A powerful typhoon has brought wind and rain to eastern China and has forced changes in the schedule at the 16-nation Women's World Cup football (soccer) tournament. VOA's Jim Stevenson is in Shanghai where the heavily favored U.S. women had to wait an extra day before they could travel.

Typhoon Wipha hits Shanghai, 19 Sep 2007

Typhoon Wipha spoiled plans to complete the first round of play at the Women's World Cup. One game has been moved from Shanghai to Hangzhou, and all four of the remaining Group C and Group D games will now be played on Thursday.

The United States defeated Nigeria, 1-0, late Tuesday in rainy conditions in Shanghai. The win earned the U.S. women a quarterfinal appearance as the top team from Group B.

But instead of traveling to Tianjin ahead of their game with England on Saturday, the U.S. team remained in Shanghai.

With practice not possible, U.S. coach Greg Ryan had some time to reflect on his team's strengths and weaknesses.

Coach Greg Ryan, center, talks to US players at start of practice, 13 Sep 2007

"The main thing for us is to continue creating our chances [to score], knowing at some point they start falling [the ball gets in the net]," Ryan said. "The great thing for us right now is we are playing so well defensively and on set our plays, that it is giving us a chance to win games when we are not getting the luck of the bounce."

U.S. midfielder Lori Chalupny has had time to notice how well the other teams have played.

"The parity in the game is excellent for the game. You can see it even in this World Cup. You have seen some tight games. Brazil was the only team that has won their first two games. So, I think that is great for the game. And I think it is exciting," she said.

Once the first round is completed, games on Saturday and Sunday will determine the semifinalists.