Good news, current and future American women’s soccer fans, the women’s national team has made it through to the quarter-finals!
That means if you haven’t already gotten on the FIFA Women’s World Cup bandwagon, there’s still time. So, because I know those of you who haven’t been watching secretly want to, you just need to be asked/told enough times, I’m going to remind you to watch once again (Friday at 6:30 CT).
I would say this is the last time, but the U.S. is favored to win the entire tournament, so hopefully we’ll have two more rounds to go.
Although, after last night’s match against Colombia (we won, 2-0), we’ll be missing the U.S.’s star player of the tournament so far, Megan Rapinoe. She’ll be joined on the bench by teammate, Lauren Holliday. Both fell victim to FIFA’s yellow card rules.
What are those? Glad you asked.
According to the official FIFA guidelines, players who receive two yellow cards before the semifinals will be suspended for a match.
Just to be clear, that’s two yellow cards over the course of the entire tournament, prior to the semifinals. Meaning you could get your first card in game one, and not receive a second until, well, the round of 16, and you’ll still have to sit out the quarterfinal.
It’s a ridiculous rule, but it’s also part of what makes the stakes that much higher.
The good news is, the rest of the U.S. women’s team is completely capable of winning against their opponent, China. Assuming, of course, that they all step it up.
Even better news, you don’t need to know all that to enjoy the game. All you need to know is that they play on Friday at 6:30 (CT).
Go Team USA!
More on the Story: CNN
…just for fun:
R.I.P., Mr. Horner.
