Well done USWNT.
I'm very satisfied about this FIFA 2015 WC as we had some big match up between superpowers. Thats all football fans all around the world want to see.The draw and bracket do not really matters.
Historically in the FIFA World Cup, male or female, almost no team win his next match after surviving its previous 2h + shoot out match.
Is this the point US team start to change their game ? Its very encouraging to see only two or three US worthless long ball in the entire match. The ball movements and Carli Lloyd's action leading to O'Hara goal were so beautiful to watch.
I think asking Celia Sasic to take the PK was a little-big mistake. Yes, she is a specialist and managed to score two against France. But PK inside the 90 minutes is very different than PK in the shoot out. Thats the leasson i can take form this match. Just remember the US team in FIFA 2011 winning in shoot out against Brasil but loosing the next one against Japan.
I would love a US vs Japan in the final. 2015 Japan is smarter and better than 2011.The USWNT never give up and they looks very hungry to win it.
May the best team win.
I'm very satisfied about this FIFA 2015 WC as we had some big match up between superpowers. Thats all football fans all around the world want to see.The draw and bracket do not really matters.
Historically in the FIFA World Cup, male or female, almost no team win his next match after surviving its previous 2h + shoot out match.
Is this the point US team start to change their game ? Its very encouraging to see only two or three US worthless long ball in the entire match. The ball movements and Carli Lloyd's action leading to O'Hara goal were so beautiful to watch.
I think asking Celia Sasic to take the PK was a little-big mistake. Yes, she is a specialist and managed to score two against France. But PK inside the 90 minutes is very different than PK in the shoot out. Thats the leasson i can take form this match. Just remember the US team in FIFA 2011 winning in shoot out against Brasil but loosing the next one against Japan.
I would love a US vs Japan in the final. 2015 Japan is smarter and better than 2011.The USWNT never give up and they looks very hungry to win it.
May the best team win.
@KotoKoto Montreal, Canada
I agree with many points in your comment....But the "draw and the bracket" really do matter. It's not only, or always the "superpowers" who are at the top in this game. But many thanks for your support of the USWT -- it will be an interesting match against defenders Japan.
I agree with many points in your comment....But the "draw and the bracket" really do matter. It's not only, or always the "superpowers" who are at the top in this game. But many thanks for your support of the USWT -- it will be an interesting match against defenders Japan.
These photos are amazing. Kudos to the photographers who captured these brilliant images that say it all.
1
I don't know how anyone can ever say that soccer is not an exciting game to watch - usually because "they never score" (!) - when the excitement is in observing the skills of the players in keeping the ball away from the opponents, for example, as the United States team did for virtually the entire game, and in finding opportunities to score - which the German team did commendably well in denying the U.S. team.
Congratulations to the women of the U.S. team and good luck on Friday.
Congratulations to the women of the U.S. team and good luck on Friday.
7
Congratulations to the US team! They played better and deserved to win this game. I don't really know why our girls were running around so clueless the whole first half? The only time they showed some of their potential was in the first 15 minutes of the second half. Well, life will go on. Good luck for the finals to the US team, I'll be cheering for them.
8
Great match and kudos to Team USA for pulling out the victory. I agree with the previous comments about USWNT being the better team on this day and that their defense pulled out the victory.
Regarding the refs: I don't think they have been systematically bad as some have claimed. Officiating play at this level of a fluid game is challenging. Ask anyone who has done it at a competitive level. One could argue that both PKs were negligible calls and could have been no fouls. It's a shame that PKs can turn a game at that level. Players will strive to do what they can get away with which is why you saw the game get pretty rough and intense toward the end.
Also a note on the reporting for this story about both PKs. The German didn't 'shank' her PK kick. That term would imply a kick of poor form, usually off the side of the foot. Her shot was poor aim, pure and simple. Like a field goal kicker going wide left. For the US PK, the kick was not "inside the right post" as written but a well placed kick mid level height to the right. It was several feet from the post. Angerer chose to go left and it was an easy goal--like a PK should be.
I'm looking forward to the final on Sunday, whoever the opponent will be. It will be hard to out do the game of the tournament so far, in my opinion, which was France v. Germany last Friday.
Regarding the refs: I don't think they have been systematically bad as some have claimed. Officiating play at this level of a fluid game is challenging. Ask anyone who has done it at a competitive level. One could argue that both PKs were negligible calls and could have been no fouls. It's a shame that PKs can turn a game at that level. Players will strive to do what they can get away with which is why you saw the game get pretty rough and intense toward the end.
Also a note on the reporting for this story about both PKs. The German didn't 'shank' her PK kick. That term would imply a kick of poor form, usually off the side of the foot. Her shot was poor aim, pure and simple. Like a field goal kicker going wide left. For the US PK, the kick was not "inside the right post" as written but a well placed kick mid level height to the right. It was several feet from the post. Angerer chose to go left and it was an easy goal--like a PK should be.
I'm looking forward to the final on Sunday, whoever the opponent will be. It will be hard to out do the game of the tournament so far, in my opinion, which was France v. Germany last Friday.
2
If I may add on to a previous comment. Thank you NYT for the coverage. Fox sports your doing great (but you fall into a North American trap - to many people in the booth describing the situation. We can see it thank you).
Anyways, good luck Sunday.
Anyways, good luck Sunday.
2
I have Julie Johnson as the US MVP, but here penalty should have been red. A huge mistake for a fabulous player, but that is the game and one reason we watch it. Beyond that, I wish that Ms Morgan would cross some of these balls rather than taking low percentage shots from almost impossible angles. This world cup has been terrific. I wish they were on grass!!!!
1
The U.S. may have played their best game, but Germany was the dominant team. The U.S. penalty, dubiously awarded, was scored very much against the run of play. A poor result all round.
By no means was Germany the dominant team. They were the better side for the first 15-20 minutes of the second half, and that's about it.
The US penalty was clearly wrongly awarded of course.
The US penalty was clearly wrongly awarded of course.
2
Germany may have been the "dominant team" in your opinion, but the only thing that matters is the final score.
You're perhaps kidding?
Germany was completely ineffective at mountain sustain, penetrating attacks in the first half. Handling the ball well isn't the same as scoring a goal. The U.S. was clearly dominant.
Germany came alive in the 2nd and was, in fact, dominating play, but only for a while. once the U.S. pushed back and mounted numerous aggressive attacks the Germans seemed to lose their confidence and, accordingly, two excellent goals were scored.
I could have easily been 3 or 4-0, or perhaps 2-2 at worst, but Germany never put itself in a position to win the game, period.
Germany was completely ineffective at mountain sustain, penetrating attacks in the first half. Handling the ball well isn't the same as scoring a goal. The U.S. was clearly dominant.
Germany came alive in the 2nd and was, in fact, dominating play, but only for a while. once the U.S. pushed back and mounted numerous aggressive attacks the Germans seemed to lose their confidence and, accordingly, two excellent goals were scored.
I could have easily been 3 or 4-0, or perhaps 2-2 at worst, but Germany never put itself in a position to win the game, period.
1
Remarkable was how Germany didn't seem to know what to do w the ball all 1st half: throw ins up the line trying to move the ball forward in traffic against the crowded line, rather that simply turning with it and centering it back to the middle and then switching fields to space in order to build an attack. German coach apparently saw it cuz in 2nd half they came out anew with correct ball movement; but then squandered their new found space with poor passing and but a single shot on goal. So much for the vaunted Deutsche Wehrmacht!
1
I'd like to thank the NY Times for their excellent coverage of the Women's World Cup. I can't say the same for many publications around the U.S. Good work.
11
As other major sports leagues have done, FIFA must embrace technology and adopt video review and coach's challenges (maybe 2 per game) for both men's and women's World Cup. Soccer is such a low-scoring game that compared with other sports, a single bad call (such as blown call that gave USA women a PK) can determine a match's outcome. In this day and age, in soccer's premier event, having badly blown calls not subject to review is unprofessional and unacceptable, and unfair to fans and players alike.
2
Though, sadly, I can't get either of my daughters to watch it with me, I find the US team's play in the World Cup thrilling. The determination, talent, teamwork and sheer joy they exude is both contagious and inspiring.
7
In the original post (since corrected): "The Untied States will find out its opponent for the final on Wednesday night, when England and Japan play in Edmonton." Undefeated as well as untied
This was one of the best tactical moves by a coach in a long time. Ellis has the depth and flexibility no other coach has and she worked that into last night's strategy brilliantly. She should be commended for this remarkable lineup when everybody was calling for 3 forwards, she puts 1 up top, her best (even though still not 100%). Settle's essentially with two solid number 6's always thinking defense and letting loyd distribute up top. WIth the flanks always inter-changable with speed (O'Hara) or power even to the point where Wambach can find a place to play. Don't know what she will come up with for the Final, but I am expecting something completely different just to hold her form and creativity and keeping the other teams guessing. Well done.
8
It's has been fun to watch this team develop with balance, depth, and amazing defense. Not a lot of goals, but they are like pickpockets when the ship pulls into their port, their half of the field.
4
This game was typical of German soccer teams. They tend to be powerful offensive teams that wither when confronted with strong defensive teams. Italy, in men's soccer, historically does well against Germany although the Germans are always rated stronger and favored to win. Defense and tactics seem to undo German power.
