Yes, they were playing a no-hope team like New Zealand - but it would not be out of line for the kiwis to pack the defense and frustrate the US into doing something stupid like a draw.
The Norge was through, so they were resting starters and secretly vibing three points to Japan to put pressure on us.
They are that evil.
A draw by the US would put Japan in a position to take second place away from us. It's not the likely scenario, but neither was the US giving up two goals in the first four minutes of their Olympics.
In my gut - I know Japan is going to get three points off the Norge. It's going to happen, because it would suck for us.
All that needs to happen is for the US to lame out like they did against Japan and this could be a third place slot and a head on with China.
China. Perennial juggernaut of women's soccer playing in front of the home crowd.
Their national coming out party. Working the 08-08-08 ju-ju...
You think they're up for this? Yeah, kinda.
We don't want any of that.
So the kiwis have to die. Historically, the US doesn't edge past the competition - we swallow them whole. If we like them, we spit out the bones so there can be a funeral.
This team has not been following the script. Abby's out, our offensive passing has been sloppy and our defending has been - well, sh!t.
So, when I'm queuing up the game off TiVo - I'm feeling that all too familiar feeling of the US soccer fan:
How will fate f!*k with us this time?
(I won't even go into how the US men's team led the Netherlands 2-1 until TiVo clipped off the game - at three minutes before time - and I had to hit the internet to find out that the Dutch bashed in an equalizer in the last seconds of the game. Soccer gods = Total b@stards)
Kickoff, a weak rush ends up in a goal kick for New Zealand. The ball is kicked, gets trapped by the US and ends up at O'Reilly's feet. She advances towards goal, looks up - and lobs an arcing 30 yard wonder past the keeper.
Goal. 40 seconds into the game.
Happy dance!
Incredibly, the hits just kept coming:
Scoreline - August 12, 2008
USA: 4
O'Reilly 1'; Rodriguez 43'; Tarpley 56'; Hucles 60'
New Zealand: 0
World? We're not dead yet.
We did not sparkle as a team - our passing was still dreary going into the box. Rodriguez and Box made flailing passes throughout the game, our defenders gave up looks that a better team would have scored on (especially right before the half) but there were individual moments of brilliance.
When you dish out a butt kicking - it does wonders for your self esteem. This team has looked nervous, maybe now they can settle, put their heads down and face down their next opponent.
And who might that be? I'm so glad you asked.
We finish second in the group - we're off to face Brasil. Yes, that Brasil. Norway is going to carry the group unless they really get trounced by Japan - and we all know that's not gonna-
Nippon! Nippon! Nippon! Nippon! Nippon!
Scoreline - August 12, 2008
Norway: 1
Knutsen 27'
Japan: 5
Kinga 31'; Folstad 51' OG; Ohno 52'; Sawa 70'; Hara 83'
How the F@#k did that happen?
Okay, I'll admit I've mismeasured this Japan team. Against all odds, they seem to have discovered that offense can result in goals. Who knew?
Japan beat holy hell out of the Norge and have managed to win themselves a quarterfinals slot.
It's against China - so its sure to be a sporting match. Good thing there's no bad blood there, or wow could that get ugly...
Anyway - we're top of the group now. Goal differential puts us over and the Norge are sentenced to Brasil. (Oh, and - just FYI: Cristiane scored a hat trick vs. Nigeria including lobbing the keeper with a bicycle kick. Goal of the tournament. Thanks for showing up, ladies.)
The US is now off to play - Canada! I mean, how great is that? Yes, they drew with China - but better them than the samba queens. And the Norge and Brasil get to eat each other.
Happy dance!
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