The Greatest Comeback In Sports History

July 10th, 2011. The marquee match-up between rivals Brazil and the USA. 11:30am, kick-off is about to begin. The fans knew all the history and general facts going into this game. That the USA was defeated by Brazil 4-0 in the 2007 WWC, that they won in their last meeting with Brazil in the Gold medal match of the 2008 Olympics. That Marta was a player to watch, and that Hope would be key for the USA, etc, etc. But what the fans didn't know, was that they were about to be taken on an emotional roller coaster, and that they were about to witness arguably the greatest, most dramatic comeback in the history of sports.


The USA took the lead early on in the match. Boxx sprinted down the left flank in the 2nd minute and drilled a ground cross into the box for an on-rushing Abby Wambach. The ball however, deflected of Daiane, and bounced into the net. This was the dream start for the USA, as it lifted off some pressure in the opening minutes. However, this game was FAR from over. The game continued and was a rather back-and forth affair. Both teams were pretty even. There was some sloppy passing, disorganized play, and it was from both teams. Both sides went into the locker rooms at halftime, with the 1-0 lead still standing. After the teams came back out, it was a similar game, but things took a major turn for the worse for the USA. Marta beared down on the USA's penalty area, and when she got inside the 18, Rachel Buehler pressured her. Both players went down, however, Marta flopped up in the air while Buehler simply fell under her. In what was a very questionable call, Buehler got a straight red and was sent off, meaning the USA had to play with one less player, and it also meant that Brazil was about to get a penalty. The red card in my opinion should never have been given. It was supposedly a "denial of a clear goal scoring opportunity" however Marta denied her own opportunity. She flopped up then landed, and poor Buehler who was only doing her job, and did nothing to obstruct Marta illegally, was the victim of a Marta dive. What followed would be an even more controversial call. Cristiane stepped up to take the penalty. She shot the ball, but Hope Solo came up big and blocked the shot. Everyone began to celebrate...but the referee called it back for a retake. The reason isn't quite clear...some say it was because Solo moved off her line too early, others say it was encroachment. If these are the case, it is either the most strict call I've seen, or just the most incorrect call. I did not see Solo come off her line at all before the shot, and as for the encroachment, I've seen way worse encroachments that haven't been called. the players movement looked fair to me. Whatever it was, the referee was clearly biased, and gifted Brazil with a retake. Marta converted on the second one, and gave a nice little "F*ck you" by slapping her forearm in the universally known derogatory hand signal. Marta displayed absolutely disgraceful employment of the "beautiful game"...she used derogatory hand gestures, protested, complained and screamed at the refs and opposing players (she screamed at Wambach who was on the ground after being fouled), and she dove, getting her team some nice fouls and even that penalty kick. This caused the entire stadium, save the Brazil fans, to boo and jeer at her every touch of the ball.

