Lauren Cheney and Team USA vs. Japan: Women's World Cup Final
by gbruin on Jul 17, 2011 10:45 AM PDT
in Other Sports
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Every four years, nations from around the globe field their best collection of soccer players and come together to compete in a series of tournaments. Those tournaments culminate with a final playoff to determine which country has the best team. Individuals leave their professional teams behind for a time for the honor of playing for their country, and for the right for their nation to claim the title of world champion.
The final game in that tournament is about to begin. The top ranked team in the world, the United States of America, has a chance to reclaim the title it clinched12 years ago as women's World Cup champion. The last four years of hard work and dedication comes down to this.
The U.S. squad always expected to be in this game, though the path to get here was slightly unexpected. A surprise upset against Sweden in group play led to that iconic comeback win against Brazil, and then a solid victory over France in the semifinals earned them the right to play for the championship trophy.
Bruin legend Lauren Cheney started the scoring early against France 9 minutes in with a nice one touch redirect of a ball from Heather O'Reilly, and the Americans carried that 1-0 lead to halftime. But France is known for its strong play in the second half, and this would be no exception. France controlled play early in the second half and tied the game on a long shot that handcuffed keeper Hope Solo who had to account for an attacking forward. However, U.S. Coach Pia Sundhage then made some key adjustments, first inserting Alex Morgan up top of the offense, then later inserting Megan Rapinoe at left midfield and moving Cheney to center. Rapinoe's speed and pressure up the wing and Cheney's steady play in the middle helped regain control for the Americans who were able to resume pressure on the French. The Bruin set the stage again in the 79th minute when Cheney lofted a perfect corner to the far post where the cool killer Abby Wambach nailed the header to give the U.S. a 2-1 lead. A nice through ball from Rapinoe to Morgan 3 minutes later gave the Americans their 3rd goal, and the U.S. was into the finals.
Awaiting the U.S. in the finals is Germany Sweden Japan. That's right, Japan. Buoyed by support from home and from around the world in the aftermath of one of the worst natural disasters in history, the Japanese women's team has given their ravaged country something to rally around and a reason to cheer. Always technically skilled, but typically less athletic than their opponents, the Japanese women seem a surprise finalist. Well, maybe not. Beginning the elimination round with a shocking upset against home favorite Germany in the quarters, the Japanese then dominated Sweden, incidentally the only team to beat the U.S. in this tournament, in the semis. Led by 5-time World Cup star midfielder Homare Sawa, Japan wants to control midfield. Always a very good possession team, Japan has lately has played with more offensive aggressiveness, and it has paid off. Their success has fueled their confidence and they are peaking at the perfect time. That confidence, their recent success, and the inspiration of their country make Japan a very formidable opponent. The U.S. will have to keep Japan from possessing the ball and controlling play, so the onus will be on the Americans defense to dispossess the Japanese and for our midfield to control the ball and transition up the field.
The U.S. and Japan met for a pair of friendlies in May as well as in the Algarve Cup this year, with the U.S. besting the Japanese in all 3 matches. The Americans are hoping that history will repeat itself today. But this is a very different Japanese team this time, and they are no doubt hoping the fourth time is a charm. The Americans will look for Cheney, who has 3 assists so far, to create scoring opportunities, and especially from set pieces, given Wambach's height advantage over the Japanese defenders. Back Rachel Buehler sat out the semis after her red card against Brazil, but will return to the center of the defense for the finals. Japan will rely on ball control and deliberate buildups to try to create scoring opportunities for themselves. Whichever team is more effective in instilling its style will be the ones to hoist the coveted World Cup trophy. The U.S. is playing for national pride and its first World Cup in 12 years. The Japanese women are playing for a little bit more.
Here's your women's World Cup final open thread. Have at it. Go Bruins and Go USA!!
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Got my seat reserved
in front of the TV. Go, Lauren and USA, but I can find a way to feel good if Japan wins, too.
I was watching the Brazil and France matches when I suddenly noticed, hey, no angry hornets! Have vuvuzelas been banned?
Lineup change, and Ryan called it
Lauren Cheney will move up to forward with (behind) Wambach, and Rapinoe will start in midfield. This is what Ryan called for in the semifinal thread.
Ryan is not N or DG. He is Sundhage.
greg in denver, U.C.L.A. guy for life - BruinsNation.com
Ryan is more than Coach Sundhage.
He is Yoda.
Cheney being moved, trogan removed.
Cheney is moving to forward in place. Rapinoe will take Cheney’s place. Good move coach. Well needed. We need to keep the ball. Now there are two really good players who can also serve it up to Aby. I hoped Rapinoe would start instead of the trogan, but I didn’t know if the coach would do it in the final.
