US Woman's Incredible World Cup Win ! ! !

Greetings to My Three Readers . . .

  I promised Tom Holmes that this would not turn into a Soccer Blog . . . but there are TWO World Class Tournaments contesting this July. The Copa America in Argentina and the Woman's World Cup in Germany. Being a serious Soccer (Futbol) Fan I can not help but express my JOY . . . 

  I am really at a loss for thoughtful words to express the range of emotion during the USA vs. Brazil match yesterday July 10th. On a highly questionable call against the US, a defender was Red Carded and a Penalty Kick was awarded to Brazil. US Goalie Hope Solo (#1) made an unbelievable save that was called 'void' do to an infraction (pure joy to anger in an instant). Brazil was given another PK and tied the score at 1-1.

  Playing a man down for over 25 minutes of the second half, our Ladies in Blue actually outplayed the Brazilians. These American Women played with more heart than I have witnessed since the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid.

  Then, two minutes into the first of two Extra Time Periods, Marta Vieira Da Silva (#10) of Brazil scored a Fantastic Goal (one Brazilian was clearly in an offside position ~ referees called everything tight in this match, but they let this huge error slip past). We LOVE Marta when she's playing for our own Western New York Flash, (who's Home is Sahlen's Stadium right here in Rochester, New York) but not when she's playing for Brazil against the USA. *smiles*

  USA Fans sat on the edges of their seats as the clock ticked down to the 'Added Time' . . . when out of the blue Megan Rapinoe (#15) crossed one just out of the Brazil Goalie's reach and (who's at the right place at the right time?) Abby Wambach (#20) headed the ball into the net to tie the match with seconds to go ! ! ! Screen Writers from Hollywood could not have written one any more dramatic folks. 

Extra Time - Added Time Goal

  The Match went to Penalty Kicks and Brazil, having won the coin toss, elected to go last (it's sometimes considered an advantage to follow the other team). Below are photos of the 'five' USA Shots and one from Brazil . . .

USA's Hope Solo does it  A G A I N  . . . Blocking Another PK ! ! !

An Extraordinary Come-From-Behind USA Win ! ! !

Joy in Victory

  The Semi-Finals will both be on Wednesday the 13th, when USA plays France at 11:30am . . . and Japan plays Sweden at 2:30pm on ESPN.

Please Support the US Woman's Soccer Team !!

Jah