I don't know if you watched the United States vs. Brazil game in the Women's World Cup, but it was one for the ages.
The United States scored first, outplayed Brazil and led 1-0 at the half.

The United States continued the better play, but with 65 minutes remaining, Brazil benefited from an astonishing series of blunders by the referee.

First, the referee called a penalty kick that was not a penalty for Brazil and gave an American defender a red card that was not a red card, so the US had to play the rest of game with 10 players.

Nevertheless, Hope Solo, the goalkeeper for the US blocked the kick, but then the referee said that Hope had moved too soon off her line (not true) and had the penalty kick retaken and let a different player take the kick, which was unusual. This time Brazil scored, so in full time the teams ended tied 1-1.

The crowd turned against Brazil and began booing loudly, but cheering whenever the USA went into attack.

Brazil scored with about twenty minutes of overtime left, but the player that passed in the assist on the point had been off sides, but the referee didn't call off sides and let the score stand. Brazil 2-1.

However, the Americans didn't give up, but kept attacking and in the final minute of extra time (122nd minute of play, the latest goal scored in World Cup history) Megan Rapinoe put in a perfect cross that Abby Wambach headed into the net for a 2-2 tie. The crowd roared its approval and joy.

Then the game went to penalty kicks. Hope Solo again blocked a kick, so the US won 5-3 on penalty kicks, and the stadium went wild with ecstasy because justice had been served thanks to the grit and belief that the US women had shown.

I was crying and laughing at the same time, clapping and yelling at the wonderful ending to the game.

Watch the replays on ESPN. They're worth seeing.
 
(This first part of the blog is based on an email I sent to my sister.)
 
This World Cup has exceeded my expectations.  All the teams have had quality players, been well coached, and shown a lot of spirit.  Consequently, there have been quite a few upsets.  Germany, the favorite, was sent off by Japan, which later eliminated Sweden.  France had almost as gutsy a performance as the USA when the French team scored in the 88th minute to tie England, and then won in a penalty kick shootout.
 
Japan quickly became my second favorite team as I saw them out-possess and out-shoot their European opponents.
 
The USA elminated France 3-1 in another tough game because France played well, showcasing their speed and shooting skills.
 
Therefore, I'm looking forward to the final match on Sunday when my two favoite teams meet for the championship.  I'm sure it will be another tense struggle between two very good teams. 
 
Here are two haiku poems as tributes to the World Cup:
 
 
"The pink carnations"
Are blooming in Europe’s fields—
Cup them in a vase.


"The pink carnations" is a tribute to the Japanese team, whose nickname is Nadeshika meaning "fringed pink carnations."


"The beast in the air"
Rises over the others' . . .
Summer at goal lines.

"The beast in the air" is what Megan Rapinoe has nicknamed Abby Wambach because she is so proficient at getting above the defense and heading in goals.
 
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