This post is not entitled Women's World Cup because this year no such qualifier is necessary. The level of play, drama, and emotion these past three weeks were unrivaled not only in soccer but in any sporting event.
The US National Team unfortunately lost to a spirited and talented Japanese team that gave new meaning to the term never say die. This no doubt was borne out of the innate Japanese fighting spirit but also the desire to bring some joy to their nuclear- ravaged countrymen. Countless articles will be written about Japan's storybook run, but this is not one of them. I would rather discuss what America's National team has meant to America... even in defeat.
As I write this countless young women and men in this country will be going to bed dreaming of being the next Abby Wambach or Megan Rapinoe (both shown above). These kids, just like me, did not see 11 women playing today, they say 11 Americans giving their all for 120 minutes. It was an emotional and inspiring performance just like their other games these past three weeks. We could not have asked for anything more than what they gave- their all.
Unlike other World Cups, save 1999, when the US defeated China in another penalty kick shutout in the final, this one truly feels different. Perhaps it is because of my own interest in the sport and that of my kids. Little Cate knows no boundaries, and she has a killer left and right foot. She may not make the National Team, but she already knows that she is her only obstacle. Glass ceilings have already been broken for girls of her generation who learned a lot about life's endless possibilities and opportunities these past three weeks watching the World Cup.
Look out world, here they come.
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