The U.S. women faced off against Japan on Thursday in their last game of the Tournament of Nations. Japan-U.S. has become a particularly heated affair in recent years with the two meeting in three of the last four major finals. USWNT fans will not easily forget the heartbreaking loss to the Japanese at the 2011 FIFA World Cup nor Carli Lloyd’s rampage to win the trophy four years later.
Okay, before we get started here, put this song on. It's a jam.
Okay, now you’re in the zone.
Are you tired of that one friend who ruins soccer spectating? You know the one, the person that constantly complains about a lack of scoring and sees the low accumulation of point totals as some kind of irrefutable condemnation of the sport. Yeah, that jagoff.
Northern Ireland vs. Germany finished 1-0 in favor of Die Mannschaft, but it could have been so much worse.
Germany could have ended the first half 5-0 in front, but Northern Ireland held on, thanks in large part to the performance of goalkeeper Michael McGovern, who made seven magnificent saves throughout the match.
The result sees Germany top Group C, while Northern Ireland's ability to keep the score down means they are very much still alive in this competition.
The Czech Republic vs. Turkey kicked off with both teams needing to win in order to give themselves a chance to progress.
An opening goal from Burak Yilmaz, followed by a rocket from Ozan Tufan gave Turkey a 2-0 victory, knocking the Czechs out of the competition.
Despite the win, it may not be enough for Turkey to progress, as they sit third with three points and a goal differential of negative two.
It’s an accomplishment any time a player can score for her country. Abby Wambach has done it 184 times, more than any other player (male or female) in the world. While that feat is amazing, Abby didn’t score her first goal until her second game.