From Despair to Delirium in Dresden

United States 2(5) : 2(3) Brazil

By Kara McDermott

Fitness and character won possibly one of the greatest soccer matches ever played. The US overcame negative pundits, egregiously poor officiating, technically dazzling Brazilians and the clock to advance into the semi-finals over Brazil. The tenor of the game transported fans back to 1999, to Kristine Lilly saving the ball off the line in the 10th minute of extra time, to Brianna Scurry’s save, to Brandi Chastain dropping to the ground with her arms in the air.

The US got on the board early in just the 2nd minute of time, with a little help from Brazil. Abbie Wambach at the top of the box tipped a ball forward to the line. It looked to be going out but Shannon Boxx went after it and crossed it off of the line to the center of the goal area. Defender Daiane, feeling the pressure of Wambach closing in, attempted to clear but put too much effort in and ended up mis-hitting it into the goal.

The US started the game looking crisp and more motivated than against Sweden in their previous game. The game nearly went to two in the 12th minute when Christie Rampone took a long free kick just inside their offensive half. Wambach got in front of goalkeeper Andreia as they both went up for the ball, but the keeper was able to get enough of her fingers on it to deflect the ball to the outside. She was again tested on the resulting corner, but her double-fisted punch cleared the ball out of the box.

Marta, as expected, was a consistent threat for the Brazilians. In a nail-biting play, she took the ball from nearly midfield, opened up her engines and flew past the US defense to the box. Veteran Rampone was able to keep enough pace to prevent Marta from cutting inside, and the world’s best player shot the ball over the crossbar as goalkeeper Hope Solo came out in the 23rd minute.

The Brazilians sent many of their goal scoring opportunities over the crossbar, aiding the US’ ability to hold the lead. However, the US defense shut down much of Brazil’s offensive play as well. Besides Marta’s run, Brazil was unable to send through balls or get behind the US defense which lined up further back, allowing more space in front of them to cushion the intimidating Brazil front line.

Brazil came out with more zing in the second half, but still the game was an even match all over the field. Neither side got a shot off for about fifteen minutes after kick-off.

In the 59th minute, Brazil showed how dangerous they can be not only with their crafty feet, but also in the air. A corner kick to the far post went off of Aline’s head and towards the goal. Luckily though, the arms she used to propel upwards lingered too long above her head and got in her way, earning a hand ball.

Again in the 60th minute Christiane rocketed a long shot to far post, forcing a wonderful diving save by Solo on her injured shoulder.

And then came the 65th minute, a memory that will certainly live in infamy for American fans. Rachel Buehler reached for a ball with Marta, who jumped at it with her studs up over the defender. A penalty kick was awarded and a red card issued to Buehler.

Solo, possibly the best goalkeeper currently on the world stage, leaped to answer the left-footed penalty and deflected it with enough force to send it out for a throw-in on the right side. However, an AR signaled encroachment and the PK was called back to be retaken. Solo, erupting in anger, earned a yellow card. Always the technician, Marta sunk the second chance shot to even up the game.

The US played the rest of the game down a player and frustrated, but held the score to force extra time.

Entering extra time, the Brazilians had not used any of their subs yet and the US still had one. In the 92nd minute, the referee again changed the course of the game. Brazil’s Maurine, offside on the left side, received a pass and crossed to Marta at near post. She in turn twisted her body in what should be an impossible position to volley the ball with her left foot to far post. The ball deflected off the post and into the goal putting Brazil up in extra time.

The clock ticked on, seemingly endless and far too quick at the same time for the American side as they threw everything forward. Even down a player, the US kept constant pressure on Brazil’s defense which was visibly showing signs of fatigue and cramping, but still no result for the Americans. The 120 minute mark was reached and despair set in.

But then, with the commentators predicting the last play of the game, Megan Rapinoe took her last opportunity in the US’ 2011 World Cup campaign to serve a perfect cross to Wambach on the far post, a player who has scored many headers in her career, but not one with so much on the line. She got over it and sent it past Andreia’s hands to tie the game, and American fans all over knew that despite everything, the players, and not the referee, were going to decide the game once and for all.

The US took the first kick and chose center midfield anchor Boxx to start. She took a weak shot to the right that Andreia saved. But the goalkeeper had clearly come forward off her line early and for the second time this game, the penalty kick was retaken. With a second chance, Boxx hit a much better shot and buried it this time in the corner.

The Brazilians then followed with two left-footed shots to the right corner by Christiane and Marta. Carli Lloyd and Wambach both sunk their shots as well. Daiane stepped up, but this time Solo was ready and saved her second penalty of the game, only this time it stuck. Rapinoe followed with a right foot to left corner, forcing Brazil to score their next kick. The US were confident in all of their kickers, the storied conditioning finally paying off not only with the physical but also the mental demands that penalties require.

Francielle used a little trickery to stutter step a changeup that faked out Solo, keeping Brazil alive. Defender Ali Krieger stepped to the mark. A goal would finish off Brazil, a miss would allow them to tie it up. In a show of compassion, Krieger finished them off quickly by burying a perfect shot to the left corner.

After 1999, the US women have struggled to match the magic and impact of that squad. But today, we got our heroes back. From the despair of a poor PK call and dropping to ten, to the elation of rallying back and pouring every last exertion on the field, the emotions of this game were some of the most profound that any US squad, men or women, has ever produced.

Fly a flag, hug a bartender, shake the hand of a Brazilian fan and congratulate them on a game well played. It’s a beautiful day to be an American, but even more, it’s a beautiful day to be a soccer fan.

The US will play a tough French side on Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. PT in the semi-finals.

Kara McDermott would be remiss not to thank the wonderful staff of The Attic in Madison Park, who have adopted her throughout this World Cup. She also writes for her blog, Waving the Rave. (www.wavingrave.wordpress.com)