U.S. Women’s Soccer Team: Unfinished Business

In 2004, at the Athens Olympics, the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team defeated Brazil 2 - 1. Members of the Brazil team thought that they should have won that match and Olympic Gold. In 2007, at the World Cup, the U.S. Women’s Team met Brazil again. In that World Cup semi final match, Brazil dominated and won: 4 - 0.

On Thursday, at the Beijing Olympics, Brazil and the USA will meet in a gold medal match. Based on Olympic play, the advantage seems to be with the team from Brazil. Brazil reached the finals by defeating a very good and dangerous team from Germany. The score was 4 - 1.

Arguably, Brazil has one of the world’s best soccer players in Marta. She is quick, creative with the ball and skilled at putting the ball into the netting. Marta will command much of the defensive attention. However, her team mate, Cristiane also must be contained. Cristiane does not receive as much media attention but she is equally skilled. Cristiane and Marta have accounted for eight of eleven goals that Brazil has scored in this Olympic competition.

The U.S. women cannot afford a slow start. They started slowly against Norway and again against Japan in the semi finals. Brazil will want to attack immediately and try to take the early advantage. With Brazil’s potent offense, the U.S. team does not want to play from a deficit. Brazil is adept at protecting a lead and would welcome an American offense that would have to take risks. That would mean more offensive opportunities for Brazil.

For U.S. goalkeeper, Hope Solo, this match against Brazil will be especially meaningful. She did not play in the World Cup semi final game against Brazil. She was replaced by Briana Scurry and controversy followed. Essentially, Hope Solo believed that she could have stopped Brazil in that World Cup semi final match. Now, she has a chance to prove her confidence.

Brazil’s game plan is not a secret. The team from Brazil will want to score early and score often. Cristiane, Marta and the other Brazilian attackers will try to take advantage of slower individual defenders on the American side. It will need an active, aware team defense to contain Brazil. The U.S. team feels that it has yet to play its best game. The U.S. coach, Pia Sundhage, has seen a consistent improvement with her team. She is hoping that her team peaks on Thursday.

The game will be in real time at 9:00 A.M - eastern time - Thursday. And it is another very early morning for west coast soccer fans.

Catherine Forsythe