On June 8 however, her versatility was put to the test during the USA’s first round 2-0 victory over Denmark. Goalkeeper Briana Scurry was ejected in the 84th minute for a highly-contested hand-ball infraction outside the US goal box. Since there were no other allowable substitutions to be made (the US had previously used their allotment of three) Mia Hamm was chosen to step into goal.

"I was scared to death," she said as her eyes widened. “I felt like ‘Mia Campos.’ But it’s really a once-in-a-lifetime thing. I hope I don’t have to do it again." Despite her misgivings, Hamm performed admirably, posting a save in the last minute of the match. She was determined not to let anything get by her.

There was also a free-kick that tried her nerves late in the match. “I was so out of position,” she said rolling her eyes, “I was hiding behind the wall. I didn’t know what I was doing. I’m just glad the girl missed the goal!” She now knows how the other half lives.

The experience has given Hamm more respect for goalkeepers. “The goal is so much bigger when you’re inside it than when you’re shooting at it,” Hamm said prophetically. “You’ve got to get inside it to see what it’s like.”

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