Too Close for Comfort

Last night the USA took on Canada in the quarterfinals in a match that was 4 hours long.

The USA started off the game great. They were getting shot after shot and it seemed as if this game was going to be a blow out. In the 12th minute the USA broke through and got a goal from Angela Hucles. Amy Rodriguez went down the line and crossed the ball in near the post. Heather O'Reilly was able to get a head on it and flicked it back to Angela Hucles who put it away. The USA continued to gain momentum until they had to stop they game 21 minutes in due to lighting.


Heather O'Reilly and Lindsay Tarpley celebrate after Angela Hucles goal

The players were not allowed back on for 84 minutes and it took an extra 15 because they had to warm back up. The game resumed, but it seemed as if Canada had a good discussion in the locker room and came out with a lot of energy. In the 30th minute Canada forward Christie Sinclair got the equalizer. She took a shot and the ball went right through a full-streched Solo.

Following the goal, Canada dropped back into their defensive third playing with only one up top. They wanted to keep the USA from maintaining any possesion and tried to counter-attack whenever they had the chance. But, the USA continued to have chances as they out-shot Canada 34 to 8.

Hope Solo punches a ball out


Canada didn't have many chances, but kept the USA from scoring as regulation winded down. Just before overtime Natasha Kai was subbed in, as they hoped she would bring some energey into the game. Of course, she did.

In the 101st minute, Natasha Kai got the goal and won the game for the United States. Shannon Boxx, who earned her 100th cap in the game, played a great ball into the penalty area. Tash was able to get her head on it and score the game winning goal. It was not golden-goal overtime, so the US had to play another 29 minutes before it was over.

Tash and the team thanking the fans after the game.


Tobin Heath, Lindsay Tarpley, and Amy Rodriguez pumped up after the win.


Here are the results from the other quarterfinal games:

Germany-2 Sweeden-0

Brazil-2 Norway-1

Japan-2 China-0

The USA goes on to play Japan in the semifinals as Germany and Brazil play each other. I am actually very nervous about the USA playing Japan again. I think that they are a very good team and will give the USA some trouble. The Brazil vs. Germany game will definitely be a game to watch.

The USA plays on Monday, August 18, at 9:00pm local time, which means it would be playing at 11:00pm here. Brazil and Germany play on the same day at 6:00pm local time, which is 8:00pm here. I think we should watch the Brazil vs. Germany game at the Canton Restaurant. Go Germany!

Let's hope that the USA can beat Japan and make it to the gold medal match! I really hope that they play Germany as they haven't been playing so well in this tournament and might be easier for the USA than Brazil.