It's just sad - I just watched the US steal the semi-final game from Canada due to crappy, pro-US officiating. How many times do we have to lose to the americans due to biased refereeing? The tying goal by the US should never have happened as there was no justification for the penalty shot it was scored on.

Felt like I was watching the soccer version of miracle on ice for a while there. Brutal for that kind of call to hand them the tying goal but at the same time there were two other leads they weren't able to hold so they can't say they didnt have their chances. Bitter pill to swallow but here's hoping they have enough in them to give the French an honest run for bronze. It's not Gold but would still be quite the accomplishment for this country.

Well they have been nicknamed the Coca-Cola games for years, having the US Women's Team in their advertising will probably be pretty good advertising for them.....

made me absolutely sick to my stomach. How, at this level, can an official call such a questionable call is unbelieveable--calling the goalie for holding onto the ball too long, are you serious??!?! Only to follow it up with a hand ball call to put the yanks on the penalty kick line. The Olympics has always been about politics, and you can't tell me if it was any other country than the illustrious U S of A, there is no call. Absolutely deplorable!!!!

Another perspective on the call from a Yahoo Sports story.  
Apparently a US player had a pretty big part in it:  
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/olympics-abby-wambach-s-brains-proved-to-be-big-assist-to-u-s-women-s-soccer-s-comeback-against-canada.html

dd said "made me absolutely sick to my stomach. How, at this level, can an official call such a questionable call is unbelieveable--calling the goalie for holding onto the ball too long, are you serious??!?! Only to follow it up with a hand ball call to put the yanks on the penalty kick line. The Olympics has always been about politics, and you can't tell me if it was any other country than the illustrious U S of A, there is no call. Absolutely deplorable!!!! "

did she hold the ball for longer than 6 seconds?, and it's a spot not a line for penalties  
 
to paraphrase an age old quote "...football's a funny old game...", and an even more insightful one "...football's not a matter of life or death. it's much more important than that..."  
 
losing to alleged bad referee calls is hard, but get used to it. human error is what makes it the beautiful game... {England .v. germany south africa 2010 anyone... }

I didn't watch much of the game but what little I did see there were more missed calls than the questionable call.  
 
The good thing about it is people are watching women's soccer and talking about it. I hope the youth soccer leagues both male and female can build on this success and go for gold in the next olympics.  
 
Hopefully they aren't disciplined to the point that they won't have a chance to win the bronze.  
 
Go girls.

DerekButtery said "    dd said "made me absolutely sick to my stomach. How, at this level, can an official call such a questionable call is unbelieveable--calling the goalie for holding onto the ball too long, are you serious??!?! Only to follow it up with a hand ball call to put the yanks on the penalty kick line. The Olympics has always been about politics, and you can't tell me if it was any other country than the illustrious U S of A, there is no call. Absolutely deplorable!!!! " did she hold the ball for longer than 6 seconds?, and it's a spot not a line for penalties     to paraphrase an age old quote "...football's a funny old game...", and an even more insightful one "...football's not a matter of life or death. it's much more important than that..."     losing to alleged bad referee calls is hard, but get used to it. human error is what makes it the beautiful game... {England .v. germany south africa 2010 anyone... } "

Supposedly she held the ball for about 10 seconds. From what I read, an american player was counting the seconds out loud - no telling as to how fast or slow, though, or if the official used that count as her basis for calling the penalty. The upsetting part is that normally, a warning or yellow card should have been issued before a penalty is called for something like delay of game....  