4
I think USWNT and German team are quite similar in terms of relying more on energy and willpower rather than brains or technical skills. Technically and tactically both USWNT and German team are behind France. They just need to learn how to keep their nerve in front of the goal. Allez les bleues.
I'm glad team USA won, but it must be acknowledged that luck and officiating played a part .... as is all too common in soccer.
My take on it though is that team USA "deserved" to win -- watching the game it was clear that USA was taking it to the Germans, controlling the game and getting a lot of good chances. If USA were a bit better at finishing the score could have been considerably more lopsided.
Germany deserves to be remembered as a very strong team, and one wonders what might happen if the two teams were matched again.
I don't think that either Japan or England are of the caliber of France, Germany, USA. The USA should win the final handily as long as they don't get overconfident and careless.
My take on it though is that team USA "deserved" to win -- watching the game it was clear that USA was taking it to the Germans, controlling the game and getting a lot of good chances. If USA were a bit better at finishing the score could have been considerably more lopsided.
Germany deserves to be remembered as a very strong team, and one wonders what might happen if the two teams were matched again.
I don't think that either Japan or England are of the caliber of France, Germany, USA. The USA should win the final handily as long as they don't get overconfident and careless.
3
The USWNT was excellent but the prior France vs. Germany game was like Verdun. I think it utterly drained both teams and the Germans couldn't recharge their batteries sufficiently to rise to the challenge the Americans brought in this game. They had no reserves of energy or creativity to draw upon. I also think the French, in "defeat" stripped the Germans of their psychological certitude they were the best team in the tournament. When the USWNT demonstrated to them again in the first half that they weren't, the best they could hope to do was hold on for another shoot out. The calls were suboptimal but Kemme and Maier were nonetheless vulnerable the entire game (as was Johnson, btw.)
Also, I think you may be underestimating Japan. When pushed it may turn out they have another gear or even two left to shift into. This isn't over yet -- not by a long shot -- but it will take a truly GREAT team to stop the USA now.
Also, I think you may be underestimating Japan. When pushed it may turn out they have another gear or even two left to shift into. This isn't over yet -- not by a long shot -- but it will take a truly GREAT team to stop the USA now.
8
Agreed. I am rooting all the way for the US but no one can afford to look past Japan.
1
Yes but the US didn't look close to scoring for huge stretches except very early on with Johnston's header and Morgan slipping through. As poor the Germans were, it looked to be a stalemate.
Any fan would know that the US penalty was the turning point.
The game as a whole wasn't poorly reffed. But big, incorrect calls were made. No red card as others argued. Penalty when there wasn't. Huge gifts to the US. US looked the better side but you deserve to win when you score more goals and concede less. It also helps to have referees make erroneous calls benefiting your side.
This isn't the only game with bad referees. France-Germany, USA-Germany, Thailand-Ivory Coast, China-New Zealand. Lot of bad referees in the tournament.
Everyone knows how corrupt FIFA is. Can you honestly rule it out from the poor referees in this tournament? Not just in this game. FIFA wants big crowds, high attendance, and good metrics to show it actually does improve the women's game. And it has but maybe exaggerated. Also to appease to the DOJ perhaps? Not saying the match was fixed but match fixing happens in the men's game, a lot, with higher salaries, even in Serie A. I sincerely hope it's just horrible refereeing but there's so much of it, it's probably because female referees don't have the same training as men. From a sporting, not a women's rights point of view, this isn't good.
Any fan would know that the US penalty was the turning point.
The game as a whole wasn't poorly reffed. But big, incorrect calls were made. No red card as others argued. Penalty when there wasn't. Huge gifts to the US. US looked the better side but you deserve to win when you score more goals and concede less. It also helps to have referees make erroneous calls benefiting your side.
This isn't the only game with bad referees. France-Germany, USA-Germany, Thailand-Ivory Coast, China-New Zealand. Lot of bad referees in the tournament.
Everyone knows how corrupt FIFA is. Can you honestly rule it out from the poor referees in this tournament? Not just in this game. FIFA wants big crowds, high attendance, and good metrics to show it actually does improve the women's game. And it has but maybe exaggerated. Also to appease to the DOJ perhaps? Not saying the match was fixed but match fixing happens in the men's game, a lot, with higher salaries, even in Serie A. I sincerely hope it's just horrible refereeing but there's so much of it, it's probably because female referees don't have the same training as men. From a sporting, not a women's rights point of view, this isn't good.
2
Oh, please. Lousy refs does not equal conspiracy.
I suggest you go back and watch the game again. Although two obvious bad calls went in favor of USA, the Germans were hacking constantly. Both Maier and Popp could easily have been tossed for persistent fouls.
I suggest you go back and watch the game again. Although two obvious bad calls went in favor of USA, the Germans were hacking constantly. Both Maier and Popp could easily have been tossed for persistent fouls.
2
Having carefully watched the game, I found the officiating to be very consistent and very fair. I thought they did a remarkable job at keeping the game friendly considering the intense pressure. Both of the penalty kicks were for similar types of fouls, and the aggression of the fouls was clearly stronger on the German side. In fact one of the key German players could have been yellow-carded for repeatedly swinging at a U.S. player, and it wasn't called.
3
What a wasted opportunity this game was! Think how exciting you could make soccer if a) you dressed the players in heavy armor so they could hit each other; b) stopped the action entirely every thirty seconds or so tpo regroup; and c) interrupted the game every three and a half minutes for beer commercials.
20
How come no one mentions the referees? Do we just tune it out when it benefits USA, and accuse others of corruption when it benefits others? Or women are just more innocent?
Why is it when FIFA is corrupt everyone strongly supports the accusation and calls for people to be hanged, but when Americans are involved, there's just no possible way? The team I don't think was doing anything wrong but the referees in this whole tournament are abysmal. Helping China equalize against New Zealand is good for FIFA, to help grow women's soccer in China, as NYT covered. You would be quick to say corruption there, but not for your own team. And the referee here, made some big mistakes gifting the US. Getting big crowds by helping teams that bring big crowds benefit the women's game and FIFA. Mutual interests.
Also the women's world cup is an opportunity for FIFA to redeem itself in the eyes of the country prosecuting it. Any other country, we would be quick to accuse of FIFA corruption. Knowing how corrupt FIFA is, can we honestly rule a force at hand out with such poor referees?
Even Abby Wambach accused the referee of sending off Rapinoe and Holiday knowing they had yellow cards. Not to make the US to lose to China but to come out with a clean record so the big stars don't miss the semis and final.
I just want good referees that would without a shadow of a doubt, remove any potential for suspicion. The referees in this tournament have given many reasons to be suspect.
Why is it when FIFA is corrupt everyone strongly supports the accusation and calls for people to be hanged, but when Americans are involved, there's just no possible way? The team I don't think was doing anything wrong but the referees in this whole tournament are abysmal. Helping China equalize against New Zealand is good for FIFA, to help grow women's soccer in China, as NYT covered. You would be quick to say corruption there, but not for your own team. And the referee here, made some big mistakes gifting the US. Getting big crowds by helping teams that bring big crowds benefit the women's game and FIFA. Mutual interests.
Also the women's world cup is an opportunity for FIFA to redeem itself in the eyes of the country prosecuting it. Any other country, we would be quick to accuse of FIFA corruption. Knowing how corrupt FIFA is, can we honestly rule a force at hand out with such poor referees?
Even Abby Wambach accused the referee of sending off Rapinoe and Holiday knowing they had yellow cards. Not to make the US to lose to China but to come out with a clean record so the big stars don't miss the semis and final.
I just want good referees that would without a shadow of a doubt, remove any potential for suspicion. The referees in this tournament have given many reasons to be suspect.
The solution, although many would protest, is a second set of on-field eyes.
Cowboy, I've advocated a secede central referee for a long time. The field is just too big, and the action too fast, and too many players to watch to be effectively presided over by a single person. There was much hand wringing when hockey, on a much smaller surface, went to two referees, but I don't think many would go back to one at this point.
Further, there should be 2 linesmen/women on each side of the field, and an observer to the side of each goal. That would add up to 8 sets of eyes on 22 players, very similar to the NFL, in basketball, three official covering 10 players and in hockey, with four officials regulating 12 players.
Then they likely would have gotten the penalty shouts right, and probably would have caught a lot of the infighting on corners in the box, and the potential second yellow for Maier.
@dc, there are plenty of comments about the officiating here. Read on...
Further, there should be 2 linesmen/women on each side of the field, and an observer to the side of each goal. That would add up to 8 sets of eyes on 22 players, very similar to the NFL, in basketball, three official covering 10 players and in hockey, with four officials regulating 12 players.
Then they likely would have gotten the penalty shouts right, and probably would have caught a lot of the infighting on corners in the box, and the potential second yellow for Maier.
@dc, there are plenty of comments about the officiating here. Read on...
3
Refereeing is extremely difficult. The action is very fast and referees despite all their training and experience can find themselves in bad position. I think all goals and penalties should be reviewed as the game has stopped.
Sometimes referees are wrongfully reluctant to award penalties due to impact on the game's outcome. Fortunately not so in this World Cup.
When Blatter is gone maybe we can add reasonable reviews. The old school attitude has to end that we can't change the system for high stakes, big money games just because lower level games in 3rd world countries don't have access to the technology.
