Team USA Defeats World Cup Referees!

In what is possibly the most amazing soccer game I have ever witnessed, (rather few, admittedly) the US Women's team meted out justice in an epic win over the referee assisted Brazilian team. I was not able to watch too, too much of the game, as there were customers to deal with. But I was able, as luck would have it, see some of the highlights. Did not see the own goal by Brazil's Daiane. Did see the questionable penalty call that resulted in Brazil getting free shots on goal until they scored. Marta, Brazil's star and considered the best woman soccer player in the world, play acted convincingly enough to get US player Bueler red-carded. This put the US a (wo)man down, as well as set up a penalty kick. A dramatic save was negated by a pretty petty encroachment call. OK, by the letter of the rules, it was encroachment. But it was a tikky-takky call, and really had no bearing on the play. The re-kick was a goal, and the game was tied.

In the ET, (extended time) Brazil jumped out quick in a questionable offsides non-call. Marta scores a goal, when Maurine, the player who assisted looked to be offsides. However, some of the blame lays on the US defender, who slacked off paying attention to Marta, and you just don't do that. Down 2-1, the US tried to even it out. Success in the latest scored goal in World Cup play, in the 122nd minute. Thank you Erika, the Brazilian who rolled on the ground "in pain", for your attempt to kill time. It was at least the second one, and by far the most dramatic, especialy after she got up and "limped" back to her bench. I have few opinions on what should and shouldn't be in soccer, but anyone who does that crap should get a yellow card, at least. You never see the team behind do that BS. However, as I said, that crappy theatrics helped the US. I will give the referee a bit of credit. The first US PK was blocked, but a re-kick was allowed, which went in.

This win is all the more great, as it is a triumph in the face of yet more anti-US sentiment in an international competition.

The ESPN coverage is here...for now.