ELLESLEY - Revolution coaches and players are supporting the United States against China in today's Women's World Cup championship game. But some of them advise not betting heavily against the Chinese.
Walter Zenga, the Revolution's player-coach, a goalkeeper on two World Cup finals teams and an Olympic team, said the Rose Bowl home-field advantage should make the difference.
''The US is very strong, even though the country hasn't had a professional league,'' Zenga said yesterday. ''The US has two or three players who are really excellent. Both teams are very strong. But in tournaments, the home team has an advantage. The US will get extra motivation from being at home, from playing in front of its fans.''
Zenga also knows that the pressure of high expectations can be difficult. Italians turned against Zenga after he allowed a goal against Argentina as Italy was eliminated in the 1990 World Cup semifinals.
Zenga and assistant coach Giuseppe Galderisi have something in common with US forward Mia Hamm. All three had their first soccer experiences in Italy. Hamm took her first soccer steps in Le Cascine, the main park in Florence, where her father was stationed in the military in the 1970s.
''The way the US plays together is great,'' said Galderisi, who played for Italy in the 1986 World Cup final. ''They have a winning philosophy. There is a great atmosphere within the team, they all want to fight, to suffer, to do everything together. I have to say they play very good soccer, and this World Cup has been good not for just the women's team but for soccer in America. I predict the US wins, 2-1, goals by Mia Hamm and Julie Foudy. Forza USA.''
Midfielder John Harkes, who seldom evades a question, refused to predict the outcome. ''I hope the US wins,'' said Harkes, who played for the US in the 1990 and '94 World Cup finals. ''But China is a strong team and they were very impressive in beating Norway, 5-nil.''
Other Revolution players were pro-US:
Joe-Max Moore (a World Cup finalist in 1994 and '98): ''This will be the US's toughest game but I'm confident the US can pull it out. China has played well but the US is still the best team in the world.''
Midfielder Paulo Dos Santos: ''I hope the US wins but if China plays the way they did against Norway it will be very hard. China is so confident and the way they keep the ball is impressive.''
Forward Johnny Torres: ''It's going to be a great game. I'd like to see the US win but they are going to have a tough time with China. China is a very athletic team but if the US takes it to them it will be just a matter of time.''
Goalkeeper Jeff Causey: ''I like China's speed. They were flying by Norway. But the US has enough speed to match them. I'll say 2-1 the US wins. ''
Revolution player/coach Walter Zenga and striker Joe-Max Moore have been added to the Eastern Conference All-Star team for the MLS All-Star Game July 17, joining starting midfielder John Harkes.
