Taking a break from our irregularly unscheduled Watford news to congratulate the USA Women's team on their quarter-final World Cup win over Brazil and the referee.
Up a goal after 2 minutes, the US squad played tough, if not particularly inspired, ball for the next hour until Marta popped the ball over Rachel Buehler's head to poke in a very likely equalizer. Buehler did what was needed and stopped Marta, allowing a penalty kick in the process.
Fair enough, but referee Jacqui Melksham went on step further, red carding Buehler and putting the US squad down a player for what turned out to be nearly an hour.
Then bad turned to bizarre.
Keeper Hope Solo stopped the penalty kick but the ref brought it back (carding solo in the process) for either encroachment or claiming Solo came off the line before the kick was taken. At any rate Marta scored the rekick and the match was tied at the end of regulation.
Poor officiating came into play again two minutes into the extra time as Marta scored on a play that was clearly offside, forcing the US to play catchup a man down. And play they did.
Having played better with ten than they had with eleven, the US squad pressured a tired and stalling Brazil side well into injury time into the final added period. At one point Erika fell to the ground with no one around her, was strechered off, then unstrapped herself, bounced back up and returned to play seconds after being taken off the field.
Antics like that and the poor officiating had brought any neutrals in Dresden firmly into the American camp and amid shouts of USA! USA!, Megan Rapinoe let fly a long Hail Mary shot that drew Andreia out of position, allowing Abby Wambach to head in the latest goal ever scored in Women's World Cup history to send the match to PKs.
To cut the drama short, the US were 5-for-5 while Solo stopped Dianae's shot to advance to the semis against France on Wednesday.
Great job.
Now back to Watford news . . .
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