A stunning performance by Marta and her Brazilian teammates ... and a rare event in women's soccer when a team from the USA is totally outplayed in all aspects of the game. The worst defeat ever for a U.S. National Team and a dramatic end to a remarkable 51-game unbeaten run in the 2 1/2 year period that Greg Ryan has been in charge of the team.
Ryan will obviously come under the microscope for replacing starting goalkeeper Hope Solo with Briana Scurry, but don't blame the experienced Scurry for the defeat. She was at fault for the second Brazilian goal, but was blameless on the opening own goal and the two fine second-half goals by "Las Canarinhas."
What about that fourth goal by Marta! It ranks - along with a goal by another remarkable Brazilian #10 in the 1958 World Cup Final in Sweden - as one of the most spectacular in any World Cup competition. A moment of magic by one of the greats in women's soccer, but on this day she also had an excellent supporting cast. The speed and movement of the Brazilian attackers ripped the U.S. defence to shreds and the woodwork prevented further embarrassment to a team that failed to live up to pre-tournament expectations. Captain Kristine Lilly looked physically and mentally tired and the poor service to outstanding attacker Abby Wambach made Wambach less than effective.
It could well be the end of an era for Lilly, Scurry and several other members of the team who have done so much to increase the profile of the women's game over the years. It could also cause some rethinking with regards to the development of the game in North America given that there are plans to establish another women's pro league next year. This following the demise of WUSA in a sea of red ink several years ago ... and there are no high profile players like Mia Hamm this time around.
A better idea might be to increase the profile of the W-League which is currently the top women's league in North America. Even though U.S. and Canadian residency camps have limited the number of current internationals in recent years, China 2007 still featured 54 current and former W-League players representing nine countries and 17 current teams in the league. Thirteen members of the U.S. squad and the entire Canadian team have played in the league. A revamped W-League would certainly benefit the six Canadian teams who played in it this past season.
In closing, it promises to be a fascinating final on Sunday. Birgit Prinz and her German teammates will certainly be a more difficult opponent for Brazil than the disappointing U.S. team. If they cannot contain Marta and her partners in attack, however, look for another surprise result, and another world championship for a country that is the undisputed #1 in the world's game.
Comments
Hello,
I just want to say that the girls are not called LAS CANARINHAS, we do not speak Spanish, we do speak Portuguese!!! so it is As Canarinhas, I know it is very similar, but it will make people think we have another mather language. If you do not mind correct this little mistake. A lot of Brasilians will feel better.
Your report about Marta make me very proud of being Brasilian!!
Posted by: kamary Canada | September 29, 2007 09:11 AM
Yes, Marta and the Brazilian team had an outstanding game. However, I am surprised that there was no mention of the terrible decision to send off the US player. I am sorry but in the year 2007, bad calls should not be "part of the game"! Make greater use of the linesmen, instant-replay (NFL, NHL), use whatever it takes to make the right call. Also, the US player handled her unjust ejection with poise and class unlike the Brazilian player who celebrated, enough said.
Posted by: ewnaly USA | September 29, 2007 07:16 PM
It's just great to see how well and how fast the women's game has progressed, and for that we have mostly the developed world to thank. Brazil, a powerhouse of man's soccer, still does no funding for the girls, and we saw the Argentinian result... Media reporting of this event in Brazil is next to nil. In fact, I consider this success one of the main promoters of women's rights, altho this was certainly not the original intention. And although I will be rooting for Brazil, the real result I will be looking for is the effect this should have back home. Will it be enough to shame the CBF ("Confederacao Brasileira de Futebol") into actions it promised years ago and didn't keep? I hope so. And I hope this spreads throughout the developing world, where women are still by and large second-class citizens.
Posted by: H Cunha Toronto | September 30, 2007 02:53 AM