It Is USA Versus Brazil For The Gold
August 20, 2008 • Olympic Women's Soccer, Results
The USA women’s soccer team started out slow in the Olympic soccer tournament but they seem to have left that way behind them now. They are now slated to meet Brazil in the finals to determine the gold after beating Japan 4-2 in the semi finals. Their rival Brazil are looking to double up on championships after winning the World Cup last year and now looking to add Olympic gold to the collection.
Brazil handled their semi final game by destroying Germany with their quick attack and strong physical play. The Germans had no answer to the Brazil attack as the Brazilians won 4-1.
Now the USA women will try to get some revenge for the shellacking they took last year at the World Cup at the hands of the super talented Brazilian women. Will it be one sided again this time? Don’t count out the Brazilians to use their flair and strength to swarm the USA women. However the USA women have shown new found resilience since going through some tough times last year and then losing their key attacker Abby Wambaugh just before Beijing.
Midfielder Shannon Boxx on facing Brazil for the fourth time this year, but this time with their star players, “I think it’s been great that we’ve had a chance to play them a couple times in the warm-ups because it’s always good to play great teams. It will be different as there are some great players that weren’t there, but we’ve seen those players in the past so we’re definitely prepared for that. We’re ready for an exciting game.”
“Of course there’s motivation. I would say Brazil is one of our biggest rivals, so there is always motivation to beat your rival. Even if we won that last one, there would be motivation to win this on since you’re playing for a gold medal.”
Midfielder Heather O’Reilly on facing Brazil, “We’re pumped. We’ve played Brazil before and we know they’re a pretty awesome team with a lot of great personalities. But this team player for player is unified and strong, and we’re together. We’re looking forward to the game.”
The Gold Medal game is set for August 21st.
Tags: olympics soccer, Beijing Olympic Games, Olympic soccer, Olympic games
