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Monday, August 18, 2008

USA v Japan round 2, Brazil v USA round 2, Germany v Brazil round 2

Just what else can I say? Great performance by USA despite the many times Japan attacked in the first half. Japan did score early and were unfortunate to have that goal in but well, Ang scored the equalizing goal just exactly the same way that Shinobu scored. The 2nd goal after that was another awesome goal by Lori Chalupny to secure a 2-1 lead at HT. I was waiting for her to just shoot already but she dribbled abit more and bang, over the 5"5 Fukumoto and into the net! 3rd goal by Heather O'reilly, perfect. Chipped the ball from just outside the penalty box down the right hand side and another time, over the head of keeper Fukumoto who was out of reach for the ball and the 2 teams are separated by 2 goals in a span of 3 minutes! Last goal by Ang, another beautiful goal. Got the ball on the right flank, dribbled the ball just outside the penalty box and try to score into the net from there near the end line, and it went in and 4-1!

Lauren Cheney almost had a goal but was a weak shot. Lloyd and Rampone almost had a goal too but were unfortunate. A-rod did some good runs and made some good efforts as well.

The Japanese got a consolation goal off bombastic haired Eriko in the 92nd minute off a defense mistake and 1 minute later, the gold medal match is confirmed. It's yet another repeat of a Women's World Cup 2007 & Olympics 2004 final - Brazil v USA. Who will win it who will go home with the silver? This is a tough fight. Christane is on form, scoring 2 goals against Germany earlier in the day and then a hat trick against Nigeria. Then there's the tricky Daniela on the flanks and the short yet speedy Marta up front. Brazil indeed do show some classy skills and have good passes but they play heck of a dirty game and everyone knows that. 2 time women footballer of the year Brigit Prinz scored the leading goal but Brazil's Formiga scored the equalizing goal just before HT. 2nd half brought on more exciting football and Brazil scored another 3 goals to show who they were. 2 goals by Christane (yet again) and 1 goal by Marta sealed their final meet up with the ranked #1 USA for the gold medal. Looks like Brazil did do their homework after the group stages 0-0 with Germany...

WWC 2007 winners Germany are ousted this time around and I am sure they will beat Japan in the bronze medal play-off. They were impressive in the WWC, conceding zero goals in that event and even beating Brazil 2-0 in the finals but now, the tables are turned and Brazil beat them even by a bigger scoreline. Like they always say, the better team wins and Brazil indeed, has shown the champions.

It's yet another entertaining night and also it's time for me to hit the sack.

Till then,
Marj

Labels: Germany v Brazil SF 1, Olympics 2008 women's soccer SF 2 USA v Japan

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