It’s been a while since I’ve blogged here, and thought I would make a comeback today. I’ll blog more in the coming weeks. Keep reading and coming back, and feel free to comment.
First, what a last few weeks and days its been. Last Sunday, the American women pulled off the miraculous victory over Brazil and are now on the edge of glory as they prepare for semifinal battle with France tomorrow in Germany. If they win tomorrow, they will play in the championship against the winner of the other semifinal game between Sweden, and Japan.
Back to the USA game vs Brazil. This game had the perfect storybook ending and a movie should be made about it. Perhaps, “The Miracle on Grass?” Who knows. Now the USA ladies just have to go out and win their next two games. Let’s break down the game for you:
Well on the day of the 1999 USA’s Women’s World Cup Anniversary win over China, there couldn’t of been a better ending. From past women legends of Mia Hamm, Brianna Scurry, and Brandi Chastain, to now women legends in the making of Abby Wambach, Hope Solo, and Megan Rapinoe.
The scoring in this game opened when Brazil’s Daiane scored an own goal and it made it 1-0 USA early in the second minute. Marta made a penalty kick in the 68th minute that tied it. It was the second attempt because goalie Hope Solo got a yellow card after a caution penalty on the first attempt that she saved, and Brazil got a second chance and capitalized on it.
The USA women got a lot of bad breaks from the referees in this game, and even played a man down from the 65th minute on when Rachel Buehler was sent off. The USA women had five penalties, four yellow cards and one red card.
This game appeared to all be over when Brazil’s great player, Marta made it 2-1 in the 68th minute on the penalty kick redo, but as the game approached the 120th and final minute, the USA women got more extra time as Brazil’s Erika stalled and gave the game three extra minutes.
As you know it, the USA women had a miracle in the 122nd minute that sent the game to penalty kicks. To start the extra time, the American women were deep on there own side, but got the ball up quickly after a quick steal, and passed the ball well to set up the tying goal. This goal that was scored was epic nonetheless. It was ‘the Pass,” from Rapinoe to Wambach who headed it to the goal to tie the game.
Here is the call from ESPN:
It was a goal that sent goosebumps into all that were watching the game. After the goal, Wambach ran around and screamed, and the Americans celebrated, but knew it wasn’t over yet. The momentum had shifted though back to USA women. It was definitely heard around the world. Wambach had saved the American women as she made that goal and was in perfect position.
Cheers from not just American fans, but from other countries were heard from the stadium as well. Back in America, people cheered loud and knew it wasn’t over. These women had America’s attention. The women fought like warriors playing a man down for much of the game.
The game wasn’t over yet and it was sent into penalty kicks. Shannon Boxx, Carli Lloyd, Abby Wambach, Megan Rapinoe, and Ali Kreiger were selected to shoot in that order for USA. Brazil had three goals and USA goalie Hope Solo made a terrific save of Daiane’s shot. All five American women made it. Boxx’s first shot was saved, but Brazil’s goalie was called for jumping early and Boxx made the second shot. Krieger, who didn’t faze to the pressure, and who played in Germany professionally, made the final penalty kick and sent the USA women into the semifinals.
Here is the video of the highlights of the epic game between Brazil and USA.
It was a great ending. An game that should have a movie made about it. The American women captivated the hearts of America Sunday, and soccer shared the spotlight again.
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