Agree, with bruinut. Go USA, but if someone else has to win, it would be tremendous for Japan.
Go Bruins!
I get goose bumps.
Especially when I see such a huge fan watching women athletes. What an amazing thing for them to experience.
Go Bruins!
Japan's defense looks like an NFL defense...
swarm the ball
My two favorite teams are UCLA and whoever is playing $C.
Lots of good Chances for the US early
Good sign if they can control play like this.
greg in denver, U.C.L.A. guy for life - BruinsNation.com
So many close ones!
Got to get the shots on net
greg in denver, U.C.L.A. guy for life - BruinsNation.com
I've been wondering why the Germans have been supporting us all tournament
Still don’t know why, but they definitely have been.
Two roads diverged in a wood and I – I tweeted my followers to ask which I should take
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Jul 17, 2011 12:04 PM PDT reply actions
Only the second foul...22 minutes in
I like this style of play
My two favorite teams are UCLA and whoever is playing $C.
She should have buried that first one
and every shot since has been worse.
greg in denver, U.C.L.A. guy for life - BruinsNation.com
Our defense has been really really good so far
greg in denver, U.C.L.A. guy for life - BruinsNation.com
Dang, Cheney out
Big ice pack on the ankle.
greg in denver, U.C.L.A. guy for life - BruinsNation.com
I am likeing Rapenhoe (sp)
Great body position, great ball control.
My two favorite teams are UCLA and whoever is playing $C.
Wish Cheney were healthy
Would have been able to bring Morgan in for Lloyd then and drop Cheney deeper in the midfield
Two roads diverged in a wood and I – I tweeted my followers to ask which I should take
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Jul 17, 2011 12:59 PM PDT reply actions
would have been totally unjust
after the linesman blew the offside call at the other end
Year of cal
Aaron Rodgers
Jason Kidd
Alex Morgan!!!
by Bruin15 on Jul 17, 2011 1:10 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Proud of big brother up there!
(we still own them)
greg in denver, U.C.L.A. guy for life - BruinsNation.com
Great pass by Rapinoe!!
Great finish by Morgan!!!!
greg in denver, U.C.L.A. guy for life - BruinsNation.com
UCLA or USC, who cares? LETS GO 'MERICA!
"Win Forever" - Pete Carroll
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - K. Bryant
by USCTrojans4Ever on Jul 17, 2011 1:14 PM PDT reply actions
Well...
aw heck. We’re all teammates today. Let’s go ’merica!
greg in denver, U.C.L.A. guy for life - BruinsNation.com
by gbruin on Jul 17, 2011 1:16 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I admit I wanted to smile when they said Cheney was out, but i couldn’t do it. No matter what, she is a damn great player. Although Morgan ended up being a great sub.
"Win Forever" - Pete Carroll
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - K. Bryant
by USCTrojans4Ever on Jul 17, 2011 1:21 PM PDT up reply actions
We would have been better off with Cheney and Morgan in and Lloyd out. Very sorry to see Lloyd go out.
Official Acceptor of TwistNHook's Unconditional Surrender Person of CGB and Queen of Spite Recs
It never does when you lead...
but at least we’re not flopping to kill the time.
My two favorite teams are UCLA and whoever is playing $C.
Ugh, these back and forth games are going to be the death of me
"Win Forever" - Pete Carroll
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - K. Bryant
by USCTrojans4Ever on Jul 17, 2011 1:23 PM PDT up reply actions
NEVER EVER...
clear to the middle! The US is on its heels now.
However, for the sake of the sport..
this tie is good as long as the US can pull it off before PKs.
Comon' girls, get the late winner
"Win Forever" - Pete Carroll
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - K. Bryant
by USCTrojans4Ever on Jul 17, 2011 1:27 PM PDT reply actions
We look tired and are repeatedly out of position!
Lets go US, pick it up!!!
Another close one
Morgan is beating the D with her speed.
greg in denver, U.C.L.A. guy for life - BruinsNation.com
Gotta keep feeding her the long balls
"Win Forever" - Pete Carroll
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - K. Bryant
by USCTrojans4Ever on Jul 17, 2011 1:45 PM PDT up reply actions
Unsportsman like conduct..
blocking the free kick
My two favorite teams are UCLA and whoever is playing $C.
Is it really only 9' in? Slowest clock ever ><
"Win Forever" - Pete Carroll
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - K. Bryant
by USCTrojans4Ever on Jul 17, 2011 1:47 PM PDT reply actions
Keep up the pressure!
