USA vs. Brazil: Wow.

USA Forward Abby Wambach completely possessed by glory after her World Cup-saving goal vs. Brazil in the 122nd minute. 

   
   The United States of America has its problems. We are in basically unlimited amounts of debt, our justice system just let Casey Anthony off the hook and unemployment rate could be much better. Even with all of our flaws, one quality can stand out on this day: We can freaking rally.
   When 9/11 happened, nobody sat around feeling sorry for our country being attacked. We banded together, bought American flags and supported the place we all feel honored to live in. Just under a week ago, we rallied together for the 235th anniversary of the day we started to call this country our own. Today, a group of women rallied in Germany in the name of this country and whew, it was a sight to see.
   The 2011 Women's World Cup is happening right now in Germany. As some may not know, the United States has the number one ranked team in the world right now and have had high hopes to win the championship for the first time since 1999. Stars like forward Abby Wambach and goalie Hope Solo have led the way for the U.S. in this year's tourney. But just a few days ago, the U.S. was upset by a very good Sweden team, 2-1. Losing that game forced them to play one of the world's soccer powerhouses, Brazil, in what looked to be one of the signature matches of this year's Women's World Cup.
   The game started with an own-goal by Brazil in the first ninety seconds. Then things got more interesting. Brazil was awarded a penalty kick later in the game which was stopped by USA goalkeeper (and total babe) Hope Solo. A controversial call allowed Brazil's best player (Marta) to come in and retry the penalty kick. She buries it and somehow it was 1-1. The U.S. received a red-card and were forced to play down a man (or a woman I guess) for the rest of the game.

   I hopped on Twitter to see if anyone else was watching what I now considered to be a complete travesty of a game. I found out something pretty cool: Everyone was watching this. Curse words and negative comments towards the officials were flying and U.S. citizens were pissed off! But there was no time to worry about what had happened. The ladies had to play with the cards they were dealt (no pun intended).
   The game was tied after ninety minutes and went into extra time, where Brazil's Marta scored early. In World Cup Soccer there is no sudden-death rule, so the Americans still had time to put one on the board. As time began to run out, I felt as if things were hopeless. We had been screwed out of this game, but there was nothing we could do. Then, Abby Wambach decided to earn a spot on The Level. (see yesterday's column.)

   I jumped up and down with joy not even taking the time to remind myself that this is Women's soccer. I did not care in the slightest. Because a sport is a sport no matter what gender is playing and it is definitely okay to enjoy it.
   After the extra time the game went to penalty kicks, where Hope Solo (did I mention she is hot?) sealed the deal with a save on the third shot. In a very dramatic fashion, the United States ladies managed to rally back for a big time victory.
   On Wednesday morning the women take on France in the semi-finals for a chance to continue a journey towards World Cup glory. I will be in my USA t-shirt and probably pajama pants watching from the comfort of my room. I might even try to get some fellow Americans to rally around the T.V. with me. You should too.