Solo praises fighting spirit as US enter semis

Two-time champions knock out Brazil in Women’s World Cup.

DRESDEN:

Goal-keeper Hope Solo said her team’s never-say-die spirit put the US in the Women’s World Cup semi-finals after their dramatic 5-3 penalty shoot-out win over Brazil.

Veteran striker Abby Wambach kept the US in the tournament with a header as late as the 122nd minute which levelled the quarter-final after Brazil star Marta had netted twice to make it 2-1 with extra-time almost up.

“There’s something special about this group, it’s the energy, the vibe, the leadership,” said Solo.

“Even when we went a player down and then a goal in extra time, we kept fighting. You can’t coach that, it’s a feeling.”

The US had played almost 60 minutes with only 10 players after defender Rachel Buehler was sent off on 65 minutes.

In the penalty shoot-out, player-of-the-match Solo saved from Brazil defender Daiane, whose own-goal after two minutes had put the US ahead, to give her side an advantage before defender Alex Krieger hit the winning penalty.

It was no more than Solo deserved having saved a penalty during normal time just after Buehler was sent off, only for the referee to order a re-take which Marta fired home on 68 minutes.

The US will now face France in the semi-final and Wambach said her team are now focused on winning a third title.

“This is the perfect example of what the US is all about,” said Wambach. “We never give up. The path is marked and we want to win this tournament.”

US coach Pia Sundhage said the victory was her career-best.

“There’s something to be said about this team, the American attitude about pulling together and bringing out the best performance in each other,” said the 51-year-old.

Brazil have still to win a Women’s World Cup and are on their way home despite dominating Group D.

“From an emotional point of view, everyone’s really sad which is normal after a defeat like that where you lose in the last minute,” said Brazil coach Kleiton Lima.





Published in The Express Tribune, July 12^th, 2011.