USA Women’s Soccer Team Pulls Off a Miracle 8
Abby Wambach's improbable goal in the final seconds set up the USA for victory over Brazil.
On the 12th anniversary of the biggest victory in United States women’s soccer history, the USA women’s squad pulled off a miracle that may eventually prove to be just as significant as their 1999 World Cup win over China.
For most of their quarterfinal matchup against Brazil it looked like another nail was being put in the coffin of soccer in the United States.
After the U.S. men’s team was the victim of awful officiating during the 2010 World Cup and FIFA by-passed the U.S. for hosting a future World Cup, the way it appeared the U.S. women were going to lose to Brazil would serve as another blow against keeping the casual fan interested in soccer.
The U.S. scored early following a defensive miscue by Brazil and maintained that lead midway through the second half.
Then as Brazil superstar Marta and American Rachel Buehler raced with their arms seemingly connected into the box, Marta fell to the ground and earned a penalty kick. While it wasn’t shocking that a penalty was called, it was a bit surprising that Buehler was given a red card considering that both players were going for the ball and there didn’t appear to be any malicious intent.
But if that wasn’t bad enough, what transpired next was even more frustrating for fans of the USA. Read the rest of this entry →
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