"Win Forever" - Pete Carroll
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - K. Bryant
by USCTrojans4Ever on Jul 17, 2011 1:48 PM PDT reply actions
One of the few things I have ever agreed with you on N :P
"Win Forever" - Pete Carroll
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - K. Bryant
by USCTrojans4Ever on Jul 17, 2011 1:50 PM PDT up reply actions
lol
There are actually other things you have agreed me? :-)
Good to have you here rooting for the same team.
Apparently CC is to apathetic about the USA to have a thread going, so I have to join you guys for this one :P And yes N, I have agreed on some of your stuff :P
"Win Forever" - Pete Carroll
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - K. Bryant
by USCTrojans4Ever on Jul 17, 2011 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions
YES!!!!!!!
"Win Forever" - Pete Carroll
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - K. Bryant
by USCTrojans4Ever on Jul 17, 2011 1:51 PM PDT reply actions
Yar, only took Japan 16' to tie it in regulation
"Win Forever" - Pete Carroll
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - K. Bryant
by USCTrojans4Ever on Jul 17, 2011 1:52 PM PDT up reply actions
Wambach is MONEY!!!
Great play by Morgan to set that up.
greg in denver, U.C.L.A. guy for life - BruinsNation.com
End of the first period
15 minutes to victory
My two favorite teams are UCLA and whoever is playing $C.
See, like i said, we can agree on somethings :P
"Win Forever" - Pete Carroll
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - K. Bryant
by USCTrojans4Ever on Jul 17, 2011 1:56 PM PDT up reply actions
Probably more like 4, but still to many sometimes :P
"Win Forever" - Pete Carroll
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - K. Bryant
by USCTrojans4Ever on Jul 17, 2011 1:57 PM PDT up reply actions
Wambach, Mark Tremonti, and that's all I have
but since Tremonti plays a guitar, he’s more of an honorable mention in this case
greg in denver, U.C.L.A. guy for life - BruinsNation.com
The Women's team has done an excellent job of putting soccer back on the map!
Way to go Team USA – now lets finish strong!!!
For the love of all things holy
CLEAR IT WIDE!!!!
Best defense is offense...
keep them on their heels
My two favorite teams are UCLA and whoever is playing $C.
Wouldn't mind see Cox come on now
Two roads diverged in a wood and I – I tweeted my followers to ask which I should take
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Jul 17, 2011 1:59 PM PDT reply actions
Naturally a defender
but you can put her in the central midfield and let her lie deep
Two roads diverged in a wood and I – I tweeted my followers to ask which I should take
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Jul 17, 2011 2:01 PM PDT up reply actions
Not time to do 4 corners yet....
keep attacking
My two favorite teams are UCLA and whoever is playing $C.
UGH. Front of goal defense is bad today
"Win Forever" - Pete Carroll
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - K. Bryant
by USCTrojans4Ever on Jul 17, 2011 2:01 PM PDT reply actions
I want an Abby up front
and another in defense to clear away any crosses. Can I get a cloner, anyone?
Two roads diverged in a wood and I – I tweeted my followers to ask which I should take
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Jul 17, 2011 2:02 PM PDT reply actions
She is so active and aggressive
Love her game
greg in denver, U.C.L.A. guy for life - BruinsNation.com
She reminds me a lot of Ji Sung Park
Completely different personalities, but similar playing style.
Two roads diverged in a wood and I – I tweeted my followers to ask which I should take
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Jul 17, 2011 2:05 PM PDT up reply actions
Good sub
Rapinoe hasn’t played 90 minutes in over a month, let alone 120 minutes and Heath gives us some real pace both going forward and tracking back.
Two roads diverged in a wood and I – I tweeted my followers to ask which I should take
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Jul 17, 2011 2:03 PM PDT reply actions
So close
"Win Forever" - Pete Carroll
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - K. Bryant
by USCTrojans4Ever on Jul 17, 2011 2:04 PM PDT reply actions
It's killing me
"Win Forever" - Pete Carroll
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - K. Bryant
by USCTrojans4Ever on Jul 17, 2011 2:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Big Corner here if Hope is hurt
"Win Forever" - Pete Carroll
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - K. Bryant
by USCTrojans4Ever on Jul 17, 2011 2:05 PM PDT reply actions
She's not
"Win Forever" - Pete Carroll
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - K. Bryant
by USCTrojans4Ever on Jul 17, 2011 2:06 PM PDT up reply actions
ARRRRRGGGHHH!!!!
"Win Forever" - Pete Carroll
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - K. Bryant
by USCTrojans4Ever on Jul 17, 2011 2:06 PM PDT reply actions
Unbelievable
Actually, I can believe it. This has been one of the best sporting tournament, I have ever seen.
