Cristiane’s bicycle kick goal brought tears to my eyes. So amazing, so perfect - she was surrounded by defenders and still got a controlling touch and just sent it over her own body and into the net. I was rooting for Nigeria, but I’m a fan of the beautiful game, and I don’t know what’s more gorgeous & inspirational than a goal like that. (Note the Nigerian player who nearly takes Cristiane’s foot in her face!)

My friend Jennifer Doyle has a blog “temporarily devoted” to women’s soccer in Beijing. It’s called From a Left Wing and is particularly attentive to the coverage of the non-US teams. Also check out this video about which Jennifer writes:

I don’t often share viral videos on this blog, but: Two girls (a midfielder & a winger) from Santa Monica High School Women’s Soccer Team show their love for LA monument Randy’s Donut. (Note the last line: “Let’s see Mia Hamm do that!”)