Just when you think you’ve seen the most incredible moment in American soccer one year ago, Megan Rapinoe and Abby Wambach make it look like child’s play in both magnitude and degree of difficulty. While Landon Donovan’s goal was great, it provided a 1-0 win over Algeria to survive the weakest group in the 2010 World Cup and gave us our only win in the tournament. It also never happens if the keeper holds on to Clint Dempsey’s initial attempt. The play made by the American women was a half hour later in its respective game against an international superpower that placed the United States in the semifinals.
Only the golden voice of Ian Darke could do the moment any justice. The USA was facing adversity from every angle; questionable officiating teamed up with one of the most talented teams in the world as Brazil held a 2-1 lead in the stoppage time of extra time. Between a mulligan on a penalty shot, playing man-down for about an hour, and a display of diving that left Italians with their pens and papers out, the world number one women’s soccer team was all but dead in the 122nd minute of the world cup quarterfinal…and then this happened.
Abby Wambach’s clutch header leveled the match and erased any tough breaks we were given, setting up the best goalkeeper in the world to bring home the victory. While there is a lot left in our journey through the 2011 World Cup, there is already so much to reflect on.
Our first two games were more or less taking care of business, beating Korea 2-0 and Columbia 3-0. The deadly range displayed in the first couple of games turned out to be a double edged sword, as we became a bit too dependent on low percentage shots against Sweden, who eventually defeated the Americans 2-1. Our offense looked stale and our possessions lacked any rhythm. The defense also looked slow and made some uncharacteristic mistakes that cost us the group, which is what forced the Brazil match in the first place. In response to their issues, team USA made the proper adjustments and become more aggressive and physical, scoring both of their goals inside the box in this last game. We also used Brazil’s sweeper position against them, which makes it nearly impossible to be caught off sides on that final play in extra time. Ideally, both methods of play should come together against our final two opponents. Luckily enough, Germany was ousted early by Japan and, seeing as we took care of Brazil ourselves, we have now become an overwhelming favorite to win it all this year. However, as uncle Ben would say, with great power comes great responsibility, and the pressure to become champions for the first time since 1999 continues to accumulate. I acknowledge this challenge as a tough one, but it’s a problem I’d like to deal with.
In terms of our immediate future, the danger of an emotional hangover is a considerable one. That last game is nearly impossible to follow up well, so Wambach and company need to suppress their memories as strongly as possible and treat this game as an individual event that involves a worthy opponent. While France is not traditionally a superpower in women’s soccer, they did rattle one when they lost 4-2 against Germany in group play. The score was not a good summary of the game; France’s goalie was ejected and Germany was able to prevent what could have easily been a shocking upset. I believe that defeating France and the winner of the Sweden/Japan game will require tapping into the only resource that the Americans have not yet fully used in this tournament. Our superior athleticism needs to manifest itself in the form of Heather O’Reilly or Alex Morgan as a substitute. While good execution alone would be enough to win, keeping France’s defense on their heels and on the run would likely cement our place in the final game.
The shot of Mia Hamm after winning the 1999 World Cup is one of the most famous images in the history of patriotism in American sports. This group of women have the opportunity to become legends of a similar stature. Wednesday morning’s showdown against the French is the next step for team USA, and hopefully not the last.
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