JR said "    DerekButtery said "    dd said "made me absolutely sick to my stomach. How, at this level, can an official call such a questionable call is unbelieveable--calling the goalie for holding onto the ball too long, are you serious??!?! Only to follow it up with a hand ball call to put the yanks on the penalty kick line. The Olympics has always been about politics, and you can't tell me if it was any other country than the illustrious U S of A, there is no call. Absolutely deplorable!!!! " did she hold the ball for longer than 6 seconds?, and it's a spot not a line for penalties     to paraphrase an age old quote "...football's a funny old game...", and an even more insightful one "...football's not a matter of life or death. it's much more important than that..."     losing to alleged bad referee calls is hard, but get used to it. human error is what makes it the beautiful game... {England .v. germany south africa 2010 anyone... } " Supposedly she held the ball for about 10 seconds. From what I read, an american player was counting the seconds out loud - no telling as to how fast or slow, though, or if the official used that count as her basis for calling the penalty. The upsetting part is that normally, a warning or yellow card should have been issued before a penalty is called for something like delay of game....   "

the goalkeeper holding the ball longer than six seconds results in an in-direct free kick, not a penalty, hence no warning given by the referee. the resulting free kick was taken, and the penalty awarded for handball, after the ball had struck sessellman's {sp?} arm...  
 
not all penalties {or other foul play} have resulted in the usual punishments during this tournament... my belief is that the usage of experienced FIFA referees is to support the teams rather than punish them... there have been countless instancies whereby the offender should have at least been carded, but wasn't.  
 
big lesson to learn... but maybe Coach herdman's mind games didn't help any?

What an amazing finish to this story

1-0 win against France to take Bronze. From the link below:  
 
The result gives Canada its first Summer Games medal in a traditional team sport since 1936.  
 
http://www.cbc.ca/olympics/soccer/story/2012/08/09/sp-olympics-london-womens-soccer-bronze-medal-canada-france.html  
 

It was an amazing end with our goal scored in the two minutes of stoppage time at the very end. Was awesome to watch the reactions of the much deserving players and coach.

With a 0-0 and 90 minutes into the game, then Canada scores.  
 
A nailbiter for sure, and the end result was touching and more than deserving after the Canada-USA fiasco.  
 
 
 
Edited by michelle, 2012-08-09 12:34:06

michelle said "With a 0-0 and 90 minutes into the game, then Canada scores.     A nailbiter for sure, and the end result was touching and more than deserving after the Canada-USA fiasco.         Edited by michelle, 2012-08-09 12:34:06"

why is losing a fiasco?, other than some debatable referee decisions, from a neutral POV, it was a high intense, high scoring game....  
 

DerekButtery said "    michelle said "With a 0-0 and 90 minutes into the game, then Canada scores.     A nailbiter for sure, and the end result was touching and more than deserving after the Canada-USA fiasco.         Edited by michelle, 2012-08-09 12:34:06" why is losing a fiasco?, other than some debatable referee decisions, from a neutral POV, it was a high intense, high scoring game....     "

The Canada-U.S. game was a high intense, high scoring game, but there is no doubt it turned into a media fiasco of sorts with the debatable Referee and the call made. There is no sense in debating that. We don't run the Global media and it is what it is.  
 
The team played fantastically in all of their games and they are to be commended.  
 
Great job, Team Canada.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Edited by michelle, 2012-08-09 14:10:11

michelle said "    DerekButtery said "    michelle said "With a 0-0 and 90 minutes into the game, then Canada scores.     A nailbiter for sure, and the end result was touching and more than deserving after the Canada-USA fiasco.         Edited by michelle, 2012-08-09 12:34:06" why is losing a fiasco?, other than some debatable referee decisions, from a neutral POV, it was a high intense, high scoring game....     " The Canada-U.S. game was a high intense, high scoring game, but there is no doubt it turned into a media fiasco of sorts with the debatable Referee and the call made. There is no sense in debating that. We don't run the Global media and it is what it is.     The team played fantastically in all of their games and they are to be commended.     Great job, Team Canada.                 Edited by michelle, 2012-08-09 14:10:11"

global media - "believe what we say, do as your told, this is the truth, there's nothing to see here... " - guess the rothschilds finally had their way {then again that's another thread}  
 
just watched the highlights online, and was a decent enough game... Canada played well enough for bronze.  
 
will sinclair retire from international football, or is she focued on the 'goal crown'?

