The U.S. women's national team have advanced to the quarterfinals of the FIFA Women's World Cup after a 1-0 win over Nigeria in the pouring rain, in which Lori Chalupny scored a goal in 55 seconds -- second-fastest in Women's World Cup history -- and then most of the men watching the game spent the next 89 minutes staring hopelessly at Abby Wambach's soaking wet uniform.Rain has dogged the U.S. women throughout this competition so far. They managed a 2-2 draw against North Korea, who also advanced the quarterfinals out of Group B, on a soggy pitch. To their credit, though, this team is making no excuses for the weather, focusing instead on their lackluster play and their sudden inability to score off set pieces -- something this team excelled at in previous matches.
Still, the U.S. won Group B, and perhaps because of the weather in China, we really haven't seen the real U.S. women's team yet. We'll find out for sure when they take on England on Saturday at 8:00 A.M. eastern time. Six of England's starting eleven are members of the Arsenal L.F.C. side that won the quadruple last season, so that could prove a stern challenge. The forecast calls for clear skies all weekend, though. That should give Wambach & Co. some relief. It will also leave the male audience somewhat disappointed and hoping for a Brandi Chastain moment -- just like Kevin Garnett and his boys.
Video highlights of USA-Nigeria are after the jump. It'll make you want to sing that song by the Dramatics.
