USA narrowly defeats Brazil in quarter final

The weekend's quarter final matches of the women's world cup were . . . unexpected. Who would've thought that Japan would give the two-time reigning champions a run for their money?

Sweden soundly defeated Australia in the only quarter final match that did not go to extra time, and France emerged victorious in a penalty shootout with England. But the match of the weekend was definitely USA and Brazil.

The game was practically decided on controversial calls by the referee. Honestly, as far as play, the game could've gone either way. The USA trumped Brazil in team work and chemistry, but they were no match for the individual flare of the Brazilians.

In the second minute of play, Brazilian defender Daiane scored an unfortunate own goal, putting the Americans up for the entire first half.

The second half was where all the controversy happened. USA defender Rachel Beuhler had no choice but to pull Marta down in the box or the world's best female player would definitely have tied the game. Obvious foul. Obvious penalty. But a straight red card? I'm not sure it was even a yellow.

Christiane lined up to take the penalty, but USA keeper Hope Solo saved it (I still can't believe how good she is at saving penalty kicks). The referee whistled a re-kick.

Now, initially no one knew why. It came out later in the game that there was some encroachment by an American player . . . maybe, possibly, by a mere few inches, Wambach kind of encroached a second before the shot was taken.

In any case, Marta took the second shot. She missed a vital penalty in the last world cup final against Germany . . . but she was not about to miss again. With the game tied at 1-1, the USA down to 10 players and Brazil finally feeling their thunder, it was looking pretty bleak for the USA.

And then it got even worse.

In the first few minutes of extra time, an offside call was not called and Marta scored a tricky goal off of it. Unfortunately it does happen in soccer and you just kind of deal with it . . . And it was one pretty goal.

By the second half of extra time, with Brazil up 2-1, the USA could not wait any longer. They had no choice but to gun at Brazil with everything they had. And they did. In the end, with 10 players, USA outlasted Brazil and Abby Wambach headed the ball home in the extra time of extra time. Literally at the last possible second.

On to penalty kicks.

Poor Daiane, the same person who scored the own goal, missed her penalty and the USA scored all five of theirs.

Though the USA beat the mighty Brazilians (and I'm going to miss watch Marta), they're still missing something. I just don't think they have what they need to win this world cup. Sweden out classed them and if they face Sweden again, I think they will lose again for the same reason.

USA will play France in the semifinals on Wednesday and we will see if they stand to an organized midfield, something Brazil lacked but Sweden dominated.

Japan will play Sweden on Wednesday.

Tomorrow's soccer stars look to make history

The youth of soccer has been demonstrating the future of international soccer in Mexico for the past month and the celebration ends Sunday when one rising squad of youths will be crown U-17 FIFA World Cup champions.

The final two squads are Mexico and Uruguay, who will meet Sunday at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City for the top prize of the tournament.

The Mexican team had its share of doubtfulness well it trailed a strong Germany squad in the semifinals.

Mexico struck first in the beginning minutes with a header by Julio Gomez as the Mexicans celebrated the early success.

The smiles would not last long as Germany responded with a goal of its own seven minutes later. The two teams remained tied ending the first half.

By the 60th minute, Germany took the lead while Mexico began to wonder if its campaign to another U-17 World Cup title will be ending in the hands of the Germans,

Without hesitation Mexico continued to strike on goal and 18 minutes later Mexico got its answer off a corner kick and tied the match.

Soon later Gomez found himself injured and the Mexicans were left to force extra time in a 2-2 draw or score another goal with 10 minutes to go in the match.

The rising hero with a bandage wrapped around his head, Gomez, returned into the game as Mexico had a final chance to win the match with another corner kick.

As the ball with up and toward the goal, it was deflected and without thinking, Gomez scored the winning goal for Mexico to send them off to the finals.

The heroic performance by Gomez has created a avalanche of momentum for Mexico as it looks to win its second U-17 World Cup. The country won its last one in 2005, that was led by Carlos Vela.

The team will not have a easy run to the trophy because they will have Uruguay in the way, the team who shutout Brazil in a 3-0 win.

Uruguay jumped on top of Brazil with a penalty in the first half.

In the second half Uruguay poured two more goals in to send a messaged to everyone that it is not settling for a trip to the finals but to win the trophy too.

The two performances by Mexico and Uruguay in the semifinals sets up a awesome match. The two teams have been outstanding throughout the tournament as both won difficult games against outstanding opponents.

The two teams have came out from the pack and Sunday will be their chance to claim the world's prize and mark history in their young lives.

Without a doubt Mexico will have the home field advantage and will be favorites in the match but Uruguay has other plans too.

It will be a exciting match and Mexico will emerge as the clear winners.

United States to face Brazil in quarter finals

With the round of 16 concluded, there are only eight teams left in the women's world cup. The quarter finals schedule is all set and ready to go for this weekend and some of the match-ups promise to be good games.

Germany, the defending champions, collected all nine points in their group after defeating a very impressive looking French side 4-2. German's star player Birgit Prinz has yet to find her form, which may be a small comfort to Japan, who they will face in the quarter finals.

Japan's impressive 4-0 win over Mexico shouted to the German's that they would not go down without a fight.

Though England made it through top in their group, their one-point victories have been less than convincing. Captain Kelly Smith has been trying to do everything herself but the team will have to tighten up in the middle to defeat the French in the quarters.

The upset of the tournament so far, the United States fell to Sweden 2-1 in a game that two Swedish goals were inaccurately called offside (they weren't even close to being offside, to be honest). Sweden showed more organization in the midfield, more patience in handling the ball, and a more creative offense, looking more like the team that reached the final in 2003.

A penalty from Lisa Dahlkvist put Sweden ahead and a second goal by Swedish captain Nilla Fischer, though it took a nasty deflection on its way, secured Sweden's group C victory and a match against Australia.

USA star striker Abby Wambach (though I personally would go with Lauren Cheney as the more impressive forward) finally ended her dry spell and scored a less then orthodox goal with her shoulder (no it was not a handball). But it wasn't enough for them to avoid a second place standing in the group.

Which wouldn't be a big deal except that their next opponent is Brazil.

Brazil is home to the best female player in the world, Marta. Named best player for the last five consecutive years (and she's only 24), Marta has already proven in this world cup that she means to lead her team to victory.

Erika's fancy goal against Equitorial Guinea (and awesome back flip celebration) opened Brazil's scoring and Christiane, an excellent striker often overshadowed by Marta, solidified the victory with two goals of her own.

The United States defense, who showed a lack of organization in the game verses Sweden, is going to need a game plan to stunt the powerful Brazilian offense.

Brazil's own lackluster defense will have to stand firm as well against Lauren Cheney's outside shots and Abby Wambach's opportunistic presence.

Catch Germany vs. Japan and England vs. France on Saturday July 9. USA vs. Brazil and Sweden vs. Australia are scheduled for Sunday the 10.