Canada had the lead against the U.S 3 times, scored more goals on them than any other team had been able to do. They did great against the U.S.  
 
The call that bothers me is the hand call on the penalty shot.

Trevor B said "Canada had the lead against the U.S 3 times, scored more goals on them than any other team had been able to do. They did great against the U.S.     The call that bothers me is the hand call on the penalty shot. "

That is what really gets me too. Sure, the rules are the rules, but they might need a little tweaking to allow for self-defense. I thought that was the officials job - to interpret the rules according to the circumstances as the game unfolds. If we had a player with a major impact injury to her face, there would have been no penalty kick...  
 
As for the bronze medal game, congratulations to a very skilled team and a well-deserved medal.  

JR said "    Trevor B said "Canada had the lead against the U.S 3 times, scored more goals on them than any other team had been able to do. They did great against the U.S.     The call that bothers me is the hand call on the penalty shot. " That is what really gets me too. Sure, the rules are the rules, but they might need a little tweaking to allow for self-defense. I thought that was the officials job - to interpret the rules according to the circumstances as the game unfolds. If we had a player with a major impact injury to her face, there would have been no penalty kick...     As for the bronze medal game, congratulations to a very skilled team and a well-deserved medal.   "

the ball was going to go past her and she intentionally put her hand out to block it, it absolutely, that's a penalty. But in this case, her arms were covering/protecting her chest.  
 
On penalty kicks in Men's soccer, the men protect their groins with their hands. I'm thinking it's a given that there's no penalty if the ball hits their hands covering the groin.

Trevor B said "    JR said "    Trevor B said "Canada had the lead against the U.S 3 times, scored more goals on them than any other team had been able to do. They did great against the U.S.     The call that bothers me is the hand call on the penalty shot. " That is what really gets me too. Sure, the rules are the rules, but they might need a little tweaking to allow for self-defense. I thought that was the officials job - to interpret the rules according to the circumstances as the game unfolds. If we had a player with a major impact injury to her face, there would have been no penalty kick...     As for the bronze medal game, congratulations to a very skilled team and a well-deserved medal.   " the ball was going to go past her and she intentionally put her hand out to block it, it absolutely, that's a penalty. But in this case, her arms were covering/protecting her chest.     On penalty kicks in Men's soccer, the men protect their groins with their hands. I'm thinking it's a given that there's no penalty if the ball hits their hands covering the groin. "

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIVpzliuUyc  
 
if you watch the defender she's not actually protecting anything. IF she stood still at the end of the wall when the ball is kicked, THEN maybe it could've been deemed as 'protection'.... but she clearly motions towards the ball and jumps in front of it's path, with her hands / arms high. PENALTY.  
 
from the referee's view point, her arms were raised towards the ball as she jumped, and could be argued of an unfair advantage in blocking the shot...  
 
as for tweaking the rules because you lost... well that's just sour grapes!!

DerekButtery said "    michelle said "    DerekButtery said "    michelle said "With a 0-0 and 90 minutes into the game, then Canada scores.     A nailbiter for sure, and the end result was touching and more than deserving after the Canada-USA fiasco.         Edited by michelle, 2012-08-09 12:34:06" why is losing a fiasco?, other than some debatable referee decisions, from a neutral POV, it was a high intense, high scoring game....     " The Canada-U.S. game was a high intense, high scoring game, but there is no doubt it turned into a media fiasco of sorts with the debatable Referee and the call made. There is no sense in debating that. We don't run the Global media and it is what it is.     The team played fantastically in all of their games and they are to be commended.     Great job, Team Canada.                 Edited by michelle, 2012-08-09 14:10:11" global media - "believe what we say, do as your told, this is the truth, there's nothing to see here... " - guess the rothschilds finally had their way {then again that's another thread}     just watched the highlights online, and was a decent enough game... Canada played well enough for bronze.     will sinclair retire from international football, or is she focued on the 'goal crown'? "

Look. I'm no soccer official by any means. All I'm trying to say is that I learned more about the rules of soccer and FIFA, was very interested in the game itself, and enjoyed the match. It's all positive.  
 
