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.

Buehler's day off.

As the United States prepare to take on France in the World Cup semis, they will be missing the services of defender Rachel Buehler, who was sent off in the quarterfinals against Brazil.

Top - bottom; Buehler's challenge
on Marta leading to a penalty and red card.

Buehler received her marching orders following a foul on Brazilian star player Marta, in the 65th minute.  After a brilliant move saw Marta get into a "one-on-one" situation with Hope Solo (a goal being the most likely result), Buehler made a challenge for what seemed to be a fair ball, only to bring down the Brazilian.  Australian referee Jacqui Melksham did not hesitate in awarding the penalty.

Melksham stunned just about everyone when she pulled out the red card for what appeared to be a "professional foul".  Granted, Buehler was the last defender, but it's not like she intentionally fouled Marta.  After watching the replay several times, the red card seems way to harsh for what should have at least been a yellow card.  However, these things happen a lot faster on the field, and the ref doesn't have the same privilege of replays that the audience at home does.  The U.S. eventually managed to prevail, but not before few more questionable calls; including retaking the penalty after it had initially been saved by Solo.

Buehler has already scored a goal in this tournament (against North Korea), but the defensive side of the ball is where she will be missed.  Team Coach Pia Sundhage announced late Monday that Becky Sauerbrunn will be starting on Wednesday against France.

The semi-finals isn't the ideal place for a player to get their first taste of the World Cup, but Sauerbrunn has already featured for the national team, and her experience will be valuable.  She filled in for Christie Rampone during 2 friendlies against Japan in May (the US won 2-0 in both games), playing the full 90 minutes in both encounters.

The U.S. will more than likely be favored to get past a French team that is making its first trip to the semis.  Just like the rest of us however, Buehler's role will only be that of a spectator.

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).