American Heartbreak: US Can’t Pull Off One Last Thriller at World Cup
- Posted on July 17, 2011 at 10:19pm by
Scott Baker
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US players react after losing the final match between Japan and the United States at the Women’s Soccer World Cup in Frankfurt, Germany, Sunday, July 17, 2011. Japan won on penalties. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — The Americans stood on the field, watching in stunned silence.
This, they were certain, was their World Cup to win. Through every comeback, to every last second, they never doubted that, somehow, they would emerge as champions.
But the resilience that had carried them so far and captivated their country disappeared when they needed it most. Shannon Boxx, Carli Lloyd and Tobin Heath all failed to convert penalty kicks, and Japan stunned the Americans 3-1 in a shootout after the U.S. twice blew a lead.
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“There are really no words,” Abby Wambach said. “We were so close.”
Minutes, in fact.
Wambach, whose clutch play against Brazil and France was the reason the Americans were in the final, scored on another header in the 104th minute. But in the 117th, five minutes before extra time was to expire, Homare Sawa flicked in a corner kick to tie the game and send it to penalties. It was the fifth goal of the tournament for the 32-year-old, playing in her fifth World Cup.
The Americans had beaten Brazil on penalty kicks in a quarterfinal thriller, but they didn’t have the same touch Sunday.
“It’s hard to do two rounds of penalties,” Wambach said. “The keeper, in a way, knows which way we’re going to go.”
Though the U.S. is the two-time defending Olympic champion, it has been 12 years since that watershed team in 1999 won the World Cup. This squad was certain it could turn it around.
AP
It was not a smooth ride. There was an upset in regional qualifying by Mexico, a team that had not beaten its neighbors to the north in its first 25 tries, forcing the two-time champs to beat Italy in a playoff to get the very last spot in Germany. They dropped their first game of the year, to Sweden, and lost to England for the first time in 22 years — so long ago Alex Morgan hadn’t even been born yet.
They won their first two games in Germany easily — despite squandering dozens of chances. Then they lost to Sweden, their first defeat in group play at the World Cup.
But they rallied with one of the most riveting finishes ever in a World Cup game — men‘s or women’s — against Brazil in the quarterfinals. Down a player for almost an hour and on the verge of making their earliest exit ever from a major tournament, Wambach’s magnificent, leaping header in the 122nd minute tied the game.
They scratched out another gritty win against France to earn a spot in the finals.
And now this.
“It’s devastating,” Megan Rapinoe said. “Just to get to the final and not win it is devastating.”
AP
Even when they went to penalty kicks, the Americans still never doubted themselves.
“This is sports. This is the way it goes,” Wambach said. “Unfortunately, it didn’t go our way tonight. All of us are devastated.”
But the Americans lost this game as much as Japan won it. Their struggles to finish, a problem all year, cost them big.
“I don’t blame anybody,” Wambach said. “We had so many chances tonight.”
The Americans finished the first half with a 12-5 shot advantage but had just one attempt on target. Lauren Cheney came up short three times, Wambach shook the crossbar and Rapinoe banged one off the near post. The Americans finally broke through in the second half, with Morgan scoring her second goal of the tournament in the 69th.
But with just nine minutes or so before they could claim the title, the Americans gifted Japan a goal. Rachel Buehler tied to clear the ball right in front of the goal and knocked it to Ali Krieger, who botched her clearance, too. The ball fell to Aya Miyama, who poked it in from five yards to tie it.
“There is such a little difference between success and not success,” U.S. coach Pia Sundhage said. “Of course, it’s disappointing.”
And not just for the team.
Americans had rallied around this team like no other since ‘99, impressed by its grit and charmed by its spunk. Hollywood celebrities, fellow pro athletes and people who don’t care about any sport, let alone soccer, adopted the players. Even President Barack Obama was a fan, taking to Twitter himself on Sunday morning to wish the team well.
“Sorry I can’t be there to see you play, but I’ll be cheering you on from here. Let’s go. — BO.”
The Brazil match drew the third-highest ratings ever for a Women’s World Cup game, and Wednesday’s semifinal victory over France did almost as well — despite being played in the middle of the workday back home. The Empire State Building was bathed in red, white and blue this weekend, along with Japan’s colors — red and white.
On Monday, those colors will shine again — without the blue.
