USA vs. Japan 2011: Abby Wambach Fails To Put US Women Ahead

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Abby Wambach nearly put the United States ahead 1-0 in the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup Finals.

She got a break up the left side of the pitch with just under 30 minutes on the clock and took an incredible shot from very far out on a tough angle.

She had a defender closing in on her from behind and had to take the shot from close to the corner of the box.

Honestly, if you haven’t already seen the shot that I highly recommend trying to track it down, because it was beautiful.

Wambach completely eluded Japan’s keeper, but the ball came off the underside of the crossbar, effectively ruining the United States shot of going up a goal in the early going.

The United States is in very dangerous territory right now being that they seem to be having a very hard time finishing.

They are getting great looks, but just can’t capitalize.

No offense to Japan but I don’t think it is anything they are doing.

Plain and simple, the United States is beating itself right now.

That being said, I expect that Wambach will get a few more really good looks at the goal, and I expect her to capitalize very soon.

Jere Longman of the New York Times writes more about Wambach’s dominance:

At 5 feet 11 inches and 170 pounds, with impeccable technique, anticipation and fearless determination, Wambach is widely considered the best header in women’s soccer. Forty-nine of her 121 career international goals — 40 percent — have been scored with her head. Given that Japan has only two players as tall as 5-7, Sunday’s final might be decided not by anyone’s dexterous foot but by the glancing accuracy of Wambach’s forehead.

“If you want to stop her, you have to push and pull on her jersey before she starts to run,” said Sonia Bompastor, a French defender. “When she moves forward, she’s unstoppable.”

Like I said, I expect Wambach will get a few very good looks in this Finals game, especially with her head.

I don’t think the United States is going to remain scoreless for long.

You can follow Bleacher Reports live blog of the game right here.

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