Sometimes referees are wrongfully reluctant to award penalties due to impact on the game's outcome. Fortunately not so in this World Cup.
When Blatter is gone maybe we can add reasonable reviews. The old school attitude has to end that we can't change the system for high stakes, big money games just because lower level games in 3rd world countries don't have access to the technology.
Yes there were questionable calls- as there always are.
The number of correct close calls is way more amazing then the incorrect calls, and my figurative hat is off to the men and women who referee this more than 100 x 50 yard field.
Having said that, it was a great game, played at consistently high tempo by nearly 50 superb athletes. The German women played two spectacularly exciting games against the US and the French.
It is hard to understand how anyone would not celebrate women's soccer.
Good luck to the ladies in the finals
The number of correct close calls is way more amazing then the incorrect calls, and my figurative hat is off to the men and women who referee this more than 100 x 50 yard field.
Having said that, it was a great game, played at consistently high tempo by nearly 50 superb athletes. The German women played two spectacularly exciting games against the US and the French.
It is hard to understand how anyone would not celebrate women's soccer.
Good luck to the ladies in the finals
14
Its when both of the biggest questionable calls change the nature of the game that they become more important than the correct close calls. If Johnson gets a red, the US would have been playing for a 0-0 tie then PKs.
1
True, although if a team (as happened with Germany) can't make penalty kicks then you can't blame that on the refs.
Hardly any news source or commentary (USA TODAY) was an exception pointed out that when a foul starts outside the box but continues inside the box, a PK is an allowable call. So, yes, some judgment is allowed, but it appears to be a perfectly legitimate call by the ref. The number of comments, even by experts, that the second call was simply wrong is remarkable. As for the first, yes a red card would have been reasonable.
5
Fantastic end to end game. USA was very deserving but I suspect the France/Germany OT game had an effect on the Germans. All US teams could learn a lesson from Germany, they only pointed out the missed red card on Julie Johnston and the incorrect PK on Carli Lloyd rather than bitterly complain about contributing to the outcome. What a class act.
8
Now I believe.
4
The referee definitely made a couple of key bad calls that went in the Americans' favor. But she made some bad calls in both directions, e.g., she should have yellow-carded the German player for the head butting incidence that almost took the American player out of the game. And yes, the U.S. coach should have benched the American player who was head-butted.
But overall the U.S. team shined, both on defense (as expected) and on offense (which was not expected). In spite of the controversial calls, the U.S. was the better team last night.
But overall the U.S. team shined, both on defense (as expected) and on offense (which was not expected). In spite of the controversial calls, the U.S. was the better team last night.
11
The clash of heads between Brian and Popp was completely incidental, and in NO way should that have been a booking. On the other hand, Maier, the right back, could have, on a couple of occasions, picked up a second yellow.
But I agree that the better team won, but, as American fans, we have to realize that such an outcome is far from routine. Witness just in the last Germany match, when France was the far superior team. In THAT match, Germany benefited from a questionable penalty shout in the second half that was remarkably similar to one in the first half that was NOT given favoring France.
But I agree that the better team won, but, as American fans, we have to realize that such an outcome is far from routine. Witness just in the last Germany match, when France was the far superior team. In THAT match, Germany benefited from a questionable penalty shout in the second half that was remarkably similar to one in the first half that was NOT given favoring France.
8
What a great game. End to end excitement for 90 minutes. The American defense is spectacular. And the offense - finally a quality goal.
10
What an inspiring game to watch. The US women seemed to dominate the field, keeping the Germans constantly on the defense. With this building momentum going to the final match, America has high hopes for the win!
5
All this happened because of Title IX. It's time we had a female President. We are ready.
6
Must everything be about politics?
6
I may be inclined to agree, in the abstract, with Irene, but in the context of comments to this article, her post is extraneous. She should simply have kept silent on the point.
— Brian
— Brian
Re the seeming consensus that JJ should have been shown a RC for DOGSO, would love to hear views from qualified persons or referees who were at the game and had clear views of the play ... The artificial turf wreaked havoc on the bounces high balls took throughout the match, and the one JJ was tracking (poorly) seemed to be moving not directly toward but more like 45 degrees toward the goal line. Where was Solo? Was she closer to the ball than Popp? Did the ref not see a clear goal scoring opportunity because Popp never gained possession and would had to play a 50:50 ball with her head vs a tall keeper who could use her hands? Cannot assume Popp would have even gained possession. Unless some other qualified view can clarify, I believe the ref on the field had the clearest view in real time and therefore I'm satisfied with her decision - PK, YC. Play on.
11
The german player was almost (if not actually) touching the ball when hauled down. Solo had no play on it.
1
Not to belabor it, but there are no hard and fast "rules" in this game - there are laws and the laws of the game are open to interpretation by the match official. In some cases, refs are given criteria for making decisions and this is one of them - the criteria for deciding when to penalise for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity:
- The direction of the play.
- The location of the foul.
- The proximity of the player to the ball.
- The location and number of opponents.
- The opportunity for the attempt on goal.
- The probability of controlling the ball.
From what I (and the TV audience) could tell, the last two of these criteria do not appear to be 100% "obvious." Again, it may be best to rely on the referee's judgement in this case.
- The direction of the play.
- The location of the foul.
- The proximity of the player to the ball.
- The location and number of opponents.
- The opportunity for the attempt on goal.
- The probability of controlling the ball.
From what I (and the TV audience) could tell, the last two of these criteria do not appear to be 100% "obvious." Again, it may be best to rely on the referee's judgement in this case.
What a joke to call this a legitimate sport. Just like the previous U.S. match the fix has beeb in throughout the World Cup the U.S. must make the Finals for "the good of the game" (sic). Last night a key American player who absolutely should have gotten a red card and been ejected forcing the U.S. and forcing the U.S. to play with 10 payers did NOT get that red card. Then deep into the second half with the score 0-0 the U.S. is awarded a penalty kick that clearly can be seen should not have been called.
Soccer is the "new" professional wrestling. Even the fans working themselves into a frenzy over nothing is reminiscent to professional wrestling. Why wait to Sunday FIFA should end its charade and declare the U.S. the winner of the world cup right now. And everyone can go home. Except that won't serve the purpose of making lots of $$$$ for FIFA, broadcasters and sponsors.
Soccer is the "new" professional wrestling. Even the fans working themselves into a frenzy over nothing is reminiscent to professional wrestling. Why wait to Sunday FIFA should end its charade and declare the U.S. the winner of the world cup right now. And everyone can go home. Except that won't serve the purpose of making lots of $$$$ for FIFA, broadcasters and sponsors.
3
Japan gets past England tonight. Japan is a very quick team and good at the possession game. Don't give the Cup to U.S.A. so quick.
1
Get over it. If you don't like the sport, don't watch it and don't comment on articles about it. Soccer is a sport that takes extreme mental and physical strength. Just because a few calls may have gone the wrong way, you liken it to wrestling? Please. The Germans had plenty of opportunities to put the game away, and the ref couldn't have done anything about it. But the U.S. defense won out in the end, as they've been doing throughout the tournament.
So which sport is is that you support? Baseball, where guys sit around for 90% of the game, and which is distorted by steroids anyway? Football, which is really just a quarterback, a handful of athletic runners, and a mob of human brick? Or is it just women's sports that you object to?
So which sport is is that you support? Baseball, where guys sit around for 90% of the game, and which is distorted by steroids anyway? Football, which is really just a quarterback, a handful of athletic runners, and a mob of human brick? Or is it just women's sports that you object to?
7
American football is "legitimate"? Ice hockey is not professional wrestling to the screams of an excited or incensed crowd? This comment of yours is remarkably narrow. My children and I have played soccer for the better parts of our lives, and it was never gladiatorial. Sorry you have to generalize about the sport. I don't know of any professiona (i.e. money) sport that doesn't provoke every range of critique. And here's yours.
Fantastic victory and well deserved too. That O'Hara acrobatic goal (on a superb work by Lloyd) was worth any pro men's in the best Euro clubs. The German team was over rated from the get go with crazy scores against weak teams.
My comment about women football is the time factor.
Why do the girls have to play 90 minutes and up to 2 hours, as in the France-Germany quarters? This is pure and simple abuse!
In tennis, the women play the best of three sets and still get the same prize money the men get! And I don't care what they say, women tennis is no way near as good as men's is. Whereas, Women soccer at the international level is as thrilling as the men's is.
If the girls were animals, there would be cries of animal cruelty!
The pitch is far too big too!
I think reducing the time to 60 minutes and the pitch to 75-80 meters would be the sane thing to do. What's the point to see 20 knackered girls barely able to move, let alone run after 2 hours... and don't you dare forget the 3 minutes of stoppage time!
Is this inhuman or what?
My comment about women football is the time factor.
Why do the girls have to play 90 minutes and up to 2 hours, as in the France-Germany quarters? This is pure and simple abuse!
In tennis, the women play the best of three sets and still get the same prize money the men get! And I don't care what they say, women tennis is no way near as good as men's is. Whereas, Women soccer at the international level is as thrilling as the men's is.
If the girls were animals, there would be cries of animal cruelty!
The pitch is far too big too!
I think reducing the time to 60 minutes and the pitch to 75-80 meters would be the sane thing to do. What's the point to see 20 knackered girls barely able to move, let alone run after 2 hours... and don't you dare forget the 3 minutes of stoppage time!