Why so glum, chum? Lighten up, my friend.  
 
Sinclair and the team's performance was certainly outstanding as you'll agree.  
 
There is a lot of talk worldwide about the Referee that called a shot that was rare and questionable, without a warning card.  
 
It doesn't really matter at this point. We have a great Canadian team and they finished with pride and respect. Now that is a positive!

michelle said "    DerekButtery said "    michelle said "    DerekButtery said "    michelle said "With a 0-0 and 90 minutes into the game, then Canada scores.     A nailbiter for sure, and the end result was touching and more than deserving after the Canada-USA fiasco.         Edited by michelle, 2012-08-09 12:34:06" why is losing a fiasco?, other than some debatable referee decisions, from a neutral POV, it was a high intense, high scoring game....     " The Canada-U.S. game was a high intense, high scoring game, but there is no doubt it turned into a media fiasco of sorts with the debatable Referee and the call made. There is no sense in debating that. We don't run the Global media and it is what it is.     The team played fantastically in all of their games and they are to be commended.     Great job, Team Canada.                 Edited by michelle, 2012-08-09 14:10:11" global media - "believe what we say, do as your told, this is the truth, there's nothing to see here... " - guess the rothschilds finally had their way {then again that's another thread}     just watched the highlights online, and was a decent enough game... Canada played well enough for bronze.     will sinclair retire from international football, or is she focued on the 'goal crown'? " Look. I'm no soccer official by any means. All I'm trying to say is that I learned more about the rules of soccer and FIFA, was very interested in the game itself, and enjoyed the match. It's all positive.     Why so glum, chum? Lighten up, my friend.     Sinclair and the team's performance was certainly outstanding as you'll agree.     There is a lot of talk worldwide about the Referee that called a shot that was rare and questionable, without a warning card.     It doesn't really matter at this point. We have a great Canadian team and they finished with pride and respect. Now that is a positive! "

not glum... but just love the media take on things and how they've been lying to humans since john bull produced his printing machines...  
 
as for sinclair was asking your opinion... personally would love to see her overtake hamm's int'l. scoring record... BUT a loss like that goes a long way to career changes etc...  
 
tbh was rooting the canucks as they knocked out Team GB... I never mind losing to the champions!  
 

DerekButtery said "    Trevor B said "    JR said "    Trevor B said "Canada had the lead against the U.S 3 times, scored more goals on them than any other team had been able to do. They did great against the U.S.     The call that bothers me is the hand call on the penalty shot. " That is what really gets me too. Sure, the rules are the rules, but they might need a little tweaking to allow for self-defense. I thought that was the officials job - to interpret the rules according to the circumstances as the game unfolds. If we had a player with a major impact injury to her face, there would have been no penalty kick...     As for the bronze medal game, congratulations to a very skilled team and a well-deserved medal.   " the ball was going to go past her and she intentionally put her hand out to block it, it absolutely, that's a penalty. But in this case, her arms were covering/protecting her chest.     On penalty kicks in Men's soccer, the men protect their groins with their hands. I'm thinking it's a given that there's no penalty if the ball hits their hands covering the groin. " http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIVpzliuUyc     if you watch the defender she's not actually protecting anything. IF she stood still at the end of the wall when the ball is kicked, THEN maybe it could've been deemed as 'protection'.... but she clearly motions towards the ball and jumps in front of it's path, with her hands / arms high. PENALTY.     from the referee's view point, her arms were raised towards the ball as she jumped, and could be argued of an unfair advantage in blocking the shot...     as for tweaking the rules because you lost... well that's just sour grapes!! "

Not how I'm seeing it in the video. They never intentionally put their arms/hands out. The ball never hit their hands, elbow/upper arm if anything. The first Canadian player did have her arms out as she was running towards the kicker block the kick, but when the ball was kicked at her she pulled her, she puller her arms in and turned away. #20 turned away from the ball when it was coming at her after a possible deflection. I've watched the video multiple times now. The caption also mentioned that the ref is to use discretion as to the movement of the hand and distance to the ball.  
 