Now that the game was tied 1-1, the pressure was on. The penalty was converted in the 69th, meaning there were approximately 20-25 minutes for either team to capitalize and win. However, this never happened. The USA played well a man down, and still attacked frequently, but no chances were converted, neither were any of Brazil's. And so the match was sent into Extra Time. Two minutes into the first Extra Time saw Brazil go ahead. Marta flicked the ball at an odd angle, and it chipped over Hope Solo and dropped into the net. On review of the play, the Brazilian that passed to Marta appeared to be offside, but the refs did not call it. This game was being robbed from the USA, and it was being robbed in plain sight. The entire stadium rallied to support the USA. It was your classic tale of Good vs. Evil, Heroes vs. Villains. The Brazilians employed nothing but dirty tactics, bad sportsmanship, and nasty play, and they disgraced the beautiful game. They played nothing like a team, and to top it all off, the refs should have been considered teammates to the Brazilians. The United States worked together as a team, were playing a clean, fair game, and were continually getting robbed by the referees. Extra time continued on, and the USA relentlessly attacked, time and time again. The Second period of ET began, and still, the USA plugged away. In around the 114th minute, after a USA corner had been dealt with, Erika remained in the box and fell to the ground. Nothing had touched her, however she went down, feigning injury. The medics took her off after a good 4 minutes of stalling and time wasting. She was stretchered off, and as soon as she was taken on the other side of the endline, she sprung up out of the stretcher and ran back to midfield so she could be called in. This disgraceful time-wasting tactic earned her a yellow card, and some well-deserved jeers from the stadium. At the 120th minute mark, the sideline ref signaled for 3 minutes of stoppage time. It looked as if the USA's road had come to an end in the competition. Albeit a terrible an unfair exit, it looked like they would be saying good bye to Germany. The whole stadium rallied and cheered on the Americans in the dying minutes, chanting "U-S-A, U-S-A, U-S-A!" the 121st minute was gone. Only two more minutes left. The ball was in the USA's half of the field. It was the 122nd minute. The ball was taken from Cristiane, it was then quickly moved to midfield, where Lloyd distributed it to Rapinoe, a half-time sub, who was stationed on the left flank. Rapinoe swung her left-foot and released a Hail Mary cross. This was likely one of, if not the last play of the game for the Americans, who were seconds away from elimination. It flew across the 18 yard box, and had just missed the likes of the Brazilian GK and defender who had come out to block the ball. It passed them and found Abby Wambach, who was stationed at the back post. Wambach did what she does best, rose up to meet Rapinoe's service, and headed the ball into the net. With only seconds remaining, Abby Wambach (who was playing on Achilles pain and inflammation) came up big and saved the USA from elimination. Cheers erupted, as Wambach ran across the endline in complete euphoria and disbelief, and met her teammates who gathered around and enjoyed a massive group hug. This clutch play had saved the USA who was literally on the brink of elimination from the tournament. Seconds later, the whistle blew, and penalties would soon commence, making this an all-too familiar setting. On this very day, 12 years ago, the 1999 USA team outlasted China on penalties in the Final, winning the WWC. The teams gathered around and decided their kickers. Each team walked out to midfield, arms wrapped around each other in a line. Boxx was first to take her penalty. She missed at first, but the referee ordered a retake because Andreia came off her line too early (this call was actually legit), and on the retake, Boxx buried it. From there, Cristiane and Marta would convert, and so would Lloyd and Wambach. On Brazil's third kicker, Daiane, who was the one that scored the Own goal, Hope Solo had a good feeling about her chances. She knew it would be the one. And she was right. Solo leaped and blocked the shot. This put the USA in an excellent position. Rapinoe would convert, and so would Francielle. Ali Krieger stepped up to the spot. If her kick went in, the USA would complete the greatest comeback of all time. Krieger shot it low, and it zoomed right into the left corner. Celebrations and cheers erupted from the USA players, and the fans in the stadium. Justice had been served, or forced rather, and the United States, against all odds, completed the greatest comeback in history.

This game showed the world what the USWNT is all about. They played with such heart and determination, and their will to win was strong and inspiring. They believed in each other, and believed in coming back. They never gave up, and even when the pressure was on, and all odds were against them, only seconds away from elimination, they pulled it off and equalized. There aren't many words for what happened that day. I just like to say that it was incredible...unbelievable really. and for the fans, this was an emotional roller coaster. I went from shedding some tears, to screaming my brains out and jumping around in pure joy. This was a game for the ages. The heroics and character of the team were admirable, and they showed the world that its never over til its over, that you should never give up, and despite all of the adversity, their will to win was stronger, and they overcame all obstacles. It truly was the greatest comeback in sports history. My belief is that the USWNT is still here for a reason. If they weren't meant to be here, they would have lost to Brazil, and never would have pulled off that clutch comeback. Instead of saving themselves at the death, they would have exited. But no, they are here for a reason. They were not meant to be eliminated. That's why despite every single obstacle, they prevailed, its why they came back. I feel like they are destined to be Champions. Hell, they played like Champions, and after their performance, quite frankly, I think they DESERVE to be Champions.

Denise