Brazil v USA
Initially, I thought Coach Ryan's move to replace Hope Solo with Briana Scurry was as a result of an injury. Then, I thought, maybe Ryan was so supremely confident in his team's ability to beat Brazil, he just wanted to give Scurry a chance to play once in the tournament before reverting to Solo for the Final. Odd, but why else would he do it?
At any rate, he did it and Brazil played like it didn't matter to them whether Solo, Scurry, or Tim Howard was in goal. Brazil attacked early and often and Marta was brilliant. Brazilian defenders easily handled the long ball attempts the US played (why Ryan why?)
The loss of Shannon Boxx to two yellows was huge and effectively deflated any hopes for a USA resurgence in the 2nd half. Brazil simply beat the US in every way possible up and down the pitch in a masterful display of how to break a team's spirit.
Perhaps Ryan's goalkeeping move already started to weaken the US team spirit but I think it would be a mistake to dismiss this Brazilian effort as a fluke victory due mainly to a coaching error.
US Soccer Recap
http://www.ussoccer.com/articles/viewArticle.jsp_2555911.html
FIFA Recap
http://www.fifa.com/womenworldcup/matches/round=2000001014/match=56334/index.html
Brazil 4 USA 0
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