“I don’t know if you can write a better script,” U.S. forward Abby Wambach said immediately after the game in a postmatch interview.
The United States had just defeated Brazil 5–3 on penalty kicks after Wambach tied the game 2–2 in the 122nd minute of play. Goalkeeper Hope Solo made the only save of the shootout, diving to her right to stop Brazil’s Daiane.
Winning a penalty shootout in a World Cup quarterfinal is one thing, but that’s not the full story.
The U.S. had been fighting against Brazil with one fewer player for nearly an hour after Rachel Buehler was sent off for a foul on Brazil’s Marta. The U.S. fell behind 2–1 early in the first period of extra time and then had to equalize to get the game into the penalty shootout.
Wambach’s powerful headed goal, off a perfect cross from Megan Rapinoe’s left foot, seemed only fitting as the U.S. had fought so hard to be at least level.
Early Jump
The U.S. got out of the gates quickly and took the lead after only 76 seconds of play when Shannon Boxx’s low cross was put into her own net by Daiane.
Although they were second-best in the skill department, the Americans were physically dominant. Their play was frustrating the Brazilians and winning fans among the audience of 26,000 in Dresden, Germany.
Marta, Brazil’s five-time FIFA Player of the Year, wasn’t winning any fans by loudly protesting to the referee on a handful of occasions. She was booked for her complaining.
But Marta showed why she is considered the best player in women’s soccer. Being extremely quick, skillful, and tenacious, she created her own scoring chance by popping the ball over the heads of two U.S. defenders before being hauled down by Buehler.
Buehler had a fist-full of Marta’s jersey, and as last player back preventing a goal scoring opportunity, had to be sent off.
Controversy Strikes
Cristiane stepped up to take the penalty but Solo made a terrific save. However, Australian referee Jacqui Melksham ordered it to be retaken as, apparently, an American player has entered the 18-yard box prior to the ball being struck. Replays showed that the player had barely entered the box and perhaps had not even put a foot in the box prior to the ball being struck.
Nevertheless, the penalty shot was retaken, this time by Marta, who made no mistake with her left foot. The decision to retake the penalty will be re-examined, no doubt, as the American player surely couldn’t have interfered and normally such a call would not be made.
Now, down to 10 players, the U.S. didn’t simply abandon hope of scoring. Instead, they pushed forward and created more chances than Brazil.
The match went to extra time after ending 1–1 once regulation time was over.
Marta came up with her best to put Brazil up 2–1, hooking a left-footer over Solo and in off the far post after some clever play down the left wing. With her second goal of the game, Marta equaled Birgit Prinz’s first place tally of 14 World Cup goals.
At this point, the U.S., down a player, needed something extra special to get the equalizer.
Wambach almost had it when her left-footer was saved by the fingertips of Andreia just six minutes after Marta’s go-ahead goal.
The U.S. kept fighting, got a few corners and free kicks but were unable to penetrate Brazil’s defense. Brazil was doing everything they could to run out the clock, including “simulation.”
Erika was given a yellow card in the 117th minute after being taken off on a stretcher, only to bounce back on her feet and run on the pitch. The pro-U.S. crowd clearly did not appreciate this lack of sportsmanship.
Carli Lloyd then had a great chance in the 120th minute but her shot from the top of the 18-yard box flew just over the net.
And then, nearly two minutes later, Rapinoe, swung a beautiful cross that Wambach converted. It was almost the last bit of action before the referee concluded extra time.
Solo Stands Tall
In the penalty shootout, the U.S. took a 3–2 lead after Boxx, Lloyd, and Wambach scored and Cristiane and Marta replied for Brazil. Solo guessed correctly and stopped Daiane’s penalty.
Then Rapinoe and finally Ali Krieger scored to give the U.S. a ticket to the semifinal against France on Wednesday in Moenchengladbach.
“I really don’t know what to say,” Wambach said. Referring to the American fighting spirit, she said, “That is the perfect example of what this country is about. We never gave up. Brazil is a great team.
“I’m honored to be here. This is the World Cup. We believe that we can win this tournament.”
“Even when we were a player down and a goal behind in extra time, you sensed that something was going to happen. The team kept fighting. You can’t teach that. It’s a feeling, and we play with that feeling,” Solo said on FIFA.com.
Brazil’s coach Kleiton Lima said, “Our team may be a little more creative, but we just couldn’t impose ourselves today.” The U.S. spirit was irrepressible and refused to lose.
This victory did come down to the belief of the U.S. women who almost certainly gained numerous new fans with their incredible effort.
The winner of the USA–France match will face the winner of the Sweden–Japan match in the final. Sweden already beat the U.S. in group play. The final will be played next Sunday.
Follow Rahul on Twitter @RV_ETSports
