US Women's Team has to sweat against Costa Rica for a ticket to the 2008 Olympic Games
Wednesday, 09 April 08, 07:02 PM
The U.S. Women's soccer team is with no doubts, an example of how much the sport can develop if investments and dedication are put together. That was used as an inspiration by many other countries to create a favorable environment for women's soccer around the world.
Who could ever imagine 10 years, or even 5 years ago, that Costa Rica would become a tough challenge in the USA's path for the 2008 Olympic Games?
Not that the Costa Ricans played beautifully or anything but they worked out as well as they could defensively in order to stop Lindsay Tarpley, Natasha Kai, Carly Lloyd and Abby Wambach. And should we mention the great performance by goalkeeper Priscilla Tapia.
The US Women's Team created inumerous chances to score but most of them ended up blocked by the bunked Costa Rican defense or saved by Tapia.
But in the end the intense attack paid off. In the 58th minute Natasha Kai received a low cross from Tobin Heath - who had replaced Lindsay Tarpley in the beginning of second half - and the Hawaiian smacked it hard into the goal! USA 1, Costa Rica 0
The United Statyes kept their players up, pressuring Costa Rica's defense and at minute 73 Natasha Kai headed a cross from Carly Lloyd, Pricilla Tapia couldn't hold it and the ball found Heather O'Reilly's foot. USA 2, Costa Rica 0.
Only then the Ticas decided to risk some attacking plays forcing Hope Solo to work a little.
{Image removed as requested by ISI Photos}
And with a little bit more space and the speed of Amy Rodriguez on the field (she came in for Abby Wambach), the USA scored again on added time. Natasha Kai (the name of the game in my opinion) received a pass from Angela Hucles and slammed the ball into the goal.
{Image removed as requested by ISI Photos}
3-0 the final score. The Costa Ricans showed a lot of improvement but it's the USA that gets their ticket to the 2008 Olympic Games. Now they play again on sunday for the CONCACAF title against the winner of Canada x Mexico.
Beijing, here we go!!!
{Image removed as requested by ISI Photos}
Let's GO USA!!! Let's win this third Gold Medal!!!
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ManoGil
Los Angeles, US
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On THIS IS HUGE - Thierry Henry to New York Red Bulls x Josmer Altidore to Barcelona