(Slideshow of Thursday's games) (Slideshow from Saturday's games)
Though the Phillies were eliminated from the playoffs last night and the Eagles have yet to post a win this season, there has still been plenty for local sports fans to cheer about this past week, as the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup visited Lincoln Financial Field.
The tournament was planned on relatively short notice after being moved out of China due to the SARS outbreak in the spring, and Philadelphia was selected as a venue only after terms could not be agreed with Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Despite this, soccer fans from near and far turned out in big numbers to watch some of the world's best players take to the field at the city's newest sports venue.
On Saturday, 24,347 fans turned out to see Norway defeat France, 2-0, and North Korea defeat Nigeria, 3-0.
Last night, Sweden beat North Korea, 1-0, and the United States pounded Nigeria, 5-0, in front of a crowd of 31,553, which was eager to show the U.S. team some of this city's well-known enthusiasm for sports of all kinds.
Every team that came to play here had its own group of dedicated supporters, spicing up the atmosphere with chants and drum rhythms from all over the world.
When Norway took the field on Saturday afternoon, they found themselves in the shadow of a contingent of about 50 fans with red and blue flags and some eclectic costumes -- including one fan dressed in a full Austin Powers outfit. Dave Bliss of Chambersburg, Pa., was content with a World Cup T-shirt and Norway scarf, but was just as enthusiastic about the Scandinavian visitors.
"I saw them in the '96 Olympics [in Atlanta, Ga.] and I started liking them ever since," he said.
Marc Eripret, who emigrated from France to Allentown, Pa., 10 years ago, had to endure a tough loss for his team but was quite impressed with Lincoln Field.
"There should be more soccer down here," he said. "It's perfect for soccer, it's like an English stadium."
Nigeria and North Korea took the field next, to a chorus of drums of all shapes and sizes scattered around the stadium. One of the Nigerian drummers, Eze John -- who came to the game from Massachusetts -- was impressed with the size of the fan group which was supporting his country.
"I think it's very encouraging," John said. "Most people here are from different states -- we have people from Chicago, people from Rhode Island, people from Massachusetts."
Many of the North Korean fans were actually South Korean fans who came to the game to do more than just root on their neighbors.
"We support unification and one day we would like to be one Korea," said Soo Bok Kim of Crystal, N.J.
Another Korean fan, Frank, made the trip all the way from South Korea to Philadelphia for the games here.
"We just want to applaud together -- singing together and having a lot of fun," he said.
And they did just that, bringing back many of the songs which South Korea's rabid fans made famous during last year's men's World Cup, which took place in their native country and Japan.
Last night, Lincoln Field got its first ever visit from Sam's Army, a fan club for the U.S. national teams.
"We have to support the women's national team," said Jay Long, a Sam's Army member who traveled from Washington for the game. "They are the 'nats,' so I support them just like I support the men."
Al Mattei made the drive from College Park, Md., for both doubleheaders in Philadelphia.
"Where else are you going to see 10 World Cup games in eight days?" he said. "And now coming out as a statement and a cause, for women's soccer."
Paul Hanlin only had to take a short subway ride to get from his home to the stadium.
"When you have a great crowd here, and a loud crowd, the noise stays in," he said. "There's no bad seat in the house, it's absolutely terrific."
U.S. National Team forward Mia Hamm appreciated the crowd's high spirits.
"Walking along the streets... there was a buzz about [the game]... it was hearing [cheers] when we walked into the stadium and people [were] cheering your name and cheering 'USA,'" she said.
