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Sunday, September 23, 2007

Women's World Cup's intensity!

So, the results are out and my prediction was correct with Brazil, USA, Norway and Germany advancing to the next round.

The Australia and Brazil game was sheer intense. Just four minutes into the game, Brazil put one into goal through a very very beautiful long shot that came from out 3 steps outside the box. The second goal was through a penalty by the Matildas and no one else but Marta, stepped up and converted that penalty. 2 goals down in the first half and the Matildas were still trying hard. Indeed, hard work did pay off and in the 36th minute, Australia's lead scorer, De Vanna, made a good run, made it past 2 defenders and took a shot from outside the box and woompa, it went in. Beautifully striked and well taken. In the 68th minute, Australia was given a free kick and yes, they did score from there to equalize the scoring line. Free kick from the left and Colthorpe's header went into the back of the net! The keeper came out and tried to catch the ball but to no avail. The substitutes on the bench were then jumping for joy! Well, I didn't expect Australia to come to this score though, great for them, but only for 9 minutes before Brazil's Christane scored the winning goal, to ensure that Brazil goes through!

Australia fought very hard and their keeper, Barbieri was busy trying to save out every shot Brazil made. She did though, save most of the shots that came at her every time. One of Marta's free kick hit the wood work, if not it could have been 4 for Brazil! Brazil kept playing long balls and frustrated the Matildas, no doubt and Australia on the other hand was trying hard to get hold of the ball, keep possession and pass it forward with long passes. De Vanna had a few good chances on the left but was blocked out by the Brazilians that came pressuring her down quickly. By right, it could have gone into extra time had Australia been awarded a penalty in the latter part of the 2nd half but it wasn't awarded. Unlucky and full time, the score lies at 3-2 and the Matildas are sent packing home. They really did work very hard though and were just unlucky.

Right now, it's Brazil against the ranked no.1 USA and Norway against the champions Germany. Who will prevail and who will be fighting for 3rd placing? My predictions: It's either going to be Germany v USA or Germany v Brazil for the finals. If Norway can pull an upset over the tall and strong Germans, that would be really shocking but they did manage to scrap through China with a 1-0 win through a very beautiful too and well striked goal. So who knows?

Keeping the faith,
Marj

10:10 PM