WWC: Abby Wambach, Hope Solo and USWNT Legitimize United States Soccer

As I watched Abby Wambach rise up and fire home a dramatic equalizing goal deep into the second overtime period in the United States Women's National Team (USWNT) quarterfinal match against Brazil, I experienced the exact same overwhelming combination of ecstasy and relief as I did when Landon Donovan scored a late goal against Algeria in the 2010 World Cup.

However, unlike the United States Men's National Team (USMNT) which was competing for a place in the round-of-16 against a team which had not won a World Cup game in over 20 years, the USWNT was competing for a place in the Women's World Cup (WWC) semifinal against the best footballing nation in the world.

In other words, the stakes were quite a bit higher.

As a loyal Yank, I have watched the USMNT fall in three recent occasions against the Selecao of Brazil.

During the group stages of the 2009 Confederations Cup, the Yanks were completely outclassed by an impressive Brazilian side which coasted to a 3-0 victory.

Despite also losing 3-1 to Italy, the USMNT miraculously finished second in the group and proceeded to defeat No. 1 ranked Spain 2-0 in the semifinals to set up a rematch against Brazil in the finals.

While two excellent goals from Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan saw the Yanks pull ahead 2-0 by halftime, the Selecao dominated throughout the second half and deservedly emerged as 3-2 winners.

Once again facing Brazil in an August 2010 friendly, I expected our team to once again challenge the South American giants.  However, after a promising start, the Brazilians took control of the game and torched the US defense through then 18-year-old wonderkid Neymar.  Ultimately, we were lucky to only lose by a final score of 2-0.

However, by winning the dramatic penalty kick shootout courtesy of a brilliant Hope Solo save, the USWNT team has vindicated the USMNT's losses and reminded the rest of the world that Americans can play football at the highest level.

While our men's side has improved dramatically over the past two decades, we unfortunately are not (and probably never will become) a football powerhouse.

Though we will continue to celebrate isolated cases of excellence such as the 2-0 win over Spain, a 1-1 draw against England and any victory against Mexico, we simply lack the talent and composure to defeat a slew of powerhouse nations en route to hoisting the World Cup trophy.

Conversely, the US Women possess an excess of both attributes and continue to prove that the United States is very much a footballing nation.

Following such a dramatic win, I suspect that Coach Pia Sundhage and her team will undoubtedly return the WWC Trophy to its rightful home.

And yes, I beg you to even try and argue otherwise.