six for the tournament, placing her one behind Brazilian midfielder Sissi. She equaled Sissi in the 72d minute with a penalty kick placed top shelf for China's fifth and final goal.
''I think [the US] will bombard me next week and I must be prepared,'' said Sun, who along with her coach spoke through a translator. ''As captain, I feel I am obliged to lead the team. I never thought about [being the top scorer in the World Cup]. My whole concentration is playing with the team.''
China went ahead, 2-0, when Liu Ailing benefitted from a head ball by Monica Knudsen as she tried to protect her goal from a Chinese corner kick. The header landed at the feet of Liu and the midfielder from Beijing wasted no time tucking a powerful shot just under the crossbar. She scored again off another corner kick in the 51st minute and Fan Yunjie redirected a free kick for a 4-0 China lead.
The Chinese were frighteningly faster than their opponents. Whether attacking or defending the Norwegians were a step slow, often needing two players to wrest the ball from the diminutive Chinese athletes. With long balls sent forward from the back and midfield, the team from the Far East made the best use of its speed, often catching the Norwegian zone defense off guard or poorly positioned. The teams appeared to play at different tempos. And China prevented Norway from getting a comfortable rhythm.
The Chinese were dangerous every time they sent a ball within 25 yards of the goal. They increased their chances with an attack that came in waves. When one forward missed an opportunity to redirect a cross, another was quick to advance for a second try.
''It was the best China team I've ever played against,'' said Norway's Hege Riise. ''If China plays the way they played today with all their speed and with their play in the box, China will beat the USA.''
With one more cross-country journey bringing total tournament mileage to 16,500, the Chinese may have the Americans just where they want them.
