It seemed like the perfect script. We were going to end with a bang. Despite Japan tying the game at 2-2 with three minutes remaining in overtime, it still felt like an American victory was imminent. Truth be told, it felt right that Japan scored to send the game to Penalty Kicks. An average goal with 16 minutes to play in overtime was not going to suffice for an appropriate ending. This team, which has had such a flare for the dramatic, needed a to go out with a score.
The script was supposed to be written in such a way that goalkeeper Hope Solo would make a miraculous save to clinch the game. Or maybe Abby Wambach was to strike the fifth PK into the back of the net to seal the deal. A defining television moment, like Mia Hamm's 1999 celebration, would occur. Confetti would fall while Solo, Cheney, Rampone, Wambach, Morgan, O'Rielly, and company hoisted the gold hardware.
Instead it was the Japanese with smiles on their faces, lifting the trophy while yellow confetti fell about them.
This team had destiny written all over it. I'm still trying to believe that the game is over. When I saw Japan's clinching PK hit the back of the net I felt like there should be a rewind button. That wasn't the way it was supposed to end. That couldn't be it. But it was.
It was a great run, one that had so many priceless moments. It made soccer relevant in the United States for a few weeks. It gave a country that has so many sports rivalries within itself a chance to unite.
Second place isn't too shabby either, especially if you remember that our team was less than a minute away from being eliminated in the quarter-finals.
But in the words of Ricky Bobby, "If you ain't first, you're last."
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