Hope Solo!

**TRichardsbass** · #1 07-11-2011, 06:05 AM

Okay guys, a little women's world cup.

Christie Rampone, US Women's team captain, grew up in my town and I see her frequently when she is home. Christie was one heck of a high school and college athlete.

Having said that, I was super impressed with Hope Solo, US Women's goalie. One of the best I've ever seen. Her stop in the freaky penalty shot overtime yesterday has to go down as one of the best ever.

My soccer pedigree, other then of course Ms. Rampone, is that I played in high school with Nike VP Tommy Kain, former Hermann Trophy winner at Duke and a men's Junior World Cup centerforward as well as played with George Gelnovatch, also a former Junior World Cup center and last I looked the coach at Virginia. So, while I in particular did not excel at soccer, I know my soccer!

Tituscrow · #2 07-11-2011, 06:07 AM

It's called football :hiding

Kawai-chang · #3 07-11-2011, 07:13 AM

That was an awesome game. And to beat Brazil was even better.

TJ55 · #4 07-11-2011, 07:50 AM

I'm only a casual soccer fan and it gave me the chills.

What I cannot understand is why World Cup officiating is so *^%$# bad. For and event that only comes around every four years to have the worst officiating in all of sports is inexcuseable.

Kawai-chang · #5 07-11-2011, 07:52 AM

And FIFA needs a kick in the jimmy for not entering the 21st century and using instant replay for goal and/or game changing calls.

TJ55 · #6 07-11-2011, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kawai-chang

And FIFA needs a kick in the jimmy for not entering the 21st century and using instant replay for goal and/or game changing calls.

My tinfoil hat doesn't get much use, but at this point you have to think FIFA may resist replay so that they CAN attempt control the outcome of games.

**TRichardsbass** · #7 07-11-2011, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tituscrow

It's called football :hiding

My compatriots over the pond and elsewhere call it football. We call it soccer. So what.

The US still won.

Tituscrow · #8 07-11-2011, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRichardsbass

My compatriots over the pond and elsewhere call it football. We call it soccer. So what.

The US still won.

Not really bothered what you call it over there to be honest. Just a gentle bit of leg-pulling...

As for FIFA, there is not a more corrupt bunch of governing officials than this lot. They make the Samaranch era IOC look like selfless philanthropists. Criminals to a man. Outrageous that Blatter continues to slip the noose, but their comeuppance is imminent.

Relic · #9 07-11-2011, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kawai-chang

And FIFA needs a kick in the jimmy for not entering the 21st century and using instant replay for goal and/or game changing calls.

For sure!
Often, many of the calls leave me shaking my head wondering what the hell the true agenda is...

seventhson · #10 07-11-2011, 11:18 AM

I thought it was sweet justice that the ref yellow carded that Brazilian defender for faking an injury. The added time allowed the U.S. to score that last goal in overtime.

Kawai-chang · #11 07-11-2011, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seventhson

I thought it was sweet justice that the ref yellow carded that Brazilian defender for faking an injury. The added time allowed the U.S. to score that last goal in overtime.

Helloooooo, Karma!

Kawai-chang · #12 07-11-2011, 12:33 PM

And, I wonder if Dianaeha (or however it's spelled) is going to seek asylum in the U.S. for not only the own-goal, but for having her PK blocked by (Smoking hottie) Hope Solo.

I hear they're not too forgiving of own-goals down in South America.

Tituscrow · #13 07-11-2011, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kawai-chang

And, I wonder if Dianaeha (or however it's spelled) is going to seek asylum in the U.S. for not only the own-goal, but for having her PK blocked by (Smoking hottie) Hope Solo.

I hear they're not too forgiving of own-goals down in South America.

A reference to poor Mr Escobar?

Kawai-chang · #14 07-11-2011, 12:42 PM

That would be the one, yes.

Beamrider · #15 07-11-2011, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRichardsbass

Having said that, I was super impressed with Hope Solo, US Women's goalie. One of the best I've ever seen. Her stop in the freaky penalty shot overtime yesterday has to go down as one of the best ever.

Must've had some good hints from uncle Han.

(BA-DUM-TSSH)

teleharmonium · #16 07-11-2011, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seventhson

I thought it was sweet justice that the ref yellow carded that Brazilian defender for faking an injury. The added time allowed the U.S. to score that last goal in overtime.

That was the first time I can recall see anyone come off a stretcher literally break into a run as her feet hit the ground. A master thespian, she ain't.

seventhson · #17 07-11-2011, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teleharmonium

That was the first time I can recall see anyone come off a stretcher literally break into a run as her feet hit the ground. A master thespian, she ain't.

Appeared that the coaches and trainers were in on the ruse as well.

Kawai-chang · #18 07-11-2011, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seventhson

Appeared that the coaches and trainers were in on the ruse as well.

So, they act like you stabbed them with an icepick when you do a clean tackle, cry about every foul called on them, and fake injuries. More to dislike about the Brazilian team every day.

Tituscrow · #19 07-11-2011, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teleharmonium

That was the first time I can recall see anyone come off a stretcher literally break into a run as her feet hit the ground. A master thespian, she ain't.

As someone who has watched English football for over 30 years, it is now inherent in our game. There are many theories as to why it is now so prevalent, but the common theme seems to be blaming the influx of continental European players in the mid to late 80's. Continental European football is known for is over dramatic theatricality, which is a shame because most of the greatest and most graceful teams and players of the last 100 years have been European. However, the influx of cheaper Latin and south American players, picked up for a snip from poor clubs and paid ridiculously over inflated wages has also exacerbated the trend. 'Simulation' is now a bookable offence, but it needs strong referees to enforce.

teleharmonium · #20 07-11-2011, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tituscrow

As someone who has watched English football for over 30 years, it is now inherent in our game. There are many theories as to why it is now so prevalent, but the common theme seems to be blaming the influx of continental European players in the mid to late 80's. Continental European football is known for is over dramatic theatricality, which is a shame because most of the greatest and most graceful teams and players of the last 100 years have been European. However, the influx of cheaper Latin and south American players, picked up for a snip from poor clubs and paid ridiculously over inflated wages has also exacerbated the trend. 'Simulation' is now a bookable offence, but it needs strong referees to enforce.

Yeah, I'm used to a certain amount of diving in the international events I see sometimes (Thierry Henry comes to mind), but it just seemed so utterly shameless and obvious in that particular instance.

She was fine after the play, stands there for a while, and then does this dramatic fall down. At least she could have run slower when first coming off the stretcher. She practically forced her booking.

Anyway, it was a great game, it really showed how much attitude plays a role. Both Hope and the Brazilian player whose free kick was blocked had been involved in previous goals against their teams (a bad call, and an own goal), but Hope had the confidence edge, and the whole team held it together until the bitterest dregs of the end. So many times you see the discipline or concentration fall apart in those kinds of conditions. I thought it was really inspirational.