The very best and worst of the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup
A. Isaac 
With the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup coming to a close this Sunday, we thought we’d take a look back at some of the highlights and lowlights of the last three weeks of action.
The worst dive in the history of sports-Erika (Brazil)
23-year old Brazilian defender Erika didn’t endear herself to fans when she pulled this stunt late in the Brazil-USA game. After being carried off on a stretcher, Erika ran onto the field moments later. Thankfully, the referee removed her head from her ass (after the shenanigans earlier in the game) and gave her a yellow card. In the end, it wouldn’t matter as Brazil lost in penalty kicks. Karma? Karma.
Hottest moment-Josefine Oqvist (Sweden) undressing
Forward Josefine Oqvist of Sweden did her best Brandi Chastain impression when she traded jerseys with a fan after a win versus North Korea. The clip is made that much better because Oqvist is pretty hot as she topped our list of sexiest players at this year’s World Cup.
Worst excuse for a loss-North Korea
There are many valid excuses as to why a team could lose a game. Injuries, fatigue, perhaps even a curious call from a bad referee. But using the “we got struck by lightning” excuse is pretty damn creative. Hopefully the weather Gods are kinder to our friends from North Korea next time.
“When we stayed in Pyongyang during training our players were hit by lightning, and more than five of them were hospitalised,” said coach Kim.
“Some stayed in hospital and then came to Germany later than the rest of us. The goalkeeper and the four defenders were most affected, and some midfielders as well. The physicians said the players were not capable of participating in the tournament.
“But World Cup football is the most important and significant event for a footballer, so they don’t want to think about anything but football.
“The fact that they played could be called abnormal, the result of very strong will.”
Strangely, this nugget of information was only revealed AFTER the loss. Personally, I think Kim Jong-Il is still butt-hurt after that whole “Team America” thing.
Prettiest goal of the tourney-Erika (Brazil)
Brazil’s Erika removed herself off the turf long enough to produce this fancy juggling goal earlier in the tournament.
Most dramatic goal-Abby Wambach (USA)
Abby Wambach’s header against Brazil not only came in the last minute of extra time, but it came in a match where the U.S. felt they were dealt a bad hand. To make it even more dramatic, the U.S. had been playing with 10 players from the 65th minute on.
The best Koman Coulibaly impression-Jacqui Melksham (Australia)
You remember Koman Coulibaly right? He’s the 2010 World Cup referee that disallowed a goal in the U.S.-Slovenia game on a mysterious foul. A foul he could not explain later after the match. He was summarily excused from his referee duties after the first round.
Anyways, Jacqui Melksham of Australia tried to one-up Coulibaly with this dreadful call on a penalty kick in the U.S.-Brazil game.
The worst fan moment-man from Equatorial Guinea
Did this man have money on the game? If so, betting on your home team is generally frowned upon (especially if you want to make money). But if he truly though that his home country of Equatorial Guinea would advance, well then, my hats off to you sir. You indeed have the “faith of a mustard seed” (yes, that’s a Biblical reference).
Biggest upset-Japan over Germany
Japan came into the World Cup ranked #4 in the world. Naturally, the expectations for them were fairly high and getting out of group play was an absolute necessity. But nobody could have predicted their win over heavy favorites Germany in the quarterfinals, especially on their home soil. Here’s video of Karina Maruyama’s goal against one of the best keepers in the world, Nadine Angerer.
By the way, Japan has NEVER defeated the United States in women’s soccer (0-22-3). So needless to say, should they pull off the win Sunday, it will supplant this as the biggest upset of all-time.
The worst Hope Solo marriage proposal
Social media sites were inundated with Hope Solo marriage proposals from around the globe after her performance in the late stages of the tournament. There were Facebook groups, Twitter hashtags, and even genuine offers of courtship.
“Hope Solo is a beautiful woman and a wonderful athlete,” Pfister told Yahoo! Sports. “She shows that you can be feminine and athletic and the best in your chosen sport. I saw during the last game that a fan had written a banner which proposed marriage so I am going to do the same, except that mine will be bigger and better.
“I am not necessarily expecting a positive response but it is a genuine offer,” added Pfister, who claims to have homes in five different countries. “I just want to show my appreciation for her class as a person and ability as a footballer.
Of the dozens of pictures we’ve seen though, this man pictured right, takes the cake for most desperate and indeed, the most “Hope-less”.
The worst choreographed goal celebrations-Sweden
Sweden actually tried to pull this off a handful of times, but not everyone wanted to cooperate. Thus, the result was three or four players trying to choreograph moves, while their teammates (and opponents) laughed on the sidelines. It got so bad that forward Josefine Oqvist ran away from them after she scored against Japan. Ouch!
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