Is this inhuman or what?
1
At the very first Women's World Cup in 1991, the matches were 80 minutes long. It was soon changed to 90 when it became clear women were fully capable of playing the same length of time as men.
I don't think you will get very far with the argument that the ladies can't cope with the same size field and same length of game as men.
If you want to see a tired men's team, see the 2006 World Cup Final, when the Italian men barely made it to the end (and they were the winners).
I don't think you will get very far with the argument that the ladies can't cope with the same size field and same length of game as men.
If you want to see a tired men's team, see the 2006 World Cup Final, when the Italian men barely made it to the end (and they were the winners).
9
Knackered girls? "Girls", not "women"? Please spare us your paternalism. Those women ran their hearts out for 90 minutes without once flagging on the pitch. It was inspiring to watch. The tennis rules you approve of go back to the dark ages, a period with which you seem to be more comfortable.
12
Women are equal to men as so many proclaim. The US women would disagree with you. I would too. I think the game is fine and the women can and should handle the conditions.
Women and men aren't equal though in biology. Men are quicker, faster, physical, it's just human nature. If people can't accept that fact, file a gender discrimination lawsuit to God for differences in biology.
Women and men aren't equal though in biology. Men are quicker, faster, physical, it's just human nature. If people can't accept that fact, file a gender discrimination lawsuit to God for differences in biology.
2
Morgan Brian has been the key to the team's success over the last two games. Calm, confident and flawless in the midfield. The US has a gem of a midfielder who will be the mainstay of the team for the next decade.
10
But the really good news is that FIFA "president" Blatter will not be polluting the final with his presence.
7
Happy to hear this good job American women
1
Yes, that was an incorrect call on the foul just outside the box. But the fact is that the US dominated the Germans from whistle to whistle. What happened to the vaunted German discipline when it comes to not complaining?
4
Given the incorrectness, and gravity of the call you mention and its impact on the game, as well as the failure of the refs to give a red card earlier to Johnston, it's really quite impressive how LITTLE the Germans complained, i.e., barely at all. They seemed incredibly cool about both calls from where I sat and they conducted themselves with admirable restraint. By the way, I've been watching soccer/football my whole long life, and those were two of the worst calls I've ever seen in major competition. Just terrible.
8
I agree the Germans have conducted themselves with great dignity in defeat. It takes real character to say, "they were better than us today," rather than, "we wuz robbed." Especially when all the facts on on their side regarding those two calls. I hesitate to think what Amy Waumbach might be saying right now if the roles of the two teams were reversed. But make no mistake, the USWNT WAS far the better team last night.
@Midwest Mom: Did you watch the France-Germany quarterfinal? Mere dominance has surprisingly less effect on the outcome than you might think. In the QF, France dominated thoroughly, and had the refereeing decisions go against them France had a claim for a first half penalty turned down that was remarkably similar to the one granted late In the second half for Germany. The annals of soccer, both men's and women's, are generously littered with instances where the "better" team loses.
2
What a break, even though they played their best game so far.
Germany clearly paid the price for playing terribly against France and having to invest 120min at full speed.
Add Germany missed their penalty, which should have also been a red card on the US for the foul, which would have completely changed the game whether they missed the PK or not.
The US PK was a foul just outside the area, so another poor call by the REF.
All told, they did look better, but pretty much had the game handed to them again.
Destiny , or pure luck.
Japan should make easy work of England, so we'll get a rematch.
Germany clearly paid the price for playing terribly against France and having to invest 120min at full speed.
Add Germany missed their penalty, which should have also been a red card on the US for the foul, which would have completely changed the game whether they missed the PK or not.
The US PK was a foul just outside the area, so another poor call by the REF.
All told, they did look better, but pretty much had the game handed to them again.
Destiny , or pure luck.
Japan should make easy work of England, so we'll get a rematch.
3
So many comments focussing on the two calls that favored the USA, none on the 1-2 clear penalty shots that should have been called against Germany, eg, Carli Lloyd on a crossing shot getting hauled down from behind in the box, with both arms of the German player around her waist. USA dominated most of the match against an excellent (perhaps tired) German team, they earned the victory and it is a little petty to keep going on in a one-sided presentation of (possible) referee mistakes. Congratulations to the superb athletes of both teams, a great matchup.
I said it before: "This Women's World Soccer Cup " belongs to North America." The host (Canada) has been eliminated but the USA team is here ready for the final victory. Three Cheers for the USA Team!
The USA deserved to win but somehow it gets the decisions in semi-finals in major games - 2012 Olympics and now World Cup.
The U.S. is very fortunate their best player, Johnston, was not red-carded in the Germany game. She easily could (and perhaps should) have been. Her expulsion could have enabled the Germans to win, but even if the U.S. prevailed, she would have been barred from the Final, with a perhaps devastating effect on U.S. prospects for victory.
7
No comment about the Johnston foul is worth reading unless it mentions that a German player, Maier, should have been red-carded even earlier and Germany playing with only 10. The muggings and beatings by the losing German players were even more flagrant than in the game against France. The better team won, in every way including morally.
Everyone can also be pleased that a German squad that with malice aforethought ran up a 10-0 score against pathetic Ivory Coast in group play and was still trying to score when the game ended, won't be going to the final. ("I'd be lying if I said it wasn't fun! It was cool!" -- German scorer Anja Mittag after the match.) Maybe Germany was trying to beat its own zero-class WWC-leading record of pasting Argentina 11-0 in 2007, when it put the pedal to the metal to score a last goal in the 90th minute. Thank God the U.S. never plays that kind of sore-winner, bullying football. Thank karma and nemesis that Germany and coach Silvia Neid got stopped dead in their tracks yesterday.
Everyone can also be pleased that a German squad that with malice aforethought ran up a 10-0 score against pathetic Ivory Coast in group play and was still trying to score when the game ended, won't be going to the final. ("I'd be lying if I said it wasn't fun! It was cool!" -- German scorer Anja Mittag after the match.) Maybe Germany was trying to beat its own zero-class WWC-leading record of pasting Argentina 11-0 in 2007, when it put the pedal to the metal to score a last goal in the 90th minute. Thank God the U.S. never plays that kind of sore-winner, bullying football. Thank karma and nemesis that Germany and coach Silvia Neid got stopped dead in their tracks yesterday.
14
YEs...Beat Japan this time!! You can do it!! We will be watching you from the South of France on our tiny TV!!!
3
Great game. They caught all of the breaks. They earned it The physical conditioning on this team is amazing. One of best prepared teams I've ever seen.
3
It's not just a victory. Today we demonstrate we are the best team on the world when we defeat Germany, the strongest competitor before this game. We are better them not only in defending but also in attacking. Our team put a strong pressure to German so that they can not play as well as their ability
German team is always the most difficult barrier on our road. I don't think neither England nor Japan will stop us to the championship.
German team is always the most difficult barrier on our road. I don't think neither England nor Japan will stop us to the championship.
1
Congratulations WNT for this win.
I hope that this success will help to bring more american fans supporting the NWSL. I have a great respect for womens football players all around the world. European female football team have the support of the like of Arsenal, PSG, Bayern, Chelsea... But US female player have only the NWSL and have to survive each ear. They need your support.
I'm very happy for this FIFA 2015 WC. The draw or Bracket doesnt matter for me. We had some great match up between superpowers. Thats all football fans all round the world want in the WC. No matter in group stage or quarterfinal of final. We discover some very promising new team played the best teams. We were fortunate to have that France vs Germany for 2 hours + PKs.
It was obvious that the German team was tired after the quarterfinal. There were some questionable referee decision but i think the USWNT side was the better team and deserve to win it.
I think, choosing again Celia Sasic to take the PK was a mistake. Too much for her to do it again, despite her PK rates. And there is a fact in world football tournament, almost no team won the next match after winning the previous match through PK shoot out.
I would love to see a Japan vs Germany in the final. But this is the FIFA WC not a a north american playoff. No comparison to FIFA No1...No8 and NBA's No1---8 at the end of the season.
2015Japan is better and smarter than its team's 2011. But we know too, the WNT never give up.
I hope that this success will help to bring more american fans supporting the NWSL. I have a great respect for womens football players all around the world. European female football team have the support of the like of Arsenal, PSG, Bayern, Chelsea... But US female player have only the NWSL and have to survive each ear. They need your support.
I'm very happy for this FIFA 2015 WC. The draw or Bracket doesnt matter for me. We had some great match up between superpowers. Thats all football fans all round the world want in the WC. No matter in group stage or quarterfinal of final. We discover some very promising new team played the best teams. We were fortunate to have that France vs Germany for 2 hours + PKs.
It was obvious that the German team was tired after the quarterfinal. There were some questionable referee decision but i think the USWNT side was the better team and deserve to win it.
I think, choosing again Celia Sasic to take the PK was a mistake. Too much for her to do it again, despite her PK rates. And there is a fact in world football tournament, almost no team won the next match after winning the previous match through PK shoot out.
I would love to see a Japan vs Germany in the final. But this is the FIFA WC not a a north american playoff. No comparison to FIFA No1...No8 and NBA's No1---8 at the end of the season.
2015Japan is better and smarter than its team's 2011. But we know too, the WNT never give up.
