The game of the year in sports took place in Dresden, Germany as the United States defeated Brazil 5-3 in a penalty kick shootout after one of the most thrilling soccer matches you’ll ever see ended in a 2-2 draw.  The Americans had an early 1-0 lead on a Brazil own goal, but controversy ensued early in the second half.  Marta was (questionably) fouled by Rachel Buehler in the box.  Buehler received a red card for the penalty, but Hope Solo heroically saved the penalty kick from Cristiane.  Unbelievably, the referees called Solo off her line (we think) and received a yellow card when she clearly wasn’t.  Perennial World Player of the Year Marta scored the second PK to make it 1-1.  The USA then fought with 10 players into extra time, where Marta scored on an unreal flick to put Brazil up 2-1 (although there were more questions of offside in the buildup).

The USA looked for sure to be exiting the tournament as the remaining 30 minutes of extra time wore on.  Then, in the 122nd minute, American striker Abby Wambach scored the latest goal ever in a World Cup game to level the score at 2-2.  From there, the momentum was all on the American side and Hope Solo again made a penalty kick save during the shootout, which the Americans won 5-3.  Without question, it’s the high point of women’s soccer in this country since Brandi Chastain and the 1999 World Cup.  The USA will play in the semifinals against France Wednesday morning at 11:30 AM ET and the nation will surely be watching.  Wambach’s goal joins Landon Donovan’s famous goal against Algeria last year in the 2010 World Cup as one of the all-time great American soccer moments.  Here’s the goal and the amazing Ian Darke on commentary once again…

https://youtube.com/watch?v=JOAJn8h6VAI