After one of the greatest World Cup games ever — men’s or women’s — the U.S. National Women’s Soccer Team is two wins away from its third crown.
Abby Wambach scored a 122nd-minute header — the latest goal ever in a Women’s World Cup — to tie the Americans’ quarterfinal against Brazil at 2, and a Hope Solo save in the shooout punched a U.S. ticket to Wednesday’s semifinal against France.
The U.S. took the lead in the second minute, but Brazil tied it in the 66th on a controversial PK. Marta put the Brazilians ahead early in extra time.
Referees don’t cost USWNT
Abby Wambach’s injury-time header saved the U.S. after a day of suspect calls nearly cost it.
Rachel Buehler was sent off in the 65th minute for a middling foul in the box. Hope Solo saved the ensuing PK, but Brazil was given a re-do — and Solo a yellow card — for the U.S. keeper apparently leaving her line. Replays showed she didn’t, but Brazil netted the second chance.
France next foe
Yesterday’s semifinal victory earned the U.S. a spot in the Women’s World Cup semifinals against France.
The French played to a 1-1 draw with England on Saturday before winning, 4-3, on penalties. France finished second in Group A. The semi is set for 11:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Americans are favorites
With Brazil and host Germany falling in the quarterfinals, the U.S. is left as the odds-on favorite to hoist its third World Cup.
They’ll play France in one semifinal. The other will match Sweden, which upset the Americans in Group C play, and Japan, which squeaked into the knockout rounds after finishing second in Group B.
