My pulse is still racing after watching the end of the US/Ghana game. There are plenty of things to worry about going forward, but tonight there is only celebration.
Amazingly, American captain Clint Dempsey scored in the first minute of the game with an amazing piece of artistry.
Just minutes later, American striker Jozy Altidore goes down with what might be a tournament-ending injury, and the US is forced to try and hold on for dear life until the 83rd minute.
People who watch the game a lot could have told you the Ghana goal was coming. You can't just play defense for that long without having at least one slip up. It was a great goal by Ghana, and it looked like the US would have to hold on just to earn a draw.
What happened next can only be described with one word: American.
Fabian Johnson gave extra effort to earn a corner kick. A great ball is played in, and then John Brooks, who was only on the field because of an injury to Matt Beasler, heads the ball into the back of the goal and reclaims the lead for the Americans.
A captain with a bloody nose. Players limping around at the point of absolute exhaustion. Trying with all their might to earn three points that they have been working to earn for the past two and a half years. The American spirit was alive in Brazil tonight. If you are a soccer fan, if you are a sports fan, if you are an American then your head should hit the pillow tonight with pride because our team represented us with honor.
If that was the first time you had ever watched a game, then welcome to soccer fandom. That was the beautiful game at its absolute best. Nerve racking, painful, depressing, and finally, exhilarating.
Please, please, please tell me that game earned another. Sunday night, 6pm. USA v. Portugal with an American victory all but putting them through to the knock out round.
No comments:
Post a Comment