February 11, 2009 10:11 PM
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Soccer: The New Teen Passion
When it's red, white, and blue, sometimes moms don't mind a little make-up on their teenage daughters. It's OK, reports CBS News Correspondent Sandra Hughes, when the adornment's for America's women's soccer sweethearts.
"I think it's important for the girls to learn to be in a team, and I think it's important for them to know that they can be strong and athletic," says one soccer mom.
The US Women's World Cup Team is going to the final game Saturday, and the match is already sold out. Girls say they are eager to see the women do what they do best: win.
U.S. Goalie Briana Scurry says the furious ticket sales have been a pleasant surprise.
"We knew the market was out there and people would want to come watch us play," Scurry says. "But I don't think anyone imagined the amount of tickets they sold."
The national frenzy is fed by local teams numbering seven million girls, all willing to shed blood, sweat, and tears to follow their passion.
The chance to see her idol Mia Hamm will bring 10-year-old Theresa Nafis to Saturday's match against China.
"They keep winning, and Mia Hamm, the best player in the world, is on the team," Nafis enthuses. "I want to play professionally and be a star like her!"
Ten-year-old Christina Anchondo believes the key to success is practice and determination.
Mia Hamm says a strong work ethic drives the U.S. team, and thinks "it's wonderful they are seeing that message."
U.S. team player Brandi Chastain only heard about male soccer stars when she was growing up.
"I'm happy that we're able to give these young girls the role models that we never had," Chastain says.
The performances are thrilling, and parents are thrilled to see so many young women screaming in packed stadiums.
Copyright 2009 CBS. All rights reserved. "I think it's important for the girls to learn to be in a team, and I think it's important for them to know that they can be strong and athletic," says one soccer mom.
The US Women's World Cup Team is going to the final game Saturday, and the match is already sold out. Girls say they are eager to see the women do what they do best: win.
U.S. Goalie Briana Scurry says the furious ticket sales have been a pleasant surprise.
"We knew the market was out there and people would want to come watch us play," Scurry says. "But I don't think anyone imagined the amount of tickets they sold."
The national frenzy is fed by local teams numbering seven million girls, all willing to shed blood, sweat, and tears to follow their passion.
The chance to see her idol Mia Hamm will bring 10-year-old Theresa Nafis to Saturday's match against China.
"They keep winning, and Mia Hamm, the best player in the world, is on the team," Nafis enthuses. "I want to play professionally and be a star like her!"
Ten-year-old Christina Anchondo believes the key to success is practice and determination.
Mia Hamm says a strong work ethic drives the U.S. team, and thinks "it's wonderful they are seeing that message."
U.S. team player Brandi Chastain only heard about male soccer stars when she was growing up.
"I'm happy that we're able to give these young girls the role models that we never had," Chastain says.
The performances are thrilling, and parents are thrilled to see so many young women screaming in packed stadiums.
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