Who was the handball called on, #20 or the other player anyways.  
 
It's like some of the head-shot calls in the NHL, there is a bit of a grey area where it's up to the refs discretion on iffy hits.  

Trevor B said "    DerekButtery said "    Trevor B said "    JR said "    Trevor B said "Canada had the lead against the U.S 3 times, scored more goals on them than any other team had been able to do. They did great against the U.S.     The call that bothers me is the hand call on the penalty shot. " That is what really gets me too. Sure, the rules are the rules, but they might need a little tweaking to allow for self-defense. I thought that was the officials job - to interpret the rules according to the circumstances as the game unfolds. If we had a player with a major impact injury to her face, there would have been no penalty kick...     As for the bronze medal game, congratulations to a very skilled team and a well-deserved medal.   " the ball was going to go past her and she intentionally put her hand out to block it, it absolutely, that's a penalty. But in this case, her arms were covering/protecting her chest.     On penalty kicks in Men's soccer, the men protect their groins with their hands. I'm thinking it's a given that there's no penalty if the ball hits their hands covering the groin. " http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIVpzliuUyc     if you watch the defender she's not actually protecting anything. IF she stood still at the end of the wall when the ball is kicked, THEN maybe it could've been deemed as 'protection'.... but she clearly motions towards the ball and jumps in front of it's path, with her hands / arms high. PENALTY.     from the referee's view point, her arms were raised towards the ball as she jumped, and could be argued of an unfair advantage in blocking the shot...     as for tweaking the rules because you lost... well that's just sour grapes!! " Not how I'm seeing it in the video. They never intentionally put their arms/hands out. The ball never hit their hands, elbow/upper arm if anything. The first Canadian player did have her arms out as she was running towards the kicker block the kick, but when the ball was kicked at her she pulled her, she puller her arms in and turned away. #20 turned away from the ball when it was coming at her after a possible deflection. I've watched the video multiple times now. The caption also mentioned that the ref is to use discretion as to the movement of the hand and distance to the ball.     Who was the handball called on, #20 or the other player anyways.     It's like some of the head-shot calls in the NHL, there is a bit of a grey area where it's up to the refs discretion on iffy hits.   "

the offence was given against number 20. the rules clearly state that if you turn your back on play then {paraphrasing} you commit a foul.  
 
her arms motioned towards the ball, from where the referee was standing she would've seen hands going up {with the motion of the body, high on the body} and as the player began to fall back to ground the ball being deflected or knocked away.  
 
the first player, in most professional games, should've been booked {yellow carded} for not being a full 10 yards away from the ball before it was kicked.  
 
watch the video and you can see the arm clearly knocking the ball in a downwards motion and away from the goal. penalty.  
 
the only real question is : was it intentional?  
 
it's all a moot point now, and human error still makes football the beautiful game :D  
 
 
could've been worse, you could've lost to this:  
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HV4nc_sjW9Y  
 
or been a spurs fan .v. man utd with 3 minutes to go:  
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-8dOjeVC80  
 
and this was downright ridiculous:  
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0YiuSbBdaQ&feature=related

Congrats ladies.  
 
They did get lucky with the ball hitting the post a couple of times but I am very proud of the bronze for them.  
 
Let's hope they continue to get better for next year's world cup in Winnipeg.

I see that Sinclair has been suspended four games and fined because of the semifinal game and "displaying unsporting behaviour towards match officials"  
 
http://www.globalnews.ca/soccer+star+christine+sinclair+issued+suspension+for+unsporting+behaviour/6442732734/story.html

On CBC last night. Brought back all the pissed off feelings I had in the first place.