Blue, meanwhile, was how U.S. fans felt after the loss.
“Deep down inside, I really thought it was our destiny to win it,” Lloyd said. “But maybe it was Japan’s.”
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Comments (104)
jungle J
Posted on July 18, 2011 at 12:26amthey were beat by smaller femine women…
Report Post »Stuck_in_CA
Posted on July 18, 2011 at 7:01amAs I was listening to the game, the commentators kept saying how the U.S. was completely dominating the game. Yet, the two teams were tied. It was as tho Japan was ‘meant’ to win.
Report Post »Congrats to them. Heaven knows, their country needed a lift, after what they’ve been through.
watchmany2k
Posted on July 18, 2011 at 7:51amCongrats Mr. Baker for the FIRST well written article that I have seen of this match I have seen.
and the FIRST from the American POV, without just slapping a video up and calling it good.
It would have been cool if they won, but hey, that’s life, and there’s no shame in 2nd.
(I am not a fan of sports but I liked this article, as it told the story !)
There’s nothing like stories of an athlete bustin butt and playing their heart out.
Good for Japan, they certainly have needed some good news lately.
Report Post »MONICNE
Posted on July 18, 2011 at 8:50amThey are FEMM-UNIST LOSERS!
Everybody knows the “USA” lady foot-ballers are liberals and that’s why they lost. Losers!
A Taxed Enough Already team would NEVER have backed down like those femmes-fatale did! We do NOT allow ourselves to LOSE! We will win by ANY MEANS NECESSARY and not give an inch, never give up!
TEA
Report Post »freeus
Posted on July 18, 2011 at 10:02amThe U.S. women made some “rookie” mistakes to the benefit of the Japanese squad. Start working on those PKs ladies.
Report Post »Mr. Oshawott
Posted on July 19, 2011 at 10:48pm@Stuck in CA and WatchmanY2K
Amen to that! After having been through that earthquake and tsunami, it’s exhilarating that Japan has experienced something good for a change.
Report Post »jungle J
Posted on July 18, 2011 at 12:25amMost Americans couldn’t reconize a hero if it laid down in front of them…good night Chesty where ever you are.
Report Post »jungle J
Posted on July 18, 2011 at 12:23amHeroes? They kick a ball around the grass.
Report Post »mutslie
Posted on July 18, 2011 at 7:30amAh’ better to watch than NFL… ‘open air cage wrestling with thugs wearing ballet dancer pants & motorcycle helmets’….. & NFL dont even kick the ball …..’give me Soccer any day,’the WORLD GAME
Report Post ».
I’m an Aussie liveing here and very much enjoyed theses ladies sporting achievement……….!
WELL PLAYED AMERICA…………‘goodonya’s
MONICNE
Posted on July 18, 2011 at 8:52amMore like liberal wussies!
TEA
Report Post »ModerationIsBest
Posted on July 18, 2011 at 12:10amDamn you illuminati!
Report Post »Luker410
Posted on July 18, 2011 at 12:06am@Rockstone Couldn’t have said it any better. You get it!
Heroes? They kick a ball around the grass. Yes. They work very hard. But get a grip. There’s a bunch of 20 year olds sitting out in the desert looking for bad guys.
As I said, get a grip.
Report Post »MONICNE
Posted on July 18, 2011 at 8:56amBunch of liberal cry-babies like O’Bummer – femme-fatalistic LOSERS of euro-foot Balling!
Report Post »Sola Scriptura
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 11:56pmHey guess what..the lockout might end soon for real football.
(But still glad US got second)
Report Post »nightmar
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 11:51pmfor all of you obamaites, it is not just about soccer. it is about something you liberal cronies have no iidea about, pride, professionalism, patriotism, giving everything you have, going at it no matter what, but like i said, you have no idea. keep your comments to your miserable self. you suck, they are heroes, you lose, dummy
Report Post »nightmar
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 11:48pmregardless of the outcome they are hereos. they played their hearts out for this incredible country, they went the extra mile. for the idiot who said if it were anything but soccer he might be interested, first, be lucky you live in the greatest country in the world and second, it is evident you never fought, bled and paid for it. sorry for you, you are sad. congratulations girls. you smoked it. american heroes, patriots and the best of the best. thank you
Report Post »rockstone
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 11:52pmHeroes? They kick a ball around the grass. Yes. They work very hard. But get a grip. There’s a bunch of 20 year olds sitting out in the desert looking for bad guys.
