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Heading into their World Cup semifinal match, there were questions about whether the US women's soccer team could handle their formidable international competition. At the end of the match, Brianna Scurry's netminding wasn't enough -- and the hopes of Americans were kicked to the curb.
The year was 2007. And 2003. And 1995.
It's easy to forget how many times this story has played out unless you watch Dare to Dream (77 mins, unrated), a documentary just released on DVD by HBO sports. While the most recent semifinal loss may be fresh in everybody's minds, the other two help to illustrate a timely point. The US women's national team has experienced a roller coaster of highs and lows. If history continues to repeat itself, it won't be long until America is back on top (next time, without Scurry).
Dare to Dream follows the 91ers, specifically the "fab five" of Mia Hamm, Julie Foudy, Kristine Lilly, Brandi Chastain, and Joy Fawcett, from the team's inception in the early 90s to a major farewell match in 2005. The only thing cheesier than the haircuts may be the documentary's title and soundtrack. Outside of that, the film is a score.
It's easy to say that this film about the US women's soccer team is a good watch for young girls with aspirations to play at a higher level. It is. It's harder to say that this film is a good watch for all soccer fans, Olympics fans, and sports purists. But it is.
While brief, one of the best story lines revolves around the death of Mia Hamm's brother. It's exactly what makes sports beautiful, and stands out even from the beautiful game itself.
Another interesting theme that emerges is the significance of money in the sport. As the team started to make a name for itself, they went on strike just before the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta (just in case you forgot that amateurism in the Olympics died awhile ago).
And who can forget the 1999 World Cup? While the lasting image of the games may be Chastain's sports bra, Dare to Dream shows plenty of other action from that Cup. No mention is made in the film, but it's clear from the highlights that both goalkeepers in the final shootout jumped from their lines early (that may have been due to an ambiguous rule that was later clarified by FIFA). There's also a recap of the US playing Brazil in the semis and, unlike this year, winning.
This group of women emerged at the perfect time and perfect place (two consecutive Women's World Cups were held in the US). There was a special connection between America's true "girls next door" and their loyal following. Unlike so many superstar athletes, they didn't expect large crowds or act like they were better than anybody. They reciprocated their fans' appreciation -- a relationship also rich in mutual inspiration.
September is almost over but in the mean time -- Happy Youth Soccer Month everybody! If you do pick up a copy of Dare to Dream for the youth player in your family, remember that this is an HBO production. The American ladies had cute little nicknames for their Norwegian rivals like "viking bitches," and Scurry exclaimed "shit" a couple times. But she probably was saying it a lot more against Brazil this week.
Photo by AP.
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