Alex Morgan wants you to have a Fanta and watch more soccer.
Why soccer doesn't have the appeal of other major sports here in the States, I will never understand. Maybe it's the low scoring. Then again, when a goal is finally scored it's the biggest explosive moment in all of sports. Most recently, I'm sure many recall Landon Donovan's goal in extra time to send the US past Algeria and in to the Round of 16 at the 2010 World Cup. Possibly it's the fact that diving and poor refereeing seem to influence the outcome of games all to often. Maybe it's the fact the the US has never been a major power on the world scale, well, at least the US men haven't. That brings me to yesterday...and the US women.
Since FIFA began ranking countries in world soccer, the US Women have never been ranked lower than second in the world, only taking a backseat to Germany over the years. They currently sit at #1. Five Women's World Cups have been contested and the US Women have come away champions twice (1991 and 1999) and finished in third place three times. To put this in perspective, the US Men's highest world ranking was fourth in 2006 and best World Cup finish was third place...in 1930. Around the world, the names Hamm, Foudy, Akers, Chastain, Fawcett, Scurry and Lilly are women's soccer legends for anchoring the Cup champs of '91 and '99...and they're Americans. As for the men, outside of maybe Landon Donovan, most of the world will be pretty quiet when talking about American soccer superstars throughout the years.
Yesterday's quarterfinal between the US and Brazil was a classic. US takes an early lead on an own goal from Brazilian defender Daiane. Brazil evened the score after five-time player of the year, Marta, scored on her second penalty kick attempt. US goalkeeper Hope Solo saved her first attempt, but was controversially found to have left her line early and the save was disallowed. Not the first sign of sketchy refereeing against the US as central defender Rachel Buehler was unjustly red carded for fouling Marta in the box moments earlier. Marta put Brazil ahead 2-1 with her second goal of the game in the second minute of the overtime period. The score remained the same until the waning seconds of the overtime, when midfielder Megan Rapinoe hit the most perfectly placed left-footed pass these eyes have ever seen onto the head of striker Abby Wambach, who proceeded to rifle it into the back of the net, tying the game 2-2, and sending the game to penalty kicks to settle the match. I've watched this goal at least a dozen times since it happened and I'm still in awe. As a former player and fan of this beautiful game, it doesn't get any better. Everytime I watch it I want to charge through a wall. It truly brings tears to my eyes, and that's saying a lot.
Following the Rapinoe-to-Wambach crescendo, the US prevailed 5-3 in penalty kicks as Solo again showed why she's the best goalie in the world, as she thwarted Brazil's third attempt by Daiane with a diving save to her right. Ali Krieger converted her penalty kick to clinch the win for the US and send them to a semifinal meeting with France on Wednesday.
Now, Americans are suddenly talking soccer again. I know it won't last, but it should. Everytime someone says that soccer is boring, this clip should be played. If this doesn't make you want to watch soccer, then you shouldn't be watching sports. Memories are what breed legends. Babe Ruth's "called shot." Joe Montana to Dwight Clark for "The Catch." Michael Jordan switching hands while driving through the lane on the Lakers. Al Michaels asking "If you believe in miracles?" as USA Hockey upset the unstoppable Soviet Union in 1980.
If you're not watching, you're missing out. Even if it's soccer.
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