As I said, get a grip.
Report Post »joemonage77
Posted on July 18, 2011 at 2:38amNightmar=moron!
Report Post »This is not about professionals, pride ,etc u make me sick. U.s. should have won. They have the best training coaches facilities I heard all day endurance coaches . Give me a break they lost they suk. Last time I will watchthese women who look like men. We have the biggest more athletic women period thet should conquered but they didn’t. Get over it let’s move on and watch the other ***** sport that we conquer. USA Softball!!
joemonage77
Posted on July 18, 2011 at 2:49amJapan was the superior team who had a better day with help from a higher power. They have angels over there too guys yes only alittle smaller *** angels that helped them since their ttradgedy in thei country. Give it up for those much smaller petite women with ugly grills.congratulations japan!
Report Post »Dustyluv
Posted on July 18, 2011 at 6:59amPlease look up the definition of hero…God help us if they are heroes.
Report Post »kurtnut
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 11:42pmBut at least we got to watch Obama watching the game. That sent a thrill down my leg!
Report Post »Luker410
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 11:54pmIn other words, Obama loses again. Does anyone really believe he gives a c==p about soccer? He doesn’t even care about our economy or unemployment. He is only concerned about what sort of goodies are on Air Force One for his next junket.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on July 18, 2011 at 2:29amObama JINX strikes again!
Report Post »Slayer
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 11:30pmThe Americans have nothing to be ashamed about. They made it to the finals. They did great. Let’s support them whether they are #1 or #2.
Report Post »Mr. Oshawott
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 11:53pm@Slayer
Amen to that!
Report Post »Luker410
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 11:29pmOk, Maybe my eyes glazed over reading about the most boring game in the world, but HOW IN SAM HILL do you write an article about a sports match that long and don’t include the ++++++SCORE?
Report Post »Exrepublisheep
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 11:33pmBut the resilience that had carried them so far and captivated their country disappeared when they needed it most. Shannon Boxx, Carli Lloyd and Tobin Heath all failed to convert penalty kicks, and Japan stunned the Americans 3-1 in a shootout after the U.S. twice blew a lead.
Report Post »Psychosis
Posted on July 18, 2011 at 5:44amisnt public school education grand ?
Report Post »SREGN
Posted on July 18, 2011 at 8:47amI think its always 1-0.
Report Post »Incredulous321
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 11:25pmThe Americans should be very proud of their performance. They played hard, with teamwork and determination. 1 ball out of dozens needed to find the net. Well done ladies. You represented your country, your team, and me extremely well. Made me proud to be American.
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 11:35pmIndeed the American team excelled in the match; though they did lose, the fact of making it to the end of competition marks them as the rare few to ever do so. There shall be another year to make the winners stand at the end.
Report Post »Mr. Oshawott
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 11:19pmWhat an amazing soccer game! Both America and Japan pulled off an excellent match there. I just simply wish it was America that won the tournament, however. ;-)
Report Post »supertas
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 11:13pmSaw the other day where one of the players was hoping Obobo could attend the game. They were doomed the minute his name came out of her mouth. Everything he touches turns to sh_t. I’d have to petition Blaze for more space to list everything associated with the teleprompter reader-in-chief that’s failed.
Report Post »LinkedIn G
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 11:23pmYeah…he has the anti-Midas touch…that’s for sure
Report Post »Restored One
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 11:08pmI heard the POTUS was there, if not then why is the Blaze covering this? Seriously, if I want sports information I will go the ESPN websites. The Blaze has started spending too much time on stories I can get on any other website or tv channel (i.e Casey Anothony). Cmon, the Blaze is losing its uniqueness and becoming like a million other sites. Get with it!
Report Post »Professional Infidel
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 11:16pmyou win some and you lose some, it’s only a game. ????? at least they got there knee pads on. life after soccer!!
Report Post »CatB
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 11:19pmObama wished them luck .. the KISS Of DEATH .. remember the Chicago Olympics? He and Oprah and others thought their presence would get the Olympic committee to give it to them .. other things also .. Obama endorses and FAIL! This is just another Obama jinxed event.
TEA!