1
It's the first soccer game I've ever watched from beginning to end. It's fun to watch, but only with teams who play at a very high level. I like the women's game better than the mens (same with tennis), less machismo and violent. And while it's a little one-sided, I can admire Alex Morgan in a way I couldn't admire a guy.
2
Very exciting game from start to finish! Determined team bolstered by great Rapinoe and Klingenberg on the left. Couldn't believe they didn't score at least once in the first half. Defense shut down the best scoring team in the world almost completely and every ball was contested all game long. By the end, Germany, a team that scores late very often, was just completely demoralized and unable to threaten even remotely. Need one more great game to make it all count. Fans now excited after GREAT performance!!!
1
The thing that struck me most about this article is that the first 4 paragraphs are devoted to highlighting a player's emotionalism and tears. Does this really have to be the lead? Can't recall having read any similar articles about the men's team.
12
I agree. Especially because it's an interesting angle that relates to actual play. I don't mind that they included this - I like reading about how the team had to calm JJ down because they know she's emotional. I'd like to read about guys who have to do the same thing to manage the emotional or tightly wound players on their teams.
E.g., Remember Paul O'Neil on the '90s Yanks destroying gatorade containers in the dugout?
E.g., Remember Paul O'Neil on the '90s Yanks destroying gatorade containers in the dugout?
As an American living in Canada, may I ask how "Exceptional" it is that the only games reported on in most newspapers have been those involving the U.S. FIFA teams. Almost nothing about the results of any other team, no page devoted to the teamss. Not even scores posted for all to see, or stats, either. How provincial.
5
@ Dr. Bob — I haven’t had to look hard at all, in this and other U.S. newspapers, to find a lot of coverage about the other teams in the World Cup. Of course, if you want to identify which newspapers you’ve been perusing, and take them to task specifically, then that will let us check them out, and judge for ourselves whether you’ve raise a legitimate beef against them.
It might help, as well, if you could clarify just what you mean by asserting that most newspapers are reporting on games only if they involve “the U.S. FIFA teams” — that is, “teams”, plural. The U.S., of course, is represented by only one team in this tournament.
— Brian
It might help, as well, if you could clarify just what you mean by asserting that most newspapers are reporting on games only if they involve “the U.S. FIFA teams” — that is, “teams”, plural. The U.S., of course, is represented by only one team in this tournament.
— Brian
The story of the match was simple: the tournament's best defense is real, while the tournament's best offense was a mirage. Germany ran up huge offensive statistics in group play, but against France they produced only a single goal -- on a penalty kick -- and against the U.S. they produced only a single shot on goal.
There's been a lot of kvetching about the U.S. team, but in fact they won a group that sent three teams to the knockout round, with Australia reaching the quarterfinals to give Japan a challenging match. Along the way, the U.S. women have conceded only one goal in the entire tournament, and limited most opponents to long-range shots that rarely challenged Hope Solo.
Perhaps now that the U.S. have beaten Germany, the stories going into the finals can focus on their incredible fitness, depth, and defensive work ethic ... instead of kvetching because they aren't beating opponents 4-0.
There's been a lot of kvetching about the U.S. team, but in fact they won a group that sent three teams to the knockout round, with Australia reaching the quarterfinals to give Japan a challenging match. Along the way, the U.S. women have conceded only one goal in the entire tournament, and limited most opponents to long-range shots that rarely challenged Hope Solo.
Perhaps now that the U.S. have beaten Germany, the stories going into the finals can focus on their incredible fitness, depth, and defensive work ethic ... instead of kvetching because they aren't beating opponents 4-0.
14
Well done Team USA! --You've been on the mark throughout, and played your strengths well in this nail-biter of a game. The German Press got it all wrong when they said you wouldn't win....But then again, they said the same about the U.S Men's "Friendly" match 6/10/2015, which we won 2:1. So hats off to you!
The smell of Victory is in the air... Go get 'em!!!
The smell of Victory is in the air... Go get 'em!!!
4
Absolutely delighted - and quite surprised - that our Soccer Amazons beat the German Valkyries.
However, this game shows that FIFA should immediately require all players to wear helmets to prevent head injuries.
Helmets should also be required when kids play soccer. Even just heading the ball without a helmet can cause a concussion.
However, this game shows that FIFA should immediately require all players to wear helmets to prevent head injuries.
Helmets should also be required when kids play soccer. Even just heading the ball without a helmet can cause a concussion.
What a talented, resilient, gutsy performance by the U.S women's soccer team. The only thing more impressive than the result was the toughness of the players - in sharp contrast to their whiny, over-acting male soccer counterparts constantly taking "dives."
BTW, NYT, who was your proofreader on this article? Or did I miss the news that we've changed our name to "The Untied States"?
BTW, NYT, who was your proofreader on this article? Or did I miss the news that we've changed our name to "The Untied States"?
5
One of the main reasons women's soccer is so appealing is that the women are far less cynical than the men when it comes to diving, faking injuries, etc., although there does seem to be a growing tendency on the part of some women's teams (e.g., Brazil) to emulate the men in that regard.
Great job. As the coach said after the game when asked about lineups, "it's about the players, not the form of lineups." Not an exact quote but that's the import of her remarks.
The team really stepped up and applied pressure on the German defense.
Luck helps as Germany missed their penalty kick!
Nice to see an insurance goal after Carli Lloyd got the US on the scoreboard.
I am looking forward to the US playing and beating Japan.
The team really stepped up and applied pressure on the German defense.
Luck helps as Germany missed their penalty kick!
Nice to see an insurance goal after Carli Lloyd got the US on the scoreboard.
I am looking forward to the US playing and beating Japan.
5
Woww. what.a.game. The US finally put on the performance we have been hoping for. They played with confidence, kept possession, won 50-50 balls, and created scoring chances. This was the brand of soccer we expect from our Nat'l team, and the players certainly revved up their engines for this match. Truth be told, Carli Lloyd was having a disappointing tournament until the last two games, and she is showing her mettle. Cool finish, Carli. Morgan Brian is a standout in my book, as she is quick on the ball, keeps possession, and distributes well. The outside backs did an excellent job of thwarting the German attack, as well as getting involved in ours by making overlapping runs. And Kelley O' Hara, made the most of her minutes by scoring her first int'l goal in dramatic fashion. As a longtime member of the team who has not seen much of the field until now, she earned that one. Well done, ladies!
24
Agree with MS on the U.S. team's looking very good. What is regrettable is that goals are scored mainly as a result of incidents that are not representative of sustained superior play. In justice, the score should perhaps have been even more lopsided, but the way soccer is, the score could well have gone the other way.
Nice to see the U.S. finally playing well. From the beginning it seemed clear they needed to do something about the defensive midfield, to allow Lloyd and Holiday to operate further forward. Morgan Brian's inclusion has addressed that problem, and Lloyd has been able to go forward to support the attack. She's really taken over the team, in a positive sense.
But still, Johnston (and I think she's been the best U.S. player through the tournament) should have been red-carded. Neid's failure to substitute was odd. And the U.S. was lucky to face Germany after the Germans' epic game against France.
A good result nonetheless, and the team seems more than adequately ready to play either Japan or England.
But still, Johnston (and I think she's been the best U.S. player through the tournament) should have been red-carded. Neid's failure to substitute was odd. And the U.S. was lucky to face Germany after the Germans' epic game against France.
A good result nonetheless, and the team seems more than adequately ready to play either Japan or England.
9
Regarding calls made.
There are no should haves in sports.
Just the game and the score.
Glad to see the U.S. win this one.
There are no should haves in sports.
Just the game and the score.
Glad to see the U.S. win this one.
With all this talk of sketchy officiating no one's mentioning the terrible missed foul right before the end of the half when Morgan was egregiously held while in the box. Seemed like an obvious penalty but was ignored.
28
To say nothing of the fact that Megan Rapinoe spent the first half absorbing one body blow after another. She's probably still in the ice bath.
US is the better team and they deserve the win. Congratulations!
However, I really hate the fact that referee made a clear wrong decision on awarding US the penalty kick. It is extremely frustrating that the soccer has been so slow on taking well established and available technology to help referees make better and more fair judgments. I hope one day soccer will learn from American football, that referee can be requested or required to review the video replay before making critical decisions such as red card and penalty kick.
However, I really hate the fact that referee made a clear wrong decision on awarding US the penalty kick. It is extremely frustrating that the soccer has been so slow on taking well established and available technology to help referees make better and more fair judgments. I hope one day soccer will learn from American football, that referee can be requested or required to review the video replay before making critical decisions such as red card and penalty kick.
12
Yang, I beg to differ. Sport should be just sport, accepting of human error when it happens (just as athletes themselves inevitably err). Close calls should be accepted for what they are, as they were for decades. Technology (instant replay) is a spoiler of American football, doing nothing for the game but interrupting its flow and making what amount to economic decisions (winning = money). Replays stop football in its tracks, and now threaten to ruin basketball and baseball as well, just because Americans cannot tolerate inadvertent error and ambiguity. Leave the beautiful sport of soccer alone!
27
Mercutio, I don't think it is just the Americans who want instant reply. The award of a penalty kick ALREADY stops the game in its track anyway. It also not about winning=money. It is about fairness. I for one would love to see instant replay used - albeit sparingly - in close calls for soccer/football.
