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.

Joy for Japan

Japan became the first Asian country to win the Women's World Cup, breaking the dominance that had so far been held by European teams and the United States.  In a pulsating, heart stopping final, Japan twice rallied from a goal down to tie the game when all seemed lost.

Come to think of it, Japan defied just about all odds on their way to World Cup glory.  They had yet to beat a European team in the tournament, so they beat Germany; the host nation and 2-time defending champion.  They put up a dominant performance in their 3-1 semi-final win over Sweden.  Japan had yet to beat the United States in their previous 25 meetings; so their first ever win just happened to be on the grandest stage in the women's game.

In a previous article (World Cup Update), I mentioned that Japan could be the surprise team of the tournament, following their 4-0 demolition of Mexico.  They were the form team, but that didn't show in their 2-0 loss to England.  Still, they managed to literally shock the world the rest of the way.

What makes their win over the United States impressive, is that probably for the first time in the tournament, the US played their most complete game.  Despite being outplayed by Brazil and France, neither team could match the Americans' superior finishing.  Against Japan, the US would not allow their opponents any room to run or create scoring chances.  They chased, harassed and out-hustled Japan for every possession.  They simply took the game to Japan, but couldn't even buy a goal.

Playing in her 5th World Cup, Sawa finally
reached the summit.

Even though the Japanese players were smaller in stature, they challenged just about every aerial ball, not allowing too many free headers.  At least we got to see just how dangerous Abby Wambach can be with her feet (who'd have thought she could be that lethal?).

Still, you gotta give credit to Japan for hanging in there, until the breaks fell their way.  Alex Morgan scored in the 69th minute; a goal that seemed long overdue, and you couldn't blame the fans for getting the party started.  Up to that point, Japan had only mustered a serious shot or two at the Americans' goal.  Aya Miyama capitalized on a defensive blunder to tie the game.

When Alex Morgan set up Abby Wambach's goal for the 2-1 lead, it seemed like that would be the goal to clinch the game.  Yet for the remaining 15 minutes, Japanese spirits would not be broken.  Their patience paid off when Homare Sawa, their captain and talisman, hit a backhill off a corner that deflected off Wamabach and into the net.

Iwashimizu saw red for this challenge on Morgan

Japan survived a late sending off when Azusa Iwashimizu received her matching orders from referee Bibiana Steinhaus of Germany, following a "professional foul" on Alex Morgan.  Morgan had a clear path to the goal, and as the last defender, Iwashimizu opted to commit the foul.  After watching replays, it seemed like Iwashimizu made an attempt for the ball, but couldn't account for Morgan's speed and positioning, thereby felling the striker.  The ensuing free-kick was defended valiantly, and Japan sealed the deal in the penalty shootout.

To be honest, I found it rather hard to root against Japan.  These ladies weren't just playing for pride, but for a nation of 120 million that needed something to smile about, while still recovering from the devastating earthquakes and tsunamis that rocked its shores in March/April.  Their improbable run to the title is one of those things that you just can't script.

Japan weren't the better team on the field, but their spirit, determination and class makes them worthy winners. 

Dear Abby.......

In what was arguably the most hyped match in the quarter final draw, United States vs Brazil delivered on every count.  There was a goal in the game's opening moments, and it's closing moments were punctuated by another; as the United States, reduced to 10 players, managed to hold off Brazil, before overcoming them in penalties.  The women's all-time record against Brazil now stands at 24-2-2.

With barely any time left, and the United States' exit from the tournament only a whistle away, who better to rise to the occasion (literally) than Abby Wambach?  Megan Rapinoe lifted a pin-point cross that eluded Brazilian goalkeeper Andreia, and with a free header, Wambach did only what she does best; finish!!

If Karina Maruyama's goal for Japan against Germany in extra-time was dramatic, then Wambach's goal just about tore the roof off the dump.  It was just as dramatic, if not more, as Landon Donovan's game winner against Algeria in the 2010 World Cup.

I would easily vote Megan Rapinoe as "Player of the match".  Her hustle and hard work eventually paid off in the biggest way possible yet.  Additional credit goes out to the defense who held tight for long periods of the game, despite having to make do without Rachel Buehler.  At times, it seemed like their hard work would be undone by some Brazilian wizardry, but they came through just fine.

Up next for the U.S. is a French team that endured a little PK drama before getting past England.  There is no doubt that the U.S. will be carrying a lot of momentum into that game.  Not to overlook the French, but at this point, these ladies seem unstoppable.

An honorable mention should go to Brazilian player, Erika.  If it wasn't for her "play-acting" in an attempt to kill time, Wambach's goal might have never happened.  Erika's time spent on the ground, "twisting" and "turning" as if she were in a lot of "pain", needed to be accounted for and additional minutes were put on the clock.  The rest, as Barney Stinson would say, is LEGENDARY!!!

