It’s hard to comprehend how dramatic the tying goal scored by Abby Wambach was for the U.S. women’s soccer team Sunday if you didn’t watch the entire game.
To understand what made it so special, you have to recognize that the U.S. was playing at a woman disadvantage for almost the entire second half after Rachel Buehler was sent off by referee Jacqui Melksham. You have to understand that the U.S. team was screwed by a bad call that gave Brazil a second penalty kick in the 65th minute. You have to understand that the reason they were playing in the 122nd minute is because a Brazilian player laid on the ground faking an injury for four minutes before springing off the stretcher and sprinting back onto the field. You also have to understand that the U.S. didn’t really threaten to score for most of the match until Megan Rapinoe sent that beautiful cross just over the reach of the Brazilians to set up Abby Wambach’s winning header.
That goal by Abby Wambach from Megan Rapinoe was easily one of the most thrilling ones I’ve ever seen. Landon Donovan’s goal to beat Algeria in the World Cup was special, and this was too.
Even though it was only a quarterfinals win, it feels like this U.S. team is destined to win it all. It’s impossible to come back in that fashion only to fall short of their ultimate goal. The women’s team never gave up and they will win it all.
Thanks to Blazers Edge for the video