Perhaps the only time I've ever agreed with Sepp Blatter was when, in response to demands for more "technology," he said that the human element of referees was an essential part of the game, warts (i.e., errors) and all. He also said that these human errors can add to the mystique and legend of certain games, even if, on an objective level, a machine or a technology would have made something closer to the "correct" call.
I will now cease saying positive things about Mr. Blatter.
I will now cease saying positive things about Mr. Blatter.
I wouldn't call Germans as having "steamrollered" their way to the semifinals. They were mostly outplayed and outclassed by the French in their last match, and they survived it through willpower and, frankly, brutality. To me, the best team, at least in terms of playing sophisticated, beautiful football, has been the French team. Their intricate passing game, ball controlling skill, etc. were not unlike those of Barcelona or the Spanish men's national team. It took American women to stand up to the physicality of the Germans, but it seems to me that the Americans did face a tired team.
29
Agree with you. I was terribly disappointed to see the French side lose their quarterfinal. Watching them play is exhilarating. They were unlucky in that loss, not outclassed by any means.
I totally agree the steamrolling reference can only come from someone that has not seen the Germany-France game. Why has the NYT by the way decided to skip much reportimg on non USA games? Very nice job on the Men World Cup last year...but very limited coverage for the Women's Cup. Disappointing....
USA is doing a fantastic job, and yet on some media outlets that seem to lean to the left a big talking point is Hope Solo's problems from the past. My opinion, "You girls go and take it all the way!"
4
"The Untied States will find out its opponent for the final on Wednesday night..." Darn! Did we come untied again? We just can't seem to keep those things tied! Oh well, we'll just have to do better ...
6
Awesome job team! We are all so proud of you!
6
Just got back from the stadium -- the place was rocking and fans were delirious with joy! Thank you team USA! One more!
14
Outstanding performance by the U.S., which again showed its talent in this match, and yet we were very lucky, too: Germany missed a penalty kick and we converted a penalty--the game-winning goal--that we should not have gotten in the first place. This is the crazy thing about football: goals are precious and a great performance in run of play doesn't mean much if the ball cannot be put in the net. France understands that all too well. But the possession play by the Americans was brilliant, for the most part--and this, in football parlance, was a deserved result.
10
This was a pleasing but not surprising result, as France took a great deal out of Germany in their prior match while USA had an easier time of it with China. USA is not only coming into their game at just the right time, they also caught Germany at just the right moment.
Even so, I think the final numbers showed that Germany had at least as much of the ball as USA did, which I would not have guessed from watching the match.
I wish USA could train to develop quicker feet in close quarters so they could finish more of their hard won opportunities in the box. The way Japan manages the ball in tight spaces at full speed, they look like they've been playing 11v11 Futsal in a squash court during their training sessions.
Even so, I think the final numbers showed that Germany had at least as much of the ball as USA did, which I would not have guessed from watching the match.
I wish USA could train to develop quicker feet in close quarters so they could finish more of their hard won opportunities in the box. The way Japan manages the ball in tight spaces at full speed, they look like they've been playing 11v11 Futsal in a squash court during their training sessions.
7
Keep it up girls! A World Cup win for America would be another feather in the cap of the greatest presidency ever.
13
Yeah, too bad our foreign policy is not played out by women on a soccer field.
@ Oliver — I do fervently hope the U.S. wins, but if so, the less such a championship is associated with FIFA President Blatter, the better . . . .
— Brian
— Brian
Simply amazing! The U.S. looked awful against Australia in the opening game. They didn't look capable of a deep run in the tournament. Maybe it's good karma continuing for the country for finally standing up against the Rebel flag and after the Supreme Court decision on Obamacare and gay marriage? Imagine what might happen if we make inroads on gun control?
31
Prior to the last two games I did not recognize the US team based upon their style of play. I am thrilled with the transformation in the last two games. Best of all, it looks like the US girls are having fun!
11
From my 71 year viewpoint even 40 year olds look like girls. However, they are adults, and, in the spirit of no nobility in the US, let us refer to them as ladies.
Otherwise I agree whole-heartedly.
Otherwise I agree whole-heartedly.
5
They call themselves and the other teams' players "girls" constantly, probably more than anything else. They never ever say "ladies." Take that idea and bury it in a Civil War cemetery somewhere.
4
There's no need to be rude. You could have made the same point politely. (The most appropriate term for them, in my opinion, regardless of what they call themselves, is "women.")
1
The game was well played, and the article is well written. Somehow I enjoyed them both!
3
What a great game. The US really owned the pitch. Germany was definitely gassed from their win over the French but the US played a solid game all around and owned mid-field.
This game was much better played and more etertaining that any of the USMNT's in recent memory.
Well done.
This game was much better played and more etertaining that any of the USMNT's in recent memory.
Well done.
8
I'm not so sure. USA vs Ghana in last year's WC was terrific!
Way to go ladies! Go U.S.A!
3
This was the first time the entire tournament that the American's didn't look anemic, discordant, and old. Congrats Team USA, you actually impressed me in this game and I hardly recognized you.
6
SO HAPPY to see them play SO WELL. It was worth the wait--now let's finish the Cup the same way! GO USA!
4
I'm U.S. but live in Ecuador where people are football crazy. I prefer the women's game. I truly believe that, disallowing heavy physical contact on the part of the U.S. men's team, the U.S. women would beat them.
17
I think you're letting your emotions run away with you. There isn't any sport where a professional women's team can dominate a professional men's team and you noted that yourself by saying that the women's team could win only if the rules were changed to favor them.
We watched the game last night with the Copa America Argentina-Paraguay game on another TV next to it. Compared to the men's game the women's game looked like it was being played in slow motion. Both were enjoyable and exciting in their own right and I know I'll get slammed for all this even though I was cheering as hard for the women's team as anyone but reality is reality. No amount of rose-colored PC glasses will change that.
We watched the game last night with the Copa America Argentina-Paraguay game on another TV next to it. Compared to the men's game the women's game looked like it was being played in slow motion. Both were enjoyable and exciting in their own right and I know I'll get slammed for all this even though I was cheering as hard for the women's team as anyone but reality is reality. No amount of rose-colored PC glasses will change that.
1
A haiku for Team USA in the Final:
Play for the pure joy
Just like when you were a kid
The beautiful game
Play for the pure joy
Just like when you were a kid
The beautiful game
14
I would never have guessed this outcome, two rounds ago; but the quarterfinals games showed the US improving and Germany tightening up. It's great to see the trend continue, although with a healthy Marozsan, play might have been more evenly balanced. Now the trick will be for the US not to take either Japan or England too lightly.
5
The US team played an outstanding game, so much so that it was hard to believe that Germany is number 1 in the world. They really dominated the Germans. Congratulations to the US team and best of luck in the final game!
18
YES! Go USA!
7
Morgan Brian who has started the last two games at holding midfield has an amazing command of the game, and makes very few mistakes on the field. What a great addition this young player is to the US team.
22
And if it was baseball, she'd be the DH.
1
Congrats to the USA team and staff for a well deserved victory. Eliis got her tactics and squad selection right again for the second match in a row.
Two things, Johnston should have been sent off instead of a yellow for her foul on Popp.
And Morgan was fouled right on the 18 yard line (not a meter away like someone posted) which IS considered the penalty box. It is in the rule book.
The USA would have won anyway as they largely bossed the midfield. Germany had one shot on goal! Germany was gassed half way through the first half. And a German missing a PK? Oh dear.
Morgan Brian was again outstanding. Everybody stepped it up. Rapinoe was terrific as was Lloyd, Sauerbrunn, Klingenberg, Holiday, Krieger, Alex Morgan should have had at least one goal but she pressed and harassed the German back four all night.
Heath had a very good game and O'Hara's goal was a beauty.
Wambach did not need to be a sub and hopefully she will not start or even see playing time in the Final. She was a great player but is well past it and kills the USA attack. Let the young ones play.
Solo was solo. Cheeky handling of the pre-PK walkup.
I cannot see England or Japan beating the USA in anyway but that is why they play game.
Viva USA!
Two things, Johnston should have been sent off instead of a yellow for her foul on Popp.
And Morgan was fouled right on the 18 yard line (not a meter away like someone posted) which IS considered the penalty box. It is in the rule book.
The USA would have won anyway as they largely bossed the midfield. Germany had one shot on goal! Germany was gassed half way through the first half. And a German missing a PK? Oh dear.
Morgan Brian was again outstanding. Everybody stepped it up. Rapinoe was terrific as was Lloyd, Sauerbrunn, Klingenberg, Holiday, Krieger, Alex Morgan should have had at least one goal but she pressed and harassed the German back four all night.
Heath had a very good game and O'Hara's goal was a beauty.
Wambach did not need to be a sub and hopefully she will not start or even see playing time in the Final. She was a great player but is well past it and kills the USA attack. Let the young ones play.
Solo was solo. Cheeky handling of the pre-PK walkup.
I cannot see England or Japan beating the USA in anyway but that is why they play game.
Viva USA!
40
Abby Wambaugh may be on her last legs as a World Cup player but she started the sequence that led to O'Hara's goal with a couple of nice moves and the right pass of out the corner.
