An abundance of high drama highlighted the semifinals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
One match featured an unexpected hero secure her side’s spot in the final, while the other saw a team plunge to news levels of despair after scoring an own goal in injury time.
Here are my standout moments…
Kelley O’Hara becomes a hero
The Americans’ ticket to the final was booked thanks an unexpected source of inspiration. It didn’t come from Megan Rapinoe, Abby Wambach or captain Carli Lloyd. Instead, the American hero that night in Montreal versus Germany was Kelley O’Hara.
While Lloyd deserves credit for her tremendous playmaking and patience on setting up the winning goal in the 84th minute, O’Hara’s dazzling volley from mid-air was definitely highlight-reel worthy and propelled the substitute into hero status for the Stars and Stripes.
That goal represents more than just a victory and chance for the U.S. to hoist the trophy for the first time since 1999. It’s the reward for countless hours of preparation, training and being a good teammate given that O’Hara didn’t see any minutes in the tournament until the knockout stage.
Coach Jill Ellis has a wildcard in her back pocket come Sunday against Japan, and her name is Kelley O’Hara.
World embraces Laura Bassett
It’s been a few days, but the sports world is still talking about Laura Bassett’s heartbreaking own goal in injury time in England’s loss to Japan in Edmonton.
The goal has elicited reaction from around the globe, but the most poignant words have come from Bassett’s teammates, who have embraced and supported the defender:
She also received encouragement from coach Mark Sampson.
“Laura Bassett is devastated after the own goal, but without her we wouldn’t have been in this semifinal,” he stated. “It was a horrible moment, but you just have to look at how the team has supported her to understand that she’ll be able to get over it.”
Nadine Angerer set to bid adieu
Germany’s loss to the U.S. in the semifinal closed a chapter in Nadine Angerer’s career: It marked her final chance to make a World Cup final.
Prior to the start of the tournament, the long-time German captain announced she would retire from international soccer once the World Cup was over, saying it was important to bow out while she was still healthy and on her own terms.
The goalkeeper will leave the international game with an impressive resume including winning the 2013 FIFA World player of the year and being a two-time World Cup champion (2003, 2007).
Fittingly, the 36-year-old is a Golden Glove Award nominee. Over six matches in Canada, she played a total of 570 minutes, made 12 saves—including a penalty stop to send Germany into the semis—and a save rate of 70.6.
Her last appearance for Germany is Saturday in the third place game versus England.