A classic. One of the best soccer games ever. The US overcame a terrible call and played the last 55 minutes a man short against one of the best teams on the planet. And they scored in the last minute of extra time to tie the game and eventually win in a shootout. Courage and a fighting spirit to make any American proud. Let’s hope they complete the script and win it all.
Pia Sundage, a Swede if I heard correctly, said that this team shows an “American Attitude”. Yeah, an attitude of a**-kicking and never giving up!
PS: Hope Solo was a goddess on the field today with her anger and confidence. She had an aura about her during those PK’s, an aura of anger and confidence. Amazing.
I actually felt sorry for Brazil early on. The USA was getting away with murder. One one play, so far as I could see from the replays, a Brazilian girl barely touched a USA player (who tumbled down and looked like she was going to die) and the ref gave two yellows, one to the "fouler" and another to someone (Marta?) who complained. I really thought that FIFA must have told the refs that a USA win would be good for women's soccer.
But then it all turned, didn't it!
I was NOT impressed by the USA play except for the keeper, who looked to me like she could play with the boys. The number of times balls spun off a USA defender's feet inside the box was disgraceful. (Japan's defense yesterday looked quite competent I thought.)
But horse races at Suffolk Downs can be quite exciting, and this game was that and more.
ML/NJ