uswnt vs japan

it's thursday, but i'm already looking ahead to sunday. why? well, the u.s. women's national soccer team is playing in the championship game of the women's world cup. this is a big deal, even if you don't like soccer.

i do like soccer, but admit that i'm not the biggest fan of the women's game. i remember watching in 99, the last time we won. in the months before the cup, i had watched a few scrimmages between the uswnt and lower tier, division 2 men's college teams. despite being the best in the world at the time, the women couldn't keep up with those guys. when i watched that cup, i sorta felt the product was inferior. the soccer wasn't as good, in my opinion.

jump ahead to now. i am amazed by our team. great crosses. flying headers for goals. shots on point. yes, there is an occasional bad pass or whatever, but the same can be said of the men's game. and it's not just the u.s. team that looks great. all of the teams in this year's world cup have really played beautiful soccer, something that i wouldn't say about last year's men's cup (i'm looking squarely at you france. you ain't the only one, but you may be the ugliest.)

the game is still a little different than the men's game. it's not quite as physical, the keepers can't quite cover as much of the net, but the soccer is still great to watch. and, the women don't fake injuries as much. there is an occasional flop, but overall, these women stay on their feet. when fouled, they pop back up and get on with the game. refreshing stuff, really.

so sunday, i'll be watching. and you should be watching. and cheering. our side is the favorite, and don't let that sway you. it's going to be a tough match, and hopefully the trophy returns to the u.s. when it's all said and done.

don't miss the best sport going on right now.