The US could have had the game won in the first 10 minutes and I was certain the score would be 4-0 in our favor after regulation. But when Abby Wambach hit the crossbar as time was ticking away in the first half....that's when I got nervous. The shots weren't falling....As a player these were the worst games....You can outshoot a team 500 to 1, but that 1 shot could be 1 goal, and that's all it takes.
It was unfortunate for Lauren Cheney to leave the game after her first half injury, because I thought she brought the spark and speed the US needed on the forward line. However, Alex Morgan was a solid sub. In the biggest game of her developing career, she exhibited the most maturity on the field as the youngest player with yet another perfectly placed finish. The girl is not only fast, but her ball control is impressive. I think that these fresh, talented, young players like Morgan and Cheney show promise to the future of US Women's Soccer.
Japan's first goal was lucky, I think they were even a bit surprised they scored in that fashion; the American defense was quickly unnerved. Before you knew it....overtime. These teams were no stranger to overtime and game winning goals deep into the final minutes. Abby Wambach scored off another signature header and the USA was headed to the winners circle....until gasp....oh, no worries Christy Rampone cleared a chance by Japan off the goal line. What was most concerning was our Hope was down....and looked as though she hyperextended her knee a bit. Japan capitalized on their corner kick as Homare Sawa flicked the ball into the net. (It did appear to be a deflection of some sort, but let's be serious, I don't watch replays when my team loses..)
In the final minutes of overtime Abbey Wambach had the final chance to put the game out of reach....she missed by inches....If only that cross was on her head...If only..
The last thing I wanted was to see yet another World Cup Final be decided by penalty kicks....It's a tough way to lose...the championship is then decided by a handful of individuals, not necessarily the entire team. Having Hope Solo is obviously a clear advantage, but I was worried about the shooters. Japan's keeper would have been silly not to study the Brazil shootout....As a penalty shooter, you typically have a style and sweet spot you aim for and to change that style to trick a keeper is detrimental.
Unfortunately for the USA, pressure got to them. Yes, they beat Brazil in penalties - but that's because the US girls had nothing to lose that game and seemed to constantly be chasing Brazil since being issued a straight red. They had adrenaline and had just scored the goal of the year and in Women's World Cup history for that matter. This time, Japan had the final, tying goal, they had the adrenaline and were perhaps more calm. The US girls were rattled.
The US had all the power, momentum, and chances to put the game out of reach early....they kept Japan in the game, giving them more confidence that they could compete with the US team...and they did just that. But the biggest defeats happen to the best teams and it's that adversity that will only make them stronger.
Here's to the 2012 Olympics....and hopefully to Nike and ESPN for making more clever commercials supporting US Soccer!
 Getty Images |
| Even after her toughest lost, she wears a smile...You stay classy Hope Solo! |
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