32
Was I watching the end of another first-half. A German player, in replay, clearly grabbed a US player with at least one hand to the shoulder, I thought two, and no call was made. I suspect the referee saw this during half-time and tried to make amends. My son played high-school soccer, while I was a rugby player in my native South Africa, so I am open to correction about my opinion.
Solo should have been red carded for her 80 seconds of wandering around to ice the kicker. Knd of tarnishes the excellent play of the rest of the team.
USA-USA-USA !!!!!!!!
You go girls!
You make our country proud....very proud.
You go girls!
You make our country proud....very proud.
17
These young women are truly scary. I mean that as a complement.
Go!
Go!
11
Well done, Team USA! So proud of you
awesome athletes, everyone of you!
awesome athletes, everyone of you!
25
Imagine if in Basketball the person fouled did not have to throw the free throw. I think the person who is fouled should make the penalty kick. The scorer's get the glory but Rapinoe kept the German team busy to distraction and created opportunities by her persistent and deft defense. And, boy, did she take a beating for it. Definitely MVP vote from me.
17
Agree with you in principal but in soccer the person who got fouled is often in pain and couldn't do the kick well.
4
Actually, in basketball, if a technical foul is committed against a player, anyone can take the free throw.
3
Paul,
" I think the person who is fouled should make the penalty kick."
So what about the fault, corner kick and throwing ?
Let basketball set his own rules and football his.
Different sports, differents rules.
" I think the person who is fouled should make the penalty kick."
So what about the fault, corner kick and throwing ?
Let basketball set his own rules and football his.
Different sports, differents rules.
5
Does this say something about the American team, or does it say something about the level of competition? At least will make some money for someone...
Germany is number 1 in the world. You cannot get a better competitor than that!
8
I was the founding women's track coach at a Big Ten university which only added women's track under the threat of a Title IX lawsuit. The US Olympic team and US women's soccer are the result of 40 years of Title IX legal coverage which gave our women the chance to enjoy athletics. Go USA in the 2015 World Cup final this coming weekend!
95
A decent game, the US did look the better side and deserved the win but their lack of cutting edge was helped by the referee.
I don't think Johnston should've gotten a red card. If that foul was outside the box, it would've been a yellow at most. I don't think she had prior offenses before that and she was playing a pretty good game and throughout the tournament. I guess beating her spooked her and in the moment brought the player down. Also remember, it's in the interest for US to reach the final since it's good for attendance, women's soccer, and FIFA. Just look at the stadium and count the Germans. What kind of final would it be if the US was absent? It would be an embarrassing show of support for women's football. Honestly, it wouldn't surprise me if there was some type of fixing or bias towards the US, especially how FIFA has been lately. Maybe trying to apologize by pushing US through? An olive branch to the DOJ?
What is more dismal are the referees in this tournament. Thailand-Ivory Coast, New Zealand-China, France-Germany, USA-Germany, and more. If this was the men's tournament, there would be non-stop news and complaints. I've feel that the media is ignoring the issue to avoid damaging the women's game, which I understand. But it's hard to watch games decided on such poor decisions and lineswomen. This would be a good topic for NYT to cover. We need to be honest and critical about the flaws in the women's game (referees especially) so we can improve it.
I don't think Johnston should've gotten a red card. If that foul was outside the box, it would've been a yellow at most. I don't think she had prior offenses before that and she was playing a pretty good game and throughout the tournament. I guess beating her spooked her and in the moment brought the player down. Also remember, it's in the interest for US to reach the final since it's good for attendance, women's soccer, and FIFA. Just look at the stadium and count the Germans. What kind of final would it be if the US was absent? It would be an embarrassing show of support for women's football. Honestly, it wouldn't surprise me if there was some type of fixing or bias towards the US, especially how FIFA has been lately. Maybe trying to apologize by pushing US through? An olive branch to the DOJ?
What is more dismal are the referees in this tournament. Thailand-Ivory Coast, New Zealand-China, France-Germany, USA-Germany, and more. If this was the men's tournament, there would be non-stop news and complaints. I've feel that the media is ignoring the issue to avoid damaging the women's game, which I understand. But it's hard to watch games decided on such poor decisions and lineswomen. This would be a good topic for NYT to cover. We need to be honest and critical about the flaws in the women's game (referees especially) so we can improve it.
1
"I don't think Johnston should've gotten a red card. If that foul was outside the box, it would've been a yellow at most."
Please learn the rules of the sport... denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO) is a straight red card, it doesn't matter where on the field the offense takes place, just as long as the circumstances are such that a clear goal-scoring opportunity is thwarted by a foul.
Please learn the rules of the sport... denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO) is a straight red card, it doesn't matter where on the field the offense takes place, just as long as the circumstances are such that a clear goal-scoring opportunity is thwarted by a foul.
12
It doesn't matter if she hasn't had a foul all match. The laws of the game mandate red for "denial of an obvious goal scoring opportunity." It appeared to fit the definition, last defender and all. But not the first road to a championship with a lucky four leaf clover in their pocket.
10
What? So you're saying the fix was in and the US won to achieve higher TV ratings? Bah! I can't believe anyone would say that!
4
Strong game by the US ladies against an excellent German squad. Exciting and fun to watch game.
Difference maker was the great job the team did most of the night possessing the ball. When they didn't, USA D was precise and steady (outside of the pull down for the penalty kick). Offense worked both the long balls and to the outside well. Fantastic inventive goal for the 2 to 0 lead.
Congrats ladies... Well deserved. USA USA USA!
Difference maker was the great job the team did most of the night possessing the ball. When they didn't, USA D was precise and steady (outside of the pull down for the penalty kick). Offense worked both the long balls and to the outside well. Fantastic inventive goal for the 2 to 0 lead.
Congrats ladies... Well deserved. USA USA USA!
11
It is an axiom in life and in sports that it is better to be lucky than good. It took both for the US women to beat the German women, who themselves were lucky to beat the French. I watched that match and the French outplayed the Germans, but were not lucky enough to put the ball in the net more often. It was a somewhat questionable penalty call that evened the game for the Germans, and then Angerer won the match. In all likelihood, the championship will be a re-match with the Japanese who show remarkable ball control. It will be very frustrating for our women. If we don't score first, I predict the same outcome as the last time.
5
All told, the US women out hustled the German women hands down. The amount of pressure the US applied for 90 + minutes was the difference.
With respect to luck, the US had it and that always helps. The Germans had a terrible game. First, missing a penalty kick is always a bummer. Secondly and this if they had done it, would have negated missing a penalty - was that the Germans could not hit the target! They had more shots but they went wide or high most of the time. Solo had some saves to do but she was not busy making them against the off target shooting all night.
With respect to luck, the US had it and that always helps. The Germans had a terrible game. First, missing a penalty kick is always a bummer. Secondly and this if they had done it, would have negated missing a penalty - was that the Germans could not hit the target! They had more shots but they went wide or high most of the time. Solo had some saves to do but she was not busy making them against the off target shooting all night.
1
@ Unclebugs — For the sake of clarity, let’s remember that the “outcome” in the 2011 final was a drawn match, even though the U.S. scored first in •that• game, and then went ahead a second time before Japan again pulled even. Japan won the Cup on kicks from the penalty mark after the match, but who scores first during a match probably has little bearing on which team will advance, or win a title, in a subsequent PK shootout.
— Brian
— Brian
There's been some statistical analysis done (which I can't cite offhand) showing that the team that scores LAST in a game that goes to a shootout usually wins the shootout, espcially if the tying score occurs during the last 15 minutes of the game, when the team scored upon may start believing it will win. This scenario occurred in both the Brazil-U.S. and the Japan-U.S. games in 2011.
There is other evidence showing that the team that shoots first in the shootout usually wins.
Of course there are many exceptions to these "rules" but there appear to be clear statistical advantages in "scoring last" and "going first" in the shootout. I'm not sure, however, which of these two advantages is greater.
There is other evidence showing that the team that shoots first in the shootout usually wins.
Of course there are many exceptions to these "rules" but there appear to be clear statistical advantages in "scoring last" and "going first" in the shootout. I'm not sure, however, which of these two advantages is greater.
1
Jill Ellis now says "how do you like me now". Amazing 5 different lineups in 6 games. One more to go, let's go.
7
Very enjoyable game to watch. Despite the advantages conferred by the non-red card and outside the box penalty call, the U.S. really had control of this game and were much more dynamic than the Germans. Germany looked like they did against France and they were lucky to get by in that one. German fans have a right to feel aggrieved, but……well done team USA, you weren't an undeserved winner.
4
I love that the headlines are more less: US beats Germany, with no mention of gender. Simply put, our national team beat Germany's national team, no gender qualifications required. Go USA!
99
Excellent point about the headlines!
7
They don't need gender because the American men's team would be no match for real competition, it had to be women, just like in the Olympics. America pays more for its female players, and they get exactly what they pay for. Too bad Germany beats us in everything that actually matters, like standard of living.
2
It is no guarantee that USA was definitely the better team in the semi-finals game versus Germany. I am very proud of our girls for working so hard tonight and giving all they had not only for the game of soccer but for The United States. I play soccer and it is so great to see girls that used to play in high school just like me, that are now in the World Cup. Their ball control, aggression. and just love for the game is so good. As soon as Alex Morgan got that pk and they let Carli Lloyd take it, I knew that Carli could definitely get a goal for the USA. Then when O'Hara got USA's second goal with the assist from Carli, I was so relieved. Although before the game had even started, I prayed for the USA to win and play a great game overall. I am so excited to see USA play in the finals on Sunday and hopefully win 1st place. Cant wait to see what Sunday has in store.
