[sphinx]

I agree though I would rephrase your analysis. Without the two penalties, Spain would have won 1-0. But without the constant fouling, the U.S. would have won by a couple of goals. And I agree that there were a couple of penalties that should have been awarded but weren't.

Spain was like an outmanned basketball team that sets out to mug a stronger opponent. Sometimes the refs let 'm play and mugging works. But if the refs blow the whistle, the weaker team will be in early foul trouble, have three or four players foul out, and be on the wrong end of a 20 shot differential at the free throw line.

France, Germany, England and Japan won't play that way because they have the talent to match up cleanly, and they will be conscious of yellows. Spain had nothing to lose.

[snoringbear]

Yeh, Spain’s strategy was to Beat Up Alex Morgan and knock her off her game which was accomplished. However, US talent was too deep for the Spaniards....