It's a good omen for the USA that Steinhaus was picked to ref the final. She lets tough (but fair) tackles go. There have been too many shoulder-to-shoulders and good sliding tackles called against in this world cup. This suits the USA's intense defense very well. Now it's up to the winger and forwards to create chances and finish them.
One last time...this is one I posted on a few other forums, but I wanted to post it here. Ahem. IT'S SHOWTIME.
Is it wrong that I wish newsouth was confidently predicting Japan to win give how their other predictions have gone? (sorry dude) Instead, I'll just have to hope the Angry Chicken is out in full force.
I haven't heard anyone really explore why the results in this WWC have been sooo unpredictable. I mean, Japan was pretty comprehensively beaten by ENGLAND of all people in the group stage . . . they rebound to beat Germany in a game that was on knife edge right to the end, then have the best game in the history of their program (as far as I know) against Sweden in the semi-final. Based on that game, they did LOOK unbeatable. Meanwhile, the US looked great for long stretches against North Korea, ok against Columbia after they settled, and surprisingly good against Sweden (and a bit snake-bit) even though they lost. They followed that up with two games that featured dominant stretches and also long periods where the US was forced to drop uncharacteristically deep and chase the game. I think a lot of this game is going to be decided by which team really plays closer to their own potential. If the US plays at their top level, they should win - but if not, they certainly have looked beatable. But which Japan will we see? The one that couldn't really deal with England? Or the one that decimated a Swedish team that is FAR stronger than the Three Lionesses? I guess that's why this is so exciting!!!!
On the contrary, I thought Japan thoroughly outplayed England in every aspect. They should have scored 10 on England. The final score overlooks the fact that the Japanese forwards could not finish in that game and the combination of luck and mistake led to the England goals.
no. they can't even keep their focus on the game. anyway, if i'm correct, a-rod has been benched for the usa bad omen. she's traditionally played well against japan. why not keep same sub pattern and see if she can produce a goal. is pia trying to be added to the coaching hall of shame for a bonehead move before a game? is rap starting at forward instead or cheney replacing a-rod, neither one is a big time forward? anyway, get your heads back into the game.
Yep, I think we can expect a thrilling final. If the Nippon girls can repeat their impressive defensive performance from the Germany & Sweden matches and also the great offensive play from their semi-final, I can see them making the huge surprise and sensationally winning the World Cup! But let's not forget that the US girls do have a real "weapon" (Wambach) in attack, who can be expected to threaten the rather small Japanese defence a lot more in the air as the Germans & Swedish did.
Depends on the artist. "Cute girls" usually have very small noses, so they indicate the nose with only a small dot or shading.
Can't wait for this match - hoping that the US wins obviously but if Japan wins, well their the Cinderella story and everyone loves a Cinderella team so be it.
arod probably knows she has not had her best performance in this cup. cheney and hao have performed at a higher level. rapinoe is connecting with abby. i can see why pia might make that move and sub in arod if cheney, rap, or hao is not producing during the game. are you in the i am going to argue with pia no matter what club. just kidding. but arod had not directed her force well she could.
no negative, just keep doing what got them to the finals. rap, morgan and others have done well as subs. a-rod can be subbed out after 40-45 mins. i don't see japan running away with this game in the 1st 40, and she was strong in the two friendlies. she still plays the ball the best with her feet on the usa side, and maybe that's why she plays well against japan, basically beating them at their game.
Must spread... Just love the expressions on the faces of each respective team's girl on all your pictures. Spot on!
If you take a look at this page, I have desktops commemorating every team's participation in the FIFA Women's World Cup. (Also made one for the men, too.)