I didn't take it that way at all. In fact, Hope went out of her way to praise Lloyd and say she'd want her out there any day, and then said what was the plain truth, that the Rapinoe for Lloyd and moving Cheney in the middle helped change the game. Though I think France moving to 4-4-2 also had something to do with it.
I don't know if this was mentioned but many celebraties jumping on the bandwagon: http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/news?slug=ro-rogers_usa_women_soccer_celebrity_tweets_071111 And Cheney's boyfriend Jrue Holiday is in Germany: And from Bleacher Report about Hope Solo and "the guy" she was with in 2007. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...star-leaves-2007-and-her-boyfriend-behind-her http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...erstar-solo-ditches-bum-boyfriend-for-stardom
Can anyone identify the Spanish-language network broadcasting this? Who is the female color commentator? Hearing a Spanish-language broadcaster calling this like, well, a traditional soccer game, is uplifting. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cLDi89N3Fs"]France vs USA 1-3 All Goals and Highlights Match 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup‏ - YouTube[/ame]
By the way, note the aerial view on the Spanish-language broadcast of Wambach's goal. Notice how she stutter-steps to keep the defender behind her, giving her the ability to time her direct run onto the ball for the "cabezaso".
Thanks for those points, they are well taken. Though I don't think Lloyd played well today, she was instrumental in the first goal. And for those who wanted Japan because we are 3-0 against them and 0-2 vs. Sweden, be careful what you wish for. The Japan team we played earlier was only half their. The didn't have electricity or places to practices. There hearts and heads were elsewhere. That isn't the case now. And plus, I think almost every neutral observer will be rooting for them. I'd expect the crowd to be pro-Japan for the final.
"We are damn good." Is what Hope Solo said the reason why the USA went through the finals. I love, love, love <3 Solo. However, I think Japan will be a completely different story. The USA will be out possessed. They just haven't shown the composure and finesse to keep the ball, which will be PIVOTAL against Japan. Japan on the other hand still needs that extra something in the offensive third. I will be happy with which ever team winning - that is, if they win fairly and with no poor calls given away by the ref. At this point in the tournament, it's ALL up to HEART. Good luck, ladies.
Ghost, I know you're playing it tongue-in-cheek, but please...for karma's sake, will you just admit that Japan is the more likeable team...? Do you really think Germany will root for the USA who are even on wolrd cups with us?
Did anyone else see Mia & Brandi totally gushing about Abby. They love her. Can't blame 'em one bit. Indeed. Japan has looked *really* good. And the country's situation so heartbreaking right now. I almost want to cheer for them. Except for that whole playing us thing. I hope the USWNT takes the lessons from Japan's last 2 wins and does not expect the type of game on Sunday that they had in the 2 warm up games. Japan is on a mission -- a team of destiny.
Heading and tackling are skills also. We are the best in the tourney at those skills. First touch and dribbling are prettier skills but not necessarily more important. There are different ways to win at soccer.... And we have the most skilled goalkeeper at her position in the world.
I know there is a lot of competition, but that might be the stupidest sports article in Internet history.
She's the HOT thing now. I just read an article about how there is some ridiculous amount of guys and gals that are either twittering or using other social media to express their desire to marry Hope Solo. Here it is: http://offthebench.nbcsports.com/20...-as-many-marriage-proposals-as-shots-on-goal/
She is great looking and playing great, so of course the wolves are out. But the heart and soul of this team is Abby, and she should be getting proposals too. But my point was really who cares about players' ex's?
Congrats to the USA ladies!! From a total soccer novice, who admittedly only gets interested during big tournaments, it felt great to see the US pull through in a game they appeard to be getting handily outplayed (or out possessed rather) Hope they come with the same heart against Japan!
The "great looking" part has something to do with it. Yes, men (and some women) are pigs. Human nature.
Im much more worried about this game than the France game. Japan just carved Sweden up into little pieces. If Pia elects to bring Rapinoe off the bench (most likely) the game could be lost before that happens. The biggest thing she needs to do is sit Lloyd. We would have lost had she not been pulled and as soon as she was, the game turned around. Some of it was Rapinoe but a lot of it was Cheney in the middle and the stopping of the constant give aways that Lloyd was producing. Learn something please Pia and make the necessary change
Gives new meaning to the saying "You've gotta have hope!" Though I for one am amazed at the number of marriage proposal tweets.
Well how do you like that...2 points for RUfan. http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/118744007/FIFA Thats him on the far left. Just don't let the Hope-a-natics know... lol