Everyone I know has seen the U.S. vs. Brazil semi-final game by now, so I can finally say it: man, what an ugly display. Maybe a 4-0 loss to an outstanding Brazil team led by the spectacular Marta (video of her amazing goal here*) is not something to beat yourself up about. But to get that result by swapping a proven goalie for one who hasn't played for a long while, heading the ball in your own net, and then subbing in defensive players when you're down 3-nothing -- well, that's just poor soccer.

Seems to me that Brandi Chastain in right on the money here. Women's soccer in the U.S. has regressed since the last World Cup. I see everything in political terms these days, but this is exactly what happens when you (a) write off certain groups of people and (b) pick weak and unproven leaders.

Oh, and Hope Solo is a punk.

* Watch it all the way through. It's only from the replays that you can see that Marta flicks the ball around her defender one way while making a run around her the other.