After her flopping helped cost Brazil the game? I doubt it. But at least she's not the one who got an own goal in the first minute, then missed the critical penalty kick at the last

@Hailthorn: I think whoever comes out on top in Sweden-Japan will be pretty dangerous if we beat France, but yeah, I like our chances to win the whole thing. Having the best keeper in the world certainly doesn't hurt!

Well, congratulations to the U.S. and Japan! (who both won 3-1)

It should be a great final; I'm honestly a little worried, Japan is playing at an incredible level right now.
But we have a far better goalkeeper than Sweden, and while I give major props to Ayumi Kaihori, facing Abby Wambach is no easy task. (or Alex Morgan - go California!)

Interesting that people seem to have so much interest for the women's world cup. Here in the Netherlands, while men's football is the absolute number 1 sport, there is basically zero media coverage for women's football. In fact, I wouldn't even have known that the tournament was ongoing without this thread.

Interesting that people seem to have so much interest for the women's world cup. Here in the Netherlands, while men's football is the absolute number 1 sport, there is basically zero media coverage for women's football. In fact, I wouldn't even have known that the tournament was ongoing without this thread.

Do you folks really enjoy watching full matches of women's footy? No offense, but the only thing that I enjoy while watching a women's match are the (one or two) pretty chicks on the field. The game itself can't keep my interest. Everything is just sooo dreadfully sloooooow, and they can't even seem to maintain ball possession for ten seconds. And half the goals seem to go in more by accident than by skill... Dull! Better watch the Champions League instead

Interesting that people seem to have so much interest for the women's world cup. Here in the Netherlands, while men's football is the absolute number 1 sport, there is basically zero media coverage for women's football. In fact, I wouldn't even have known that the tournament was ongoing without this thread.

Do you folks really enjoy watching full matches of women's footy? No offense, but the only thing that I enjoy while watching a women's match are the (one or two) pretty chicks on the field. The game itself can't keep my interest. Everything is just sooo dreadfully sloooooow, and they can't even seem to maintain ball possession for ten seconds. And half the goals seem to go in more by accident than by skill... Dull! Better watch the Champions League instead

I am a huge football fan - mostly English Premier league - but my favorite national team is the Dutch.

I can honestly say that the Brazil US quarterfinal is one of the best football games I have ever seen.

You are right about the speed - although the skill at the World Cup Final level for the women is impressive. Did you see the second goal by the US against Brazil. I do not think you can argue that the pass was an accident - it was brilliant. And the finish was textbook good form and one of least accidental things I have ever seen.

What I enjoy about the women is that, with the unfortunate exception of Brazil in the quarters, they really seem to enjoy the game, and play with great sportmanship. There is far less abuse of the referee and rolling around the ground trying to get calls. The game is more innocent, and joyful and not played by a bunch of primadonnas. I loved watching the French player who scored the goal yesterday - she delivered and received some serious challenges - but ever time I saw, she bounced back up with the greatest joyous smile on her face - I think the women really appreciate just the chance to play the game, to be watched by so many, and, at this level, those rare occaisions when they can meet great atheletes like themselves.

This is why one of the first things Abby Wambach said after beating Brazil was how disapointed she was that she would not get to play Germany - She is not looking for the easy path, she wants to be challenged.

Gaius - I certainly share your appreciation of an attractive, athletic woman but that is not why I watch - it is a more positive and healthier game then the current state of the men's game. All things being equal, with no team or country that I particularly follow, I would rather watch a generic women's game than a men's game.

In the US, I wasn't expecting much coverage but our big cable sports network has been promoting the women's world cup heavily. It was a bit of a risk but with US getting by and into the finals, it has paid off with better viewership. I still haven't had the time to or desire to watch any of it. I do look forward to seeing Manchester United come play a friendly here in Seattle.