Hope Solo Says She Cried Before Game as USA Beat Japan for Women's Olympic Soccer Gold
Hope Solo has said that she cried before her game against Japan in the women's soccer final at the London 2012 Olympics.
The revelation came in an interview the Team USA goalkeeper had with "Today." She explained that she was with her U.S. teammates in the back of the team bus when she shed tears in "gratitude to have the opportunity to fulfill my dream."
Many other Olympians have saved their tears for after their event is over, some for fulfilling their dream at simply competing at the Olympic Games, and others as they collected their medals. However, Solo was the complete opposite; even though she admitted crying prior to her final against Japan, she explained that she had no time for crying after the Unites States claimed the gold medal.
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"Afterward, there were no tears, just pure joy and happiness," she said.
Solo showed humility during her interview, playing down a number of amazing saves she made during the game to keep the Japan side at bay. In particular she made one astonishing save late in the game in the 83rd minute which helped see out the victory for Team USA. However, rather than accept the praise for her own performance Solo testified the efforts and achievements of her teammates. She said as she watched a replay of the save the first time that she was amazed at the positioning of her teammates.
Carli Lloyd scored both goals for the U.S. on their way to the Olympic gold. She scored with an early header and a powerful strike after the break.
But Japan fought back and Yuki Ogimi scored to reduce the deficit for Japan to 2-1. Japan also hit the American post twice in the game as Hope Solo's goal led a charmed life.
Japan had "that" chance to equalize late in the game, but Hope Solo made her outstanding save to deny Mana Iwabuchi and seal the win for Team USA.
The USA claimed the women's soccer Olympic title again to add to their previous Olympic victories in 1996, 2004 and 2008.
