Brazil Who?

Sunday marked the quarterfinal game for USA and Brazil, two teams that have faced each other numerous times in the past, both crediting some of the best players in the world, and the US Team always comes out on top.  So begins the game Sunday morning, within minutes of kick-off Brazil scores an own goal, good thing this isn't Colombia in the 90s or she would have to start looking into witness protection.  USA got momentum early but struggled in the midfield for the majority of the first half and leading into the second. What I don't understand is at halftime announcers were saying how well the US was playing, what I noticed was a lot of sloppy soccer. Don't get me wrong, the team has amazing talent, but I'd like to see them being a bit more proactive, especially going into the Semis.  They need to start stepping up to balls, not waiting for them; need to expand the field instead of playing bunch ball. Enough with the coaching tips.....

66 minutes into the game Rachel Buehler was given a red card for a foul that was bullshit in my mind. To give a PK off that play is just ridiculous. It was an act of authority by the head ref that was unnecessary. Thinking she'd give one back to us or even in OT was wishful thinking, there were numerous fouls in the box against the US that were uncalled.  Marta, the woman (subject to opinion) who is said to be the best in the world right now scored to take the lead with only a few minutes left. Up to their usual sleezy tricks, Brazil started to stall, delay the game, fake injury, and pretty much used any other tactic they had to not let us score.

They failed. Abby scored with less than a minute left in OT to take the US team into a shootout.

Hope Solo I think is the best women's goalkeeper in the world. She proved it this weekend with two PK saves, one during the final shootout saving their hopes (no pun intended, insert overused joke here) of the Cup.

One person who should get more credit than she has so far, is Megan Rapinoe. She set-up Abby for the goal, set-up Lloyd for numerous opportunities, and nailed her PK.

This was a storybook game that had everyone cheering for the US. Now it's time to get their heads back in the game and win on Wednesday morning.  World Cup 2011 is going to USA this year.