015.007

Thursday, September 27, 2007

WWC Semi-final 1st half: Brazil v USA

2 goals down, we are and Boxxy got sent off for her 2nd yellow card. I didn't see it as a justified one. Referee was bad, USA had 3 free kicks which could be given but no, not given and referee waved play on! It was really nerve-wrecking to watch both sides play and hell, it was really really intensifying that I could feel the heat burning on the dining chair I'm sitting on already. Plenty of tackles - USA have 3 yellows and Brazil 2. A Brazil corner on the left by Formiga in the 20th minute, hit the head of the solid USA midfielder Osborne and the ball went into the net, giving Brazil the lead 1-0. It was clear that Osborne wanted to clear the ball away but was unfortunate to have her header thrown the ball into the net instead. If 1 goal wasn't enough, Brazil's top goal scorer, Marta added another 6 minutes later. She got the ball down the right flank, made a good run and scored just 2 yards outside the box on the right despite Markgraf pulling her shorts, trying to stop her. The more experienced Briana, in place of the excellent Hope, was in goal today and was just inches wide of preventing Marta'a ball from entering the net.

Brazil looked very dangerous, playing many long balls around each other, taking dangerous shots from as far as 4 yards from the half line, threatening USA's goal every time they grab the chance. The presence of Daniela, Christane and Marta sure made the play difficult for the World's #1 USA, running into good spaces, making good speedy runs down both flanks, keeping the US's defense on their heels every minute. The last time when USA won Brazil 2-0 was back in the 4 nations tournament earlier this year where Marta and Christane were both absent. Queen of caps Kristine Lily scored from a free kick and the young Tarpley scored from close range. This time, the scoreline is reversed and the american girls have plenty of work to do! I'm hoping for a repeat of the Korea match and an addition of another goal to make it to the finals! Oh dear, this is really really, very nerve wrecking right now.

You've no idea how mad I was when Daniela was celebrating upon Boxxy's 2nd yellow card. That was utter crap. It looked more like Daniela was the one who slide in on Boxx and made her fall. Now the US are playing with 10 women and it's bad. I hope Greg Ryan comes out with a brilliant plan.

Off to the 2nd half now...

Labels: Women's World Cup 2007

8:51 PM