I don’t watch women’s sports generally, I admit it, but I turned on ESPN yesterday afternoon by chance at minute 119 of the World Cup match between the US women and Brazil. Brazil was up 2-1 in double overtime, and immediately I began pulling for Brazil. Can’t help myself. I’m an old lefty. And so I grinned when the announcers said that a shot Carli Lloyd struck far over the net was likely the Americans’ last chance.
And then at minute 122, the Americans got the ball again and Megan Rapinoe running full-tilt down the left sideline lifted a 40 meter rainbow to the right side of the goal and several women converged, and the ball rocketed into the back of the net. Only on the replay did I see what had happened in that instant: the Brazilian goalie flew up to try and stop it, and Abby Wambach leaped too, and snapped the ball off her head.
I was stunned, and began pulling for the American women. I believe that pass would have beaten the Brazilian men, too. It was as beautiful as Ronaldinho’s amazing goal from 35 meters in the 2002 World Cup.
That one instant has changed my view of women’s sports. On today’s news I hear I’m not alone.
(And as for my prejudice against American soccer teams, unnhhh… it’s going to take more than that.)
