WOMEN'S WORLD CUP United States sends message after winning opening game

Even with a World Cup win over Sweden, the Americans know they can play better.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The United States had just opened defense of its World Cup title with a solid performance, using a combination of finesse, physical play and superb goaltending to overwhelm Sweden.
Then, after celebrating the 3-1 victory Sunday in subdued fashion, the team issued a warning to the rest of the field:
The best is yet to come.
"What we take out of this game is we can play better," said forward Abby Wambach, who set up the first goal in the Group A game. "We didn't play our best soccer."
High expectations
Make no mistake, the U.S. was delighted with the victory, as were the majority of the 34,144 fans at RFK Stadium. But, even though 1999 World Cup heroine Brandi Chastain was lost with a broken right foot, the squad believes the rest of the world hasn't seen anything yet.
"We're happy with the three points, knowing that we could play even better soccer," team captain Julie Foudy said. "We know there is another level we can could take it to."
Mia Hamm set up three goals for the U.S. team, which led 2-0 at halftime and held on after the Swedes cut the deficit in half in the 58th minute.
Newcomer Shannon Boxx scored on a header off Hamm's corner kick in the 78th minute to make sure the United States would start off on the right foot in defending its 1999 title.
"The players and our staff have worked three years for this day," U.S. coach April Heinrichs said. "We got three goals, so there's a big smile on my face."
Sweden would not go easily, dictating the pace after halftime before succumbing to the United States' superior talent.
"We can play better and will have to improve through the rest of the tournament," Hamm said. "This wasn't our best game. I give that credit to Sweden. They have a unique style and play it well and it's a contrast to our own."
Unlike the United States, the Swedes play more conservative and like to send long passes downfield. The Americans prefer to push the attack, doing so with shorter passes.
"I'm real pleased with our ability to adapt," Heinrichs said.
Chastain sidelined
The defending champions will have to get used to playing without Chastain, who will miss at least the first round with a broken third metatarsal.
"This is not an individual thing. My main concern is the team moving on, and if that means I have to contribute by cheering from the sidelines, I will cheer as loud as I can for my teammates," Chastain said.
The defender hasn't given up on the possibility of a quick return.
"I'm a quick healer and feel very good about my chances of playing in the later rounds," she said.
Despite the injury, it was a glorious day for the U.S. team, which received sound backing from a vocal crowd filling with people bearing -- and wearing -- the American flag.
"When we walked out, I got a little choked up," Hamm said.
Striking first
Hamm and her teammates took a while before giving the fans reason to celebrate, finally taking a 1-0 lead in the 28th minute on a 15-yard shot by Kristine Lilly.
The clincher came from Boxx, who became the first U.S. woman to score goals in each of her first three games with the national team.
"I am around great players and they make me better," said Boxx, chosen for the World Cup team without ever having played an international game for the United States. "I'm living a dream."
The United States will resume play Thursday night in Philadelphia against Nigeria, and will complete group play Sunday in Columbus against North Korea.