The long-awaited game arrived–the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-finals. The United States, second-ranked in the world, would play Germany, the first-ranked woman’s team in the world. Both teams would have to leave it all on the field. Game on!
The Montreal Olympic Stadium was twice the size of Landsdowne Stadium in Ottawa–where we saw Team USA defeat China–holding over 51,000 crazy fans. A majority of fans were decked from head-to-toe in their USA gear, with flags of every size.
My family and I anticipated U.S. would step up their game if they were to have a chance at beating Germany’s impressive offense and award-winning goalkeeper. In the first 15 minutes of the match, Germany controlled the field. Gradually, the U.S. intercepted more of Germany’s passes and attacked the German defense, earning themselves 8 corners and 12 shots, with 5 on goal. Every time the U.S.’s offense neared the goal, the entire stadium stood up and cheered on the attack. The U.S.’s new formation allowed them to possess the ball and create scoring opportunities even when Germany was playing physically aggressive.
In the 59th minute, a penalty kick was awarded to Germany when Julie Johnston fouled a German attacker. Luckily, Germany’s Celia Sasic shot the ball just wide of the goal and the crowd erupted with relief and excitement. Finally, U.S. was awarded a penalty kick when a German defender fouled Alex Morgan in the penalty box. The United States’s substitutes, coach, and trainers quickly rose to their feet and linked arms on the sideline as Carli Lloyd stepped up for the penalty kick. American fans chanted for Lloyd as she shot a bullet into the right corner. GOAL!!
When I said that “The stadium erupted into complete pandemonium,” in my last article, I obviously had no idea that pandemonium can go several levels higher! The U.S. fans were louder than a rock concert! Cheers for “USA” echoed throughout the stadium, making my ears ring. American fans waved their signs and flags. After the goal, the U.S. was on fire. The crowd’s energy increased, and there were constant chants of “I believe that we will win.”
Still looking to add an extra goal to the board, the U.S. continually pushed the attack forward. In the 84th minute, Carli Lloyd faked out a defender and fed a cross right in front of the goal. Out of nowhere, Kelley O’Hara ran full force at the ball and netted her first international goal. Team USA went crazy, as did the fans. Everyone, except for the handful of German fans, were screaming their heads off. Just to put it into perspective, my mom lost her voice. After some serious celebration, the game restarted. Germany was desperate, but the U.S. held strong for the last few minutes and did not let up a goal. At the final whistle, the stands went insane and the players celebrated.
Sadly, our Canadian tour has ended, but we will definitely be watching the championship match from Verona on July 5th. LET’S GO USA!!
NJ’s Sky Blue FC will be welcoming back national team players Kelley O’Hara and Christie Rampone in their match on July 11th. For tickets: https://tickets.skybluefc.com/SB-vs-PTFC
