American women rally for epic win over Brazil at World Cup

from soccermogul.com

That my friends is why soccer is the greatest game. Simply an epic day in Germany as the Americans rallied against every possible obstacle to eliminate Brazil in penalty kicks after tying the match in the 122nd minute.

The Americans got the dream start they craved as a perfect low cross from Shannon Boxx was deflected into her own goal by Brazilian defender Daiane after only a minute of play. It sent the US on their way and Brazil were clearly unsettled. Marta spent more time in the opening half complaining and waving her arms than actually causing the US defense problems. The game went to halftime 1-0 to the US.

Things went bad from there as it seemed every referee decision went against the US. The event occured in the 66th minute as Marta tried to get away from two American defenders. She popped the ball inside and raced after it on goal fighting Rachel Buehler along the way. Both went down in a heap as Hope Solo scooped up the ball. The referee raced in and awarded a penalty kick and produced a red card for Buehler to the dismay of everyone. Replays showed little to justify the decision that would change the match.

Incredibly, even worse was to follow. Solo saved Cristiane's ensuing penalty kick, only for ref Melksham to indicate the kick should be retaken. Television replays showed Solo hadn't strayed off her line, but there was an American player who ventured into to the box before the kick was taken, and you can only surmise that was the basis for the harsh decision. Marta took the retaken penalty herself and sent Solo the wrong way to knot the score at 1-1. It looked difficult from there as the US were forced to continue a man down.

The crowd were clearly swayed as everytime Marta was on the ball she heard boos and jeers. Actually the US game seemed to get better despite playing shorthanded. Brazil didn't push hard for the winner in regular time as one would have expected. The match would head to overtime 1-1.

Shortly into the extra period Brazil would go in front. Once again controversy would ensue as the play was clearly offside before the cross. Marta veered near post and flicked the cross from a nearly impossible angle. Somehow the ball found the backpost and bounced in. A truly world-class finish from the best player in the world. One would think it was lights out from there, but that was not to be the case.

Abby Wambach almost tied the game in the 98th only to see Brazilian keeper Andreia make a superb save to steer the ball wide. The Brazilians would resort to some childish time wasting tactics in the 2nd overtime and they would be made to pay for it. The referee added three minutes of extra time due to the antics and the Americans would find the dramatic tying goal in that added time.

Wambach was not to be denied. Megan Rapinoe's pinpoint cross was challenged by Andreia, but Wambach was able to hold concentration and head the ball into the goal. The crowd erupted in glee and the US was back from the dead.

Penalty kicks would be a formality as all momentum was with the US and keeper Hope Solo. The Americans converted all five shots while Solo saved Daiane's sending the Americans into the semifinals with a historic win. Now the team must rest and recoup in the coming days before facing a feisty France side.

Mexico relseases roster for Brazil match at Dallas Cowboys Stadium

MLS suspends Brek Shea for three matches

Brazil announces roster for upcoming Mexico match at Cowboys Stadium

FC Dallas winless streak hits 5 with Seattle loss

FC Dallas gives up late goal as Galaxy rally for tie

Dallas Sidekicks returning to North Texas and PASL

FC Dallas and Real Salt Lake battle to a draw