Women's World Cup

Women's soccer is the buzz world now around the US as we anxiously await the final on Sunday. Not since the famous final in 1999 has a women's sporting event been so publicized in the United States. 

The Women's World Cup comes to an end this weekend, the US ladies will face Japan in the final at the Commerzbank-Arena in Frankfurt, Germany. After a strong start the U.S ladies were humbled by Sweden, only to respond in heroic fashion against Brazil. Against all odds, including many poor calls from the referee such as rewarding Brazil a penalty for a 50/50 challenge and then turning down a clear cut US penalty later on in regulation. As we all know by now, Abby Wambach managed to tie it up in the 122nd minute to send the game to penalties, which the US ladies eventually won 5-3 courtesy of a save from Hope Solo.

That game against Brazil was one of the most entertaining soccer games I have ever seen in my life, regardless of gender. The emotions, and the character that was displayed from the US women made for a great story and a great finish to the game. The fight and the heroics are typical from US teams regardless of sport and the way Brazil acted throughout the game made them an easy villain for the US to overcome.

This Japan team has been one of the surprises of the tournament so far and play some of the best soccer at the tournament, they will be a very fine opposition and should not be underestimated by the US team despite their small stature and relative obscurity when it comes to the women's game. They keep the ball on the ground and work it into the goal, they rely on their understanding and their technical ability to win games.

While I think Japan will be a great opponent and a tough one for the US in the final its hard for me to look past the United States in this game. Expect players like Hope Solo and Abby Wambach to step up on the big occasion, US to win 1-0.