The US started off the game by running straight through our defenses and shooting on goal. It went over the cross bar, but sent the message to everyone: they think they have our number. Admittedly, there have been hairy moments. Canada is struggling to contain the Americans.
The Canadian team is pumped for this. I like what the American coach Pia Sundhage said about this game in the Herald Tribune, "Whoever can get that Olympic spirit, find that positive feeling and play good soccer, will win the game." Sporting, although we haven't beaten them since 2000.
Maybe Canada's not spirited enough (yet). It took 18 minutes for the US to score. Angela Hucles took an easy goal off the goalie's foot. Canada's keeper Erin McLeod is down. It is pissing rain and it looks like she took a bad slip somehow. She is up, walking it off.
The Canadian coach was recently criticized by a CBC sports commentator for the style of play he has developed with the team.
OK, it's really raining. And thundering. Everyone just left the field and the game is stopped. (I am watching the online feed so I hear the thunder in Beijing).
