A Day to Remember | The US Women’s National Team
July 15, 2011
I figured after all of the sports drama this week, MLB all-star game, the British Open, and the FIFA Women’s World Cup, I had to talk about the US Women’s National Team and how much heart and soul and determination they had to persevere through a touch group, and two really touch battles to make it to the World Cup Finals, which airs Sunday on ESPN at 6:30 am. As a woman, sports fan, and soccer player, I am proud to support the US Women as they plan to take on Japan on Sunday.
Watching them battle through out the tournament and have to prove themselves, after last years upsetting defeat to Brazil, has been something special. Even though they lost to Sweden in the final group game they still knew that making it to the final meant defeating every team that stood in their way, no matter how difficult or a struggle it was going to be. Because of that loss to Sweden it meant they faced Brazil in the quarterfinals.
They came out on top in the first two minutes after an own goal, but Brazil still looked the better team. Going into the second half Brazil kept pressing. Then after a ridiculous call by the referee Rachel Bhueler was shown a red card and Marta stepped up to take the penalty for Brazil. American goalkeeper (and best in the world), Hope Solo, managed to save the shot from Marta, only shocked to hear the referee blow her whistle for “encroachment” and called for Marta to take it again. She wouldn’t miss the second time around.
Now they were really up against it. The game went in to extra time and right away Brazil scored. The USA had nearly 25 minutes to try to find and equalizer and with one less player on the field than Brazil. It seemed like the most difficult uphill battle ever, but the women were ready this time. They weren’t going to let Brazil, who got two lucky goals, take them out like this. And nearly seconds before half time, Megan Rapinoe made a run down the left side and crossed a hopeful ball into the Brazil goal area. The Brazilian keeper came for it and missed, and who else but Abby Wambach was there to head it into the back of the net. On penalty kicks the USA prevailed 5-3 with a save from Hope Solo again.
The next game was against France in the semi final, a team looking to prove themselves on the big stage. They came out fighting, but the US jumped ahead first again, but France nicked one right back. But in the second half, a midst more shots from France, the US got two more goals and sealed the victory for the team and a place in the Finals against Japan who knocked out World Cup holders Germany before they faced Sweden in the semi finals.
It really has been a tournament full of heart and will to win. The US has finally proven they are worth their number one world ranking and Japan has proven that even amongst all the tragedy that has plagued their county they have come to Germany to win the World Cup. The game on Saturday should be and eventful one, but not one lacking any heart from either side. My money is on the USA, but don’t count out a team like Japan with nothing to lose.
Kaylenmay | Follow me: 