Report Post »FORLORNHOPE
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 11:04pmLos Angeles fans are happy about this they hate American soccer teams.
Report Post »Viet Vet
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 10:48pmI knew when they allowed Obummer to co-opt them like he did with the business people and Moodys/S&P they were in trouble.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 11:20pmYes .. the OBAMA JINX works AGAIN!
Report Post »whatthecrazy
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 10:47pmSorry must have dozed what happened?
Report Post »obamanation
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 10:45pmSoccer?! What’s that? Never heard of it! Looks boring…..
Report Post »Viet Vet
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 10:50pmIt is boring, much like watching paint dry.
Report Post »AmericanStrega
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 11:22pmOr corn growing!
Report Post »AmericanStrega
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 10:42pmI‘m an American and I’m not heartbroken.
Report Post »Viet Vet
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 10:56pmIf it was anything but soccer I’d have been interested.
Report Post »momprayn
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 10:35pmWell, ok….I guess I’m not into these games. I’m too much more concerned about having an America left that will be able to continue having them and the possiblity of not being able to pull off one last effort by Patriots to save our country in the next election. That’s the biggest & most important American Heartbreak to put all effort in to avoid.
Report Post »BIGJAYINPA
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 10:47pmWhile losing at a game that really makes no sense to me is bad enough. To lose to that bunch of racist xenophopic a**h*** the Japanese is even worse. Now we have to spend the next week hearing about how they have lifted that nation of losers from the depths of their tsunami caused depression, Give me a break. Yes I do not like the Japanese. When they admit to their past war crimes and fess up to atrocities that would have made the Germans blush. When they get off their high horse and realize they are not the Master/Superior race they think they are, maybe I will show some sympathy….Just sayin’
Report Post »Old Truckers
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 11:02pmBIGJAYINPA,
Jay, this was just a soccer game. The WW2 is over and the United States won the war. The Japanese people were punished for their crimes and sins and so justice was served. Maybe not to your satisfaction but sometimes we just have to try and let go of the pain we feel over whatever we have lost because of wars.
Report Post »Maybe you lost a loved one in that war. Sir, there is nothing worse than that. Let’s pray there is not another world war.
Lesbian Packing Hollow Points
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 10:33pmI lay the fault for our loss squarely at the feet of the US defenders. The first Japanese goal came directly as a result of two, sequential failures to clear the ball from in front of our own goal. It put the ball at the feet of a Japanese attacker (again, for the hard of thinking, right in front of our own goal) who capitalized. If just one of those attempts to clear had NOT bounced of another US defender, that Japanese goal would not have happened.
Then, twice, later in the match, we did almost the exact same thing, only there was not a Japanese attacker in position to capitalize. It’s a minor miracle we were able to take it to penalty kicks in the first place. And even the US goal keeper by herself was not acquitting herself well, and then she was injured in the last minutes of overtime.
I knew that if it came down to penalty kicks, we were screwed. I hate being right sometimes.
Report Post »Luker410
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 11:41pmSorry but you are taking this boring sport much too seriously. It is a lot like basketball. The only thing that matters is the final minute…check that…30 seconds, and the final score. We lost. soccer. Come on it’s not like we lost in Hockey or any track event. The only thing we didn’t get to see is one of the girls rip off her jersey.
Report Post »Lesbian Packing Hollow Points
Posted on July 18, 2011 at 12:11amBasketball. Psh. Yeah. Running up and down a court is so stressful. I‘d like to see a basketballer who could make it two full halves running up and down a pitch that’s about 4x as long.
Report Post »This_Individual
Posted on July 18, 2011 at 11:37amIt seems that the women‘s team has the same defensive issues as the men’s team.
Report Post »Phoenixsoulfire
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 10:30pmOh well. Was hoping to see them running with out their shirts one again.
Report Post »Viet Vet
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 10:54pmThey run without their shirts???
Report Post »Old Truckers
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 11:23pmSettle down there,, Vet. Keep calm.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on July 18, 2011 at 2:31amSport bras .. the last U.S. team took of shirts and people saw “sports bras” ..
Report Post »Old Truckers
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 10:29pmThis is just a soccer game. Does it really matter in the big scheme of things? Lets keep things in perspective.
Report Post »randy
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 10:28pmBig deal…….. It’s only soccer.
Report Post »About as interesting as Golf