On July 7th, 2011 I wrote an article about USA Women’s Soccer team and to support them vs. Brazil in the Women’s World Cup quarterfinals. Here are some snippets of that article.
If the USA win the World Cup; many feel it will take elite goalkeeping by Hope Solo, I wonder if any relation to Star Wars “Han Solo”.
In our summer thrist for sports, I advise you to check out the quarterfinal match between United States and Brazil. If you USA wins you can ride the bandwagon for the rest of the tournament
In case you missed the game, here is a quick summary of the drama filled match.
Midway in the second half, seemingly ages after an own goal in the second minute gave the U.S. just the start it wanted, Melksham awarded a dubious penalty when Rachel Buehler tangled with Marta. Buehler hasn’t been all that assured this tournament, yet it appeared to be a 50-50 challenge in the penalty box. Melksham pointed to the spot before dismissing Buehler.
That was just the beginning. Solo, Brazil’s kryptonite, thwarted the Samba Queens again, diving to her left to push away Cristiane’s effort. If there were any demons from the 2007 semifinal against Brazil, when she was furious for being left out, they were exorcised in this moment of brilliance.
http://youtu.be/eUIEh-Dp3XY
Solo, like her teammates, was understandably jubilant. But seconds later, Melksham ordered the kick to be struck again. Was it because Solo moved off her line before the kick was taken? Or was it for encroachment into the box by other U.S. players?
Marta scored her second goal of the game in the second minute of overtime “92nd minute” for the 2-1 lead. But Erika stalled when she went down on a tackle, and the delay added three minutes of stoppage time to the game.
In a game that ended 2-2 after an incredible headed by Abby Wambach in the 122nd minute of the match, essentially the final play of the game. Even more amazing is that USA women played 10 vs. 11 since referee Melksham awarded a dubious penalty when Rachel Buehler tangled with Marta in front of the goal in the 65th minute of the match. The Americans went on to win 5-3 in a penalty kick shootout, as Hope Solo saved a penalty kick from Daiane; who was the same lady who scored the own goal for Brazil in the 2nd minute.
Hope Solo was tremendous during the match, her soccer talent did not disappoint by performing as good as advertised. With her name and the abundance of “Star Wars” fans, I am certain advertisers will have a fun time marketing her due to her name, ability, and she has a style to her that many Americans love.
Next for team USA is a match up vs. France; Wednesday at 12:00 Noon EST on ESPN. A victory will setup either a finals rematch Saturday 11:30AM EST vs. Sweden that already defeated the USA in group play or Japan that already defeated the host Germany in the quarterfinals.