Women's World Cup: A review of Team USA.

The United States breezed through the group stages of the 2010 CONCACAF Gold Cup, scoring a total of 18 goals while conceding none in the process.  It seemed like "business as usual" for one of the World's best squads after they beat Haiti, Guatemala and Costa Rica (5-0, 9-0, 4-0 respectively).  They had lifted the Gold Cup 6 times, and were on course for a 7th crown that would guarantee them a spot in the 2011 World Cup to be held in Germany.

Their summer plans almost came to a screeching halt, when Mexico stunned them 2-1 in the semis.  The US took 3rd place with a 3-0 win over Costa Rica to keep their World Cup hopes alive.  The only thing standing in their way was Italy, whom they would have to beat over a two-leg fixture to grab the final tournament spot.  With a 2-0 win on aggregate, the United States narrowly avoided missing the tournament, an absence that would have been deemed "embarrasing" on all accounts.

The final squad for the World Cup featured tested veterans such as Christie Rampone, Heather Mitts, Shannon Boxx and Abby Wambach; while Megan Rapinoe, Rachel Buehler, Alex Morgan and Lauren Cheney provided an infusion of youth, as well as a foundation for the future.  With Hope Solo (arguably the world's best keeper) commanding the posts, the United States appeared to have all the necessary pieces to bring home their 3rd world title.

Solo had a fan base that was Wishin' and Hopin'

Even though they fell short in the final against Japan, it was by all accounts a successful tournament; considering how close they were to not even making it in the first place.  From start to finish, we were treated to all the thrills one could possibly ask for.  Abby Wambach's injury time equalizer against Brazil and Ali Krieger's penalty to win the game.  Heather O'Reilly's wonderful opener against Colombia.  Hope Solo making incredible saves look normal.  Megan Rapinoe screaming into a microphone after scoring a goal.  I could go all day, if I had to.  Never was there a dull moment watching this team.

Their journey to get to and through the tournament is rather minor compared to what some of the players had already been through.  Ali Krieger had previously suffered several mini heart attacks after blood clots were found in her lungs.  Hope Solo missed the qualifiers due to her shoulder injuries, and was in danger of not making the World Cup squad as she underwent a lengthy recovery process.  Abby Wambach had a sore achilles tendon that had bothered her for a while.  So battling back against Brazil might have been a big deal, but this team had already won bigger battles.

The future looks bright with Rapinoe and Morgan
leading the attack for the next few years.

After going through the first 2 games without giving up a goal, the US conceded 7 goals in their remaining 4 games; starting with a 2-1 loss to Sweden.  The fact that none of these goals were scored from open play should somewhat be a credit to the defense, which held firm but didn't always look solid.  It also helps when you have Hope Solo in goal.

The revelation of the team had to be Megan Rapinoe.  She was instant energy coming off the bench and had a hand in almost all of America's goals in the knockout stages.  In a not so surprising turn of events, coach Pia Sundhage opted to include Rapinoe in the starting lineup; an indication that nothing would be left to chance.  Her impact on this team is undeniable.

Another player to watch for is Alex Morgan.  With time ticking on Abby Wambach's career, Morgan couldn't have picked a better time to step up and fill in the shoes.  She announced herself to the world when she scored an injury time goal against Italy in the world cup qualifier playoff, helping propel the United States into the tournament.  There was some debate as to whether she should have seen some more playing time, possibly starting ahead of Wambach, but she's got to earn her stripes.  With Morgan, Rapinoe and Lauren Cheney, you can expect the United States to remain a dominant force in the years ahead.

Next up for this team is the 2012 Olympics in London.  The squad will more than likely remain intact, save a player or two, but they shouldn't have any problems winning a 3rd straight Gold Medal.  For all their shortcomings in the World Cup, the Olympic tournament appears to be a safe haven for them.

ô combien douce: United States through to the final.

It's been 12 years since the United States last played in the World Cup final, but thanks to late goals from Abby Wambach and Alex Morgan, the wait is over as they beat France 3-1 in the semis.

Despite conceding an early goal, France dominated this encounter.  They had more possession, controlled the midfield and had more shots on goal.  The French seemed dangerous on every turn, but their inability to finish proved to be their undoing.


Wambach & Rapinoe celebrating the team's 2nd goal

The United States got second wind with the inclusion of Megan Rapinoe, who came on for Carli Lloyd in the 65th minute.  Rapinoe is clearly the team's "X-Factor", as her impact on the game was immediate.  It was her creativity that led to the corner which resulted in Abby Wambach's goal.  A few moments later, Rapinoe slipped a through pass to Alex Morgan, who finished with a clever chip over French goalie Berangere Sapowicz, to effectively seal the game.

While the United States run in this tournament is hardly surprising, you would never believe that they were in danger of missing out altogether.  They beat Italy 2-0 (1-0 in each match) in a two-legged playoff fixture to secure their place; with Alex Morgan scoring an injury time winner in the crucial first leg.

It's all in the past, and the only thing that matters now, is that the U.S. are in a position to win their third World title; which would be a tournament best.