3
The foul preceding the US penalty clearly happened outside of the box, but in the end the better team won, no question about it. Looking forward to the final!
Congratulations magnificent ones!!!
The Women of the USA Football Soccer team are some of the best players in the world, and they should pay them much more and hire them to teach the still inconsistent Men's team.
The Women of the USA Football Soccer team are some of the best players in the world, and they should pay them much more and hire them to teach the still inconsistent Men's team.
40
Some of the best female players for sure, but men's soccer it a whole other story, don't let your fantasies cloud reality.
3
@ Alcibiades — I see no compelling reason we should take your dismissal of women’s athletics seriously, any more than we would take seriously a claim that wrestlers in the 110-pound class are a trivial sideshow, and that the only “real” wrestling is that in the heavyweight class.
— Brian
— Brian
"won its own penalty"?
This was a false decision by the referee. The foul was ~1 m outside the box. Unbelievable that this still happens in 2015 given all the technology that could help to prevent those errors.
This was a false decision by the referee. The foul was ~1 m outside the box. Unbelievable that this still happens in 2015 given all the technology that could help to prevent those errors.
16
Agreed. And the curious absence of a red card on the first penalty kept the Americans in the game. They played well, but they won with the help of two rather important missed calls, so hardly a convincing victory.
13
This statement is actually wrong twice
1. it implies that Germany also "won" their penalty, which they clearly didn't. Johnston, the US player, should have been "awarded" a red card instead of a yellow card for the foul in the 59th min.
2. US penalty decision was a gift by the referee.
1. it implies that Germany also "won" their penalty, which they clearly didn't. Johnston, the US player, should have been "awarded" a red card instead of a yellow card for the foul in the 59th min.
2. US penalty decision was a gift by the referee.
4
If it was outside the box, it was more like ~10 mm than~1 m. The defender . laying the body block on Morgan was mostly in the box, as was the ball, and the contact came virtually on the line, which is in the box. The referee did not break stride as she immediately pointed to the spot. Germany has nothing to complain about. They lived by the PK and died by the PK in the tournament. And they then got beaten for sure with a great goal. They were out played, and got away with a few near leg-breakers on Rapinoe without even a foul being called. I think the US women would have had a rougher time against France.
35
A truly greta game. Good effort and fun to watch--especially that part about a shut-out win.
2
I'm proud of the ladies of the USWNT, they beat a talent-wise much better team which makes their victory all the more impressive. Two comments: I hope the US men's team watched this game and got and idea how to win, and.... the German men's national team are getting beat by many European nations these days, the German clubs look awful and now the women's national team just got beaten. I wonder where the "German Supremacy" guys are hiding now.
5
One of those "awful" German clubs beat Real Madrid at the Bernabeu with a teenage backup in goal. Without two big Casillas saves at the end, your lot wouldn't have gotten the chance to lose to Juventus.
3
not sure where you have been,but the U.S men's team just beat Germany in Germany
6
I believe the Germans are still the World Champions and will be favorites to become European Champions next year. They are young and talented, still the best team in the world.
I'm speaking of the Men's team of course. For the Women, it looks like the USA has a chance to become Weltmeister again!
I'm speaking of the Men's team of course. For the Women, it looks like the USA has a chance to become Weltmeister again!
2
Incredible game. A true joy to watch.
34
Congratulations. USA is very proud.
17
The list of Americans who had their best match of the tournament included Becky Sauerbrunn (woman of the match), Ali Krieger, Meghan Klingenberg, Lauren Holiday, Carli Lloyd and, especially, Alex Morgan. For the first time in this tournament, Morgan looked like the star she was four years ago.
All that said, it's likely a very different result if the ref had shown Johnston red instead of yellow.
Ratings:
Hope Solo: made one big save in the first half, but commanded the area 7.5
Ali Krieger: Excellent on both sides of the ball 7
Julie Johnston: almost scored again, one huge gaffe, but excellent otherwise 6.5
Becky Sauerbrunn: flawless in defense, and a danger on set pieces 8.5 and woman of the match
Meghan Klingenberg: lively, dangerous going forward, sound on D 8
Morgan Brian: not pushed around by Germany's physical mids. Looks natural in that spot, 7.5
Lauren Holiday: her best performance, neutralized Anja Mittag, 7
Carli Lloyd: At her best position. Scored the controversial penalty and laid on O'Hara's clincher, 8
Megan Rapinoe: not much from her dead balls, but a gritty performance against the tough Laudehr, 6.5
Tobin Heath: great through ball to Morgan early, and not much else, 5.5
Alex Morgan: Her best effort yet, but wasteful finishing the chances she got/made. Drew the questionable PK, 6.5
Kelley O'Hara: killed the game with a stabbing volley, 7
Abby Wambach: helped build the clinching goal, 6.5
Sydney LeRoux: incomplete
All that said, it's likely a very different result if the ref had shown Johnston red instead of yellow.
Ratings:
Hope Solo: made one big save in the first half, but commanded the area 7.5
Ali Krieger: Excellent on both sides of the ball 7
Julie Johnston: almost scored again, one huge gaffe, but excellent otherwise 6.5
Becky Sauerbrunn: flawless in defense, and a danger on set pieces 8.5 and woman of the match
Meghan Klingenberg: lively, dangerous going forward, sound on D 8
Morgan Brian: not pushed around by Germany's physical mids. Looks natural in that spot, 7.5
Lauren Holiday: her best performance, neutralized Anja Mittag, 7
Carli Lloyd: At her best position. Scored the controversial penalty and laid on O'Hara's clincher, 8
Megan Rapinoe: not much from her dead balls, but a gritty performance against the tough Laudehr, 6.5
Tobin Heath: great through ball to Morgan early, and not much else, 5.5
Alex Morgan: Her best effort yet, but wasteful finishing the chances she got/made. Drew the questionable PK, 6.5
Kelley O'Hara: killed the game with a stabbing volley, 7
Abby Wambach: helped build the clinching goal, 6.5
Sydney LeRoux: incomplete
9
I saw only bits and pieces of the match, missing both penalty calls. I did see O'Hara's clincher though, incredible effort by her just to get to the ball. I also have to prais Carli Lloyd for her play, I actually think she's been brilliant this tournament from what I've seen. She wears the arm band well. The drag she used to create the crucial half-a-yard to get the cross off was beautiful.
Germany's woeful performance only puts their dubious win over France futher into focus and indicts the shameful decision by FIFA to rig the draw as they saw fit. As for the officiating... it's near impossible to get so many crucial calls wrong on this level. Hopefully we'll get a good game between Japan and England tomorrow, two teams for which I have a great deal of admiration, and a worthwhile champion in the offing.
Germany's woeful performance only puts their dubious win over France futher into focus and indicts the shameful decision by FIFA to rig the draw as they saw fit. As for the officiating... it's near impossible to get so many crucial calls wrong on this level. Hopefully we'll get a good game between Japan and England tomorrow, two teams for which I have a great deal of admiration, and a worthwhile champion in the offing.
3
Two responses, Paul: One, you're correct that it was razor close whether Johnston should've been red-carded for the foul that resulted in Sasic's wide-of-the-mark penalty kick. Two, you aren't giving nearly enough credit to Rapinoe, IMHO.
2
Bakes, the German PK was proper, but probably should have been DOGSO red for Johnston instead of the yellow she got. In the play-by-play there's a picture of Johnston pulling Popp back with her hand. The American PK was Krahn stepping hard into Morgan to check her run, but was pretty clearly outside the box, though Morgan flew into the box subsequent to contact. But on quality of play, a fully merited result. The worst German performance, by far, in the tournament. Without 3 big Angerer saves in the first half, it's a blowout.
4
That's more like it. This was the type of performance that I've been waiting to see from the U.S. women. They really controlled this game in midfield and never let Germany get on track. I was surprised that Germany didn't put up a better fight, but that's a credit to way the U.S. played. Great job. I'm looking forward to seeing more of the same in the final.
56
Spot on, Julie. It was a cracking performance by the USA. I dearly hope England meets them in the final.
6
Japan beat England in a game I am glad I didn't see -- the agony and frustration the English must feel in losing that game through an own goal, when by all accounts they were controlling the game otherwise will rankle for years,
But this sets up Japan USA again. Oh ... what a grudge match as far as the USA is concerned. And even with Hope Solo in goal, nobody in the USA wants to see this one go back to a shoot-out.
USA will press in this game.
I hope it doesn't get ugly ... it could. Does Japan really deserve to be in this final? If not, the score may be lopsided because USA will be looking to score and won't quit if they can.
But if Japan's defense can hold, and the American's get careless, a Japanese counter-attack could win the game.
I just don't want to see this game end in something stupid -- like an American red card.
Japan won't play Germany. Only by comparing their play against USA can we infer anything about that.
I suspect we saw the real final in Germany v. USA. Japan could prove this wrong by great play in the upcoming game. Or USA could leave us all disappointed and shocked by falling apart.
But personally ... I don't want USA to play for the shootout ... and I don't think they will. If USA plays hard and well and Japan wins ... more power to them.