US Women Good as Gold

Quick, someone tell Hope Solo she came in first, not second!

In a gold medal match unlikely to have converted many outsiders to the soccer fanatic cult, the US did precisely what it needed to this morning (or night in China) to earn one of their most improbable championships. Tied 0-0 after 90 minutes of relatively ugly, tentative play from both sides (no one could make a quality pass consistently!) the game would be forced into extra time. From there it didn't take long for the US to stake their claim on the gold medals as Carli Lloyd struck in the 96th minute for the 1-0 lead. Brazil then pressured like crazy, but the US responded exactly the way I had hoped; they played a bend but don't break style of defense. Brazil is strong with the ball at their feet, but if you are content to let them dance but force them to less dangerous spots you give your keeper a chance. That's what the US did, and Hope Solo took care of the rest (making former coach Ryan look all the more idiotic). Lloyd almost sealed it with a nice move past the defense but her shot hit the far post. The insurance goal was not needed as the US weathered the final couple of minutes and got the win that many didn't think they could get. In the end we were treated with the shared joy of the team as well as Natasha Kai's best Brandi Chastain impression.

Earlier Germany downed Japan 2-0 to claim the bronze medals.