Women's World Cup Update.

The 2011 Women's World Cup sixth day ended with Germany, France and Japan advancing to the next round.

Host nation Germany booked their place with a less than convincing 1-0 win over Nigeria.  Despite the rabid home crowd, a 54th minute goal from Simone Laudehr proved to be the difference in a tough and very physical encounter.

The German's last game will be against a red-hot French team that pumped 4 goals past Canada to take the lead spot in Group A, thanks to a superior goal difference.  Germany's best chance at defending their title would be take all 3 points against France, otherwise they may end up playing an in-form Japanese team that routed Mexico 4-0 on Friday afternoon.

The United States got off to a good start with a 2-0 win over a tough but very young North Korean squad.  Both teams played some good attacking football in the first half, with the Koreans looking more like the team that would score before halftime.  In the second half, the U.S. took control of the game, and the veteran squad was able to outlast their younger opponents.

Japan may be the "surprise" team this tournament

Sweden managed a 1-0 win against a Colombia team that had a player suspended for a failed drugs test.  By the time the Swedes scored, it was pretty much long overdue, as they created enough chances to score 7 or more goals.  Sweden and the U.S. look to be on a collision course for a "top of the table encounter", should they get past North Korea and Colombia respectively.

While the two best teams in other groups don't face each other until the last game, Brazil and Norway seem to have drawn the short straw.  For what it's worth, this looks like the best fixture of the weekend in this tournament.  Both won their opening games by a 1-0 score, but a lot more will be expected from these two title contenders.

There have been a total of 25 goals scored so far, the best of which - in my opinion - was scored by Mexico's Monica Ocampo in their 1-1 draw against England in the group opener.  Monica Ocampo, take a bow!!  You have set the bar for this tournament.

Hope and a prayer: The U.S. and a Solo mission.

The 2011 Women's World Cup is already under way, and the list of pre-tournament favorites (a.k.a the usual suspects) has more or less remained the same.

There's Germany, the host nation and 2-time defending champion, who've already kicked off their campaign with a 2-1 win over Canada.  Brazil, looking to win their first world title, are at the top of the list as well.  They are led by Marta, the reigning World Player of the Year.  Norway and Sweden will always give any team a run for their money.  The spotlight will of course shine brightest on the team that currently boasts the world's #1 ranking; the United States.

Favorites in just about every tournament they play in, the United States will looking for their first title since 1999, when they beat China in a penalty shoot-out.  In the last 2 tournaments, they managed to make it to the semis, only to fall short.  In 2003, they lost 3-0 to eventual champion Germany.  In 2007, they drew Brazil in the semis.  On the eve of the game, then coach Greg Ryan, opted to bench starting goalie Hope Solo in favor of veteran Brianna Scurry (one of the heroes of the 1999 World Cup and the 2004 Olympics).

Solo could not mask her anger during the
2007 semis against Brazil

Whatever the motive was, it didn't matter as Brazil routed the U.S. 4-0, and Solo didn't pull any punches afterward; ripping Greg Ryan for his decision, and throwing Scurry "under the bus" by appearing to discredit her (Scurry) past contributions to the team's success.  Solo was dismissed from the team immediately and wasn't a part of the festivities when the U.S. went on to claim 3rd place with a 4-1 win over Norway.  Solo has since attempted to clarify that her anger and comments were solely aimed at Ryan (who left soon after when his contract was not renewed), not Scurry; who wound up as collateral damage.

With new coach Pia Sundhage came a clean slate and Solo was restored to the team as the 1st choice goalkeeper.  Her road to redemption culminated in the 2008 Beijing Olympics (ironically, China hosted the 2007 World Cup), when she repelled wave after wave of Brazilian attacks and the U.S. hang on to successfully defend their Gold Medal crown.

Hope Solo has forged a reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in the game, and while an Olympic gold medal is no "small potatoes", a World Cup winner's medal is ultimately the cherished prize.  She has come a long way, with the 2007 debacle slowly but surely fading from her rear-view mirror.  Triumph in Germany will, if anything, bury the whole thing completely; "six feet under" and all.

Should the U.S. win, will this happen?

Along with Solo, the U.S. will rely on the leadership of Abby Wambach, team captain Christie Rampone and Shannon Boxx in their quest to bring back a title has so far done a great job of eluding them.  With the Olympics just around the corner, a Gold Medal "three-peat" isn't that far from their minds either.  A world cup triumph would definitely provide a big boost going forward.

As Solo and the team embark on their quest, may "The Force" be with them (sorry, but I couldn't pass it up).