Mano Gil's point of view:

Since that incredible match in the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2007 a lot of expectations surrounds every game between USA and Brazil. Last night's match in San Diego was not different. I mean, the expectations were there but the intensity of the game was not.

One could say "C'mon Mano Gil, it was a friendly match!"

It's true but a friendly match with less than a month to the Football Tournament at the 2008 Olympics should be played with more attacking freedom then. And that simply didn't happen. The poor 1-0 score for the USA gave two main impressions: 1) This new generation of USA players have quality but they lack something that I'm still trying to figure out (I don't want to be unfair to the girls). 2) The team still suffers with high expectations to deliver the same results as the Michelle Akers/Mia Hamm/Julie Foudy Generation.

{Image removed as requested by ISI Photos}

Tash celebrates her goal against Brazil last night

It could also be the lack of an extremely creative attacking-midfielder that can make the right passes and the right connection with the forwards. Carly Lloyd and Lindsay Tarpley are good midfielders and play a very tactical game but I miss some creativity in midfield.

As for Brazil, of course that playing without Daniela, Cristiane and specially Marta makes all the difference. Formiga was killing herself trying to move the team forward. She played every position in midfield last night. And the defense behaved well but without the attacking force to pressure the USA it was just obvious that they would lose the match.

And now the "Abby Wambach case":

With only 32 minutes played in the game Abby rushed to try to reach a ball that was closer to the Brazilian defender. And with the obvious collision she suffered a midshaft oblique fracture on both her tibia and fibula.

In freaking good English it means: SHE BROKE HER LEG AND IS OUT OF THE OLYMPICS!!!

The goal number 100 will have to wait a little longer now - Photo by ALONDRA HERNANDEZ

Wambach is an admirable player. She's determined, she's funny and more than that, she scores goals. Until last night she had already scored 99 for the National Team and was eager to get the number 100. I feel very sorry for her injury but it's one of those that I'm sure (because I went through the same a couple years ago), so I'm sure she is going to think "why did I go for that ball, why?"...

Abby will need a 12 week recovery. Good luck girl, come back stronger!

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Alondra's point of view:

The USA played Brazil for their Send-off game in San Diego in front of a sell-out crowd. Everyone was excited for that game, and they did have expectations. They expected Abby Wambach to score her 100th goal. They expected the USA to win and score a lot goals.

It seemed like Abby would get her 100th goal as she had a couple chances early in the first half. The fans were rooting for Abby and her teammates, but soon it all turned into fear.

Wambach, eager to score a goal, went for a 50-50 ball with a Brazilian defender, and came down hard . She instantly waved her hand for attention. They took her away, and it turns out she broke her left tibia and fibula.

Her teammates were worried. Fans were worried. She is one of the best players on the team, and she is very passionate about soccer. She is a big loss for the team.

The US played continued playing a tough first half, and second half. Then when Natasha Kai came in for Lindsay Tarpley, she got the crowd started and brought the energy back up.

In the 85th minute, Carli Lloyd took a free kick, and crossed the ball into the box. Kai got her head on it and scored from 6 yards out. The fans went wild, and she gave them hope. The US ended with a 1-0 win over Brazil.

We all know that Brazil was playing without their star forward, Marta, and without Cristiane and Daniela. It would have been a different game with them on the field. They are very good players. Who knows what the outcome of the game would have been.

As for the USA, they are not doomed. They still have a chance at defending the Gold Medal. Even though they lost Abby Wambach, they still have players that can step up. Natasha Kai prove it, and Amy Rodriguez is a great froward that can cause trouble for any defense. Carli Lloyd can get more into the attack ands hoot from outside the box. Shannon Boxx is great in the air. Defenders Lori Chalupny and Heathr Mitts are key players for the US attack.

It will be harder now for the USA without Wambach, but she doesn't make up the team.

Accidents happen all the time, and the one that she was involved in is no different. She was going for the ball and instead got her leg broken. Hopefully, she'll recover well and soon.

All the US can do now is hope for the best, and play good soccer.