In what otherwise had become the summer of Casey Anthony and Bachmann-Palin overdrive, along came women’s soccer. Thank you, World Cup, we needed that.
The story line was the captivating, never-say-die American squad that made it all the way to Sunday’s final. Their comeback against favored Brazil in the quarterfinal will remain one for the ages. And no American was better–nor more articulate–than former Florida Gator Amy Wambach.
And when the Americans ultimately lost to Japan, it was disappointing–but hardly devastating. Two relentless teams channeling patriotic support from back home. It even set a new Twitter record.
Two classy teams. Not a millionaire among them. No trash-talking. The line separating confidence borne of talent and swagger borne of arrogance never broached.
The winning Japanese were underdogs–having gone winless in 25 previous games against the American national team. But they never gave up or gave in and in so doing provided an emotional lift to a country still reeling from the March earthquake and tsunami. The World Cup champion Japanese were gracious–not gloating–in victory.
It was a well-timed, global feel-good story, regardless of who had to lose.
When the Rays lose to the Yankees, Red Sox or Phillies or the Lightning lost to the Bruins, it can leave a frustrated, sometimes smoldering feeling. When the U.S. lost to Japan, you tipped your rhetorical cap to a team that came up big when its country needed it most.