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US Women's Olympic Hopes Dashed By Wambach Injury
| Written by: Richard DeLaurell |
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| 2008-07-17 15:29:44 |  |
San Diego (July 16)
Despite a 1-0 victory, US hopes for a medal in women's soccer at next month's Beijing Olympics were dealt a severe blow here last night as star striker, Abby Wambach, suffered a broken leg in the national club's final tuneup match with Brazil. Wambach went down on a hard tackle in the 31st minute and was struck full in the shin by a challenging Brazilian defender. "I put my heart and soul into this game everyday," Wambach told reporters after the medical verdict which put her on the sideline for at least six weeks with a broken tibia, "but sometimes accidents happen." Wambach ranks as one of the US women's all-time top scorers and came into Wednesday's match just one goal shy of 100 in international play. With the Beijing games less than three weeks from their start, Wambach will be on crutches until well past the entire soccer competition. "Obviously, it’s devastating," she said of missing the Olympics, "[but] I'm only one player and you can never win a championship with just one player. I have the utmost confidence in [the US] team bringing home the gold.” |
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Discuss- Add comment
Crusader1987 July 17th, 2008 16:16
This is a blow, but we shall overcome! For we have the best women's soccer team in the world! USA! USA! USA!indsc4 July 17th, 2008 17:21
I saw that challenge, and her lower leg just snapped and flopped around. Really devastating for Wambach. But we do have one of the strongest women's squads in the world, and we still have a great shot at the gold!DaJohnner July 17th, 2008 19:42
Dream on!!!...with or without Wamback, the USA will not win. I predict a Germany, or even a China victory. Although Canada winning would make me the happiest.Tontodonati July 18th, 2008 00:39
I still think the USA have the best team. Last year they lost against Brazil because they had a flat game which can happen to any team. The loss of Wamback, though, may have severe repercussions, for she may be the best after Brazilian Marta.ajax72 July 18th, 2008 07:35
Gimme Brazil any day. The chicks are pure class - footballwise and beyond.Tontodonati July 18th, 2008 11:10
Ajax72, what are you doing in this exclusive North American conference?Crusader1987 July 18th, 2008 13:47
The US women's team is rather deep at forward. But Wambach is going to be so tough to replace. In just over 100 appearances for the team, she has scored 99 goals. She has been a permanent fixture on that team for so long.I still take the USA to win the gold simply because US women's soccer is years ahead of everyone else at this point.