The guys had their time to shine last summer, but this time around…it’s the girls’ turn.
FIFA Women’s World Cup 2011 kicked off to a great start on June 26th, with some of the best women’s soccer teams in the world competing for the prestigious world champion title. The tournament is onto the semifinal stage in a few hours, and all the playing minutes since then have been full of excitement and thrill.
Even though the tournament is broadcasted on a major television network, why isn’t the Women’s World Cup getting more publicity? The “beautiful game” is at its best, with some of the best female talent showing their skills and ability on the pitch. This tournament has been a whirlwind of emotions, from Japan’s upset against the defending champions Germany, to the United States’ courageous comeback against their quarterfinal powerhouse Brazil.
The American ladies garnered a lot of attention from their great win against Brazil, and as the number one ranked team in the world, the United States are many people’s favorites to win. Despite many setbacks, including playing with only 10 women and an unfair penalty retake, the ladies showed resilience when it really mattered most. Abby Wambach’s equalizing header in the last minute of extra time play gave the United States a lifeline, and Hope Solo’s flying save in the penalty kick shootout proved how brilliant and strong these women are. The team worked together and fought hard for their deserved win.
Though that is not to say that the other remaining teams don’t have a chance! Sweden has won all their matches so far in this tournament, Japan’s perseverance against Germany should be lauded as a threat, and France is full of talented players who proved victorious in their quarterfinal match against England, including Gaetane Thiney and Louisa “the female Zinedine Zidane” Necib.
Many soccer fans constantly applaud the men’s game, yet give the women the cold shoulder. Women’s soccer has been full of flair and talent for a very long time, and it is arguably the sport at its purest: less whining and faking, and more technical ability and skill.