Womens Soccer World Cup

[Hector]

Having said that...Brazil's Marta is one helluva player.

[Wee67]

Having said that...Brazil's Marta is one helluva player.

Yes, she is. I sincerely hope she enjoys her time off

[wolfie]

Congrats to the USA, that was too close for comfort.

[Adam West]

I was truly angry that a referee made some horrible calls that almost sent the U.S. home. The U.S. dominated most of this game only to watch the red card, stopping the penalty shot and a do-over because Solo moved off the line???? I had to run out but taped the rest to see Wambach score with I believe about 45 seconds left in double overtime to send it into a penalty shootout. I fully believe the USA now is on a mission to win this World Cup. I am not going to look past France and I'm sure the U.S. won't either. Japan is an excellent team but I'm predicting a USA vs. Sweden final only Sweden will not win this time around!!! And yes, Marta is the best female player in the world but watch how Brazil's National team plays. They seemingly have no cohesive strategy or game plan and have to rely on the sick individual talents of the Brazilian individual skills which will only get you so far. I know Marta receives all of the attention but there are at least 4 or 5 really good players for Brazil (Christiane comes to mind). They just aren't well organized as a team.

[Wee67]

Wow, the U.S. looks really tired against France right now. Lots of lunging at the ball. Not good versus a good possession team.

[Wee67]

I guess when you combine good speed and spotty defense, well... that's not good FOR a possession team.

Classic football- France really controlled this match, yet lost on two good long balls that resulted in goals. Not to take away from the U.S. defensive play, but I thought France might pull this out.

[wolfie]

Congrats to the USA, for some reason i can't quite put my finger on i'm glad you kicked France out.

[Adam West]

I only caught the first half on my lunch break and have it recorded to watch the rest later but did notice that France controlled the ball for most of what I saw. U.S. seemed complacent on sitting on a one goal lead and would look for opportunities but seemed tired like you said. During the first half (what I saw), it didn't appear that France had any dangerous shots that caused me to particularly cringe even though they kept possession throughout.

Also saw that Japan beat Sweden 3-1. This is going to be a good final!!! I do feel that the USA is the better of the two teams but Japan has to feel that they can take on anyone after beating Germany and Sweden. They are a very technical/tactical team but the U.S. also is technical/tactical plus has taller more athletic players so we'll see who wants it more. Hopefully, USA won't take Japan lightly and go all out to bring the World Cup home. I know Hope Solo and Abby Wambach want it bad which just might be most of what is needed to motivate the entire team.

[wolfie]

It's amazing, England beat Japan and yet we are sitting at home and Japan are in the final.

[Adam West]

I didn't see the England/Japan game but am guessing that Japan sat out a lot of starters since they would have been the 1 seed no matter what. I finally had the opportunity to see the 2nd half of USA vs. France yesterday and it was an ugly win. USA has already played Japan in 3 friendlies this year and won all 3 games. With that said, they should not go into the game thinking this is a done deal and I don't think they will. As much as Japan is going to fight for a World Cup win; I think players like Solo and Wambach are on a mission to win and will find a way to do it.

[wolfie]

Far from it, Japan had the full team out trying to avoid having to play Germany in the next round.

[Adam West]

Good point. I forgot that England emerged as the 1 seed out of the group stages.

Soccer is one of those sports where you have 5 or 6 really good teams and everyone else. The 5 or 6 can beat anyone else on any given day.

[Hector]

It's going to be a great game.

[kennermike]

It's going to be a great game.

Forget the Womens CupAmerica s Cup final 4 Saturday and Sunday GO CHHHHHIIILLLLLLEEEE!!

[Adam West]

Sorry, World Cup takes precedence in my book. Stories floating around that the president might fly out for the game.