What a game! This is exactly what a final should be: two great teams going toe to toe for not 90, but 120 minutes.
To be honest, I was surprised to see the US even playing in the final. Before the Olympics started, I would have predicted a tough game for the bronze medal. But even without Wambach, the US pulled it together and made it all the way to the final.
The possession was clearly dominated by the Brazilians, and I have to admit, I think Brazil was the better team. I don't think the US had a single good scoring chance the entire regulation game. Brazil on the other hand, had several good chances. Including a spectacular play from Marta that Hope Solo was barely able to turn away. But turn it away she did. And I have to give the US credit for hanging in the entire game. They were very organized in the back, and played a strong, smart defense. Tough tackling, great positioning and support, and excellent communication.
And what happens when the better team lets the underdog hang around? Exactly. Carli Lloyd gets an opportunity off a rare US attack, and puts the ball in the back of the net. Barbara, Brazil's goalie, probably should have made the save. But goalkeeping is the Achilles Heel of the Brazilians, and it cost them dearly in this game.
Brazil came raging back of course, and had several more opportunities to send the game to PK's. But the Americans held off wave after wave of attacks (barely) to win the game 1-0.
A great game, and a great result. USA! USA! USA!
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2 comments:
I am so happy for Hope Solo. Hopefully this game puts the last World Cup behind her (if she hasn't moved past it already) and validates her as one of the U.S.'s best players.
I am probably more happy for Hope than for winning the gold. Is that weird?
Umm...yes. Yes it is. Well, to me it is anyway. I would almost always prefer the team succeed rather than any one indivdual.
But I'm happy for Hope Solo as well.
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