Win, Lose or Draw
What an awesome match last night! If I was less emotionally invested in the outcome, I'm sure I would have really enjoyed it. As it was, I was a nervous wreck! It was an emotional roller coaster.
After the first half, I was faced with the reality the U.S. could lose. I hadn't previously given that serious consideration and I was concerned that my plane fare to Tianjin was non-refundable. The North Koreans were bringing it and the U.S. didn't look like the best team on the field for the first 45.
I hurriedly shot off an email to my esteemed colleague Jen, who was in Shanghai awaiting the start of the England/Japan match. I included this passage:
Hope looks good especially as I am not sure she has ever been challenged like this. The ball is slippery though. I am nervous!
To which she responded today:
Enjoyed your portentous comment about Hope looking good and being tested and how wet it was.......!!!!!! Whoops!
I'm not English, so I don't exactly know what portentous means, but I'm assuming something like prophetic.
The second half started and while the pace was still frantic, it seemed more even and I was feeling better, especially after the goal. I was still on pins and needles, just hoping that they could hold on.
And then Wambach went down and left the field with blood streaming from her head. I was concerned when they didn't immediately replace her. They were having a difficult time containing North Korea with 11 on the field. How could they do it a man down? They couldn't and after the second goal, I was cursing Greg Ryan and our over-dependence on Wambach. In Ryan's defense, he thought the doctors would be able to get her on the field quicker. And, Wambach certainly contributed in the equalization and remaining minutes, so what do I know?
The last 20 minutes are a blur of ups and downs, big saves and near misses. I think my heart rate returned to normal at about noon today. I have mixed feelings about the result - disappointed at the loss, but grateful for a point in a match that could have easily been lost and thrilled to have been present at such an amazing match.
So, I haven't re-booked my flight from Tianjin to Wuhan. Especially after Sweden's result against Nigeria, everything is even and I'm betting on the U.S. to rebound in a big way and take the group.
Image is from Brad J. Smith (ISIPHOTOS.COM)
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