PKs here we come
"Win Forever" - Pete Carroll
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - K. Bryant
by USCTrojans4Ever on Jul 17, 2011 2:07 PM PDT reply actions
I blame LA Bruin for jinxing it :P
"Win Forever" - Pete Carroll
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - K. Bryant
by USCTrojans4Ever on Jul 17, 2011 2:07 PM PDT reply actions
Yar, I know, but I need to blame someone
"Win Forever" - Pete Carroll
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - K. Bryant
by USCTrojans4Ever on Jul 17, 2011 2:09 PM PDT up reply actions
I’d blame Pete Carroll if he was here, but all I have is LA
"Win Forever" - Pete Carroll
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - K. Bryant
by USCTrojans4Ever on Jul 17, 2011 2:09 PM PDT up reply actions
Free Kick and Red Card
Too bad about the red card, but I like the free kick. Yah that was a red.
Go Bruins!
Heck of an end so far. Lets end the pre-PKs
"Win Forever" - Pete Carroll
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - K. Bryant
by USCTrojans4Ever on Jul 17, 2011 2:10 PM PDT reply actions
-end this
"Win Forever" - Pete Carroll
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - K. Bryant
by USCTrojans4Ever on Jul 17, 2011 2:11 PM PDT up reply actions
I hope Hope is up for this. (No pun intended)
"Win Forever" - Pete Carroll
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - K. Bryant
by USCTrojans4Ever on Jul 17, 2011 2:12 PM PDT reply actions
I am worried.
This feels like the Brazil match but in Japan’s favor. Let’s hope I am wrong!
Regardless of which way the shootout goes...
This was a great game by two great teams.
My two favorite teams are UCLA and whoever is playing $C.
by BamaBruin on Jul 17, 2011 2:13 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Either way this goes, thanks for letting me crash the thread guys!
"Win Forever" - Pete Carroll
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - K. Bryant
by USCTrojans4Ever on Jul 17, 2011 2:14 PM PDT reply actions
Appreciate you being here
we can hate tomorrow. Like you say, it’s all about the US today
greg in denver, U.C.L.A. guy for life - BruinsNation.com
Hope Solo > Whoever anyone else has
Hardly a guarantee, but I like our chances with Solo in goal against anyone
Two roads diverged in a wood and I – I tweeted my followers to ask which I should take
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Jul 17, 2011 2:14 PM PDT reply actions
Ugh.
"Win Forever" - Pete Carroll
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - K. Bryant
by USCTrojans4Ever on Jul 17, 2011 2:16 PM PDT reply actions
That hurts. Our best hope was blocking one of thiers.
"Win Forever" - Pete Carroll
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - K. Bryant
by USCTrojans4Ever on Jul 17, 2011 2:17 PM PDT reply actions
Game over
"Win Forever" - Pete Carroll
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - K. Bryant
by USCTrojans4Ever on Jul 17, 2011 2:18 PM PDT reply actions
Gotta make this one
"Win Forever" - Pete Carroll
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - K. Bryant
by USCTrojans4Ever on Jul 17, 2011 2:19 PM PDT reply actions
Ugh
"Win Forever" - Pete Carroll
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - K. Bryant
by USCTrojans4Ever on Jul 17, 2011 2:19 PM PDT up reply actions
GG. Japan deserved with the equalizers.
"Win Forever" - Pete Carroll
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - K. Bryant
by USCTrojans4Ever on Jul 17, 2011 2:21 PM PDT reply actions
I couldn't be more prouder of our girls
Couldn’t be prouder. Amazing effort. We just came up a little short. Congrats to Japan but I am proud to bleed red, white and blue.
by Nestor on Jul 17, 2011 2:23 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Well, great game. Thanks for letting me sit in with you guys.
Now back to our regularly scheduled hate fest :P
"Win Forever" - Pete Carroll
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - K. Bryant
by USCTrojans4Ever on Jul 17, 2011 2:25 PM PDT reply actions
There we go. Was getting to friendly in here
"Win Forever" - Pete Carroll
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - K. Bryant
by USCTrojans4Ever on Jul 17, 2011 2:27 PM PDT up reply actions
:P
"Win Forever" - Pete Carroll
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." - K. Bryant
by USCTrojans4Ever on Jul 17, 2011 2:28 PM PDT up reply actions
120 minutes of excellent soccer...
PKs are always a coin toss. Heads high in the morning, ladies. Congrats to Japan.
My two favorite teams are UCLA and whoever is playing $C.
As a Japanese-American
I am happy at the performance of both teams. Japan definetely deserved to win by the way they played, but the US played well all tournament and are a very good team. what a great World Cup.
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