Carson, Calif. ? The U.S. women left the World Cup with their heads held high.

Led by veterans Mia Hamm, Kristine Lilly and Tiffeny Milbrett, the Americans won the third-place game Saturday, 3-1, over Canada. It was not the prize they set out for, but it was an impressive display of their talent against one of soccer’s rising nations.

“It was very important to finish this way, whether it was for first, second or third,” Milbrett said. “If there is a game we have to win in a tournament, we want to win.”

Before 25,253 fans at the Home Depot Center — where Sweden plays Germany for the title today — the United States dominated the second half. The Americans, many of whom have said they won’t play in another World Cup, then saluted the crowd at the sideline, throwing kisses, waving and clapping their hands. Some, including Hamm, pounded their hearts as the crowd chanted “U-S-A.”

“The atmosphere was tremendous,” Hamm said. “We played well and really pounded the ball around.”

Hamm’s perfect twisting corner kick was headed home by Shannon Boxx for the winning goal in the 52nd minute. It was the 1,000th goal for the U.S. women.

Then Hamm, soccer’s all-time leading goal-scorer, made a quick restart in the 80th. Her feed eventually found its way to Milbrett in the penalty area and she scored to improve the U.S. record against Canada to 26-3-3.

It’s the second time the U.S. has finished third in the World Cup, also doing it in 1995. The Americans won the crown in 1991 and four years ago. While this victory wasn’t nearly as memorable as the 1999 penalty-kick shootout over China for the championship at a sold-out Rose Bowl, it was a strong performance.