(check it out HERE or read below).
Today (Wednesday, July 13) is the semi-final match vs. France on ESPN at 11:30am. Don't miss it!!
Charleston's Banks is playing a major part in Women's World Cup drama
BY JEFF HARTSELL
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
As the minutes ticked off Sunday in Dresden, Germany, Charleston's Greg Banks felt the tension mount on the sideline.
"They were playing their hearts out," said Banks, head trainer for the U.S. Women's World Cup soccer team. "And everything they had endured through qualifying to get to this point seemed like it was slipping away."
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Greg Banks
Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP
Exactly 12 years to the day after the United States won a penalty shootout to capture the 1999 World Cup title, Abby Wambach, (left) and Hope Solo helped the Americans rally past Brazil to reach today’s semifinal against France at 11:30 a.m. (ESPN).
The Americans trailed Brazil in Sunday's quarterfinal as the match passed the 120-minute mark, and the U.S. seemed doomed to World Cup disappointment. On the sideline at Rudolf Harbig Stadion, Banks and the U.S. reserve players and coaching staff did their best to rally the players on the pitch.
"It was electric," said Banks, who is director of sports medicine and practice administrator at Rehabilitation Centers of Charleston. "The players were encouraging each other on the field, saying, 'We just need one chance.' You could see it in their eyes that they believed it. The tension was thick, but the bench just kept cheering the players on."
That belief paid off when Abby Wambach stunned Brazil and a worldwide TV audience by heading in the tying goal in the 122nd minute, cashing in a desperation cross from Megan Rapinoe.
"The noise was deafening as the stadium erupted," Banks said.
Keeper Hope Solo made a super save during penalty kicks, and Ali Krieger knocked in the clinching PK to set up today's semifinal match with France.
Twenty-four hours later, Banks could still hardly take it all in.
"Seeing that ball take off from Megan's foot and seeing Abby's position, I thought it was our last hope," Banks wrote in an email from Germany on Monday. "When that ball went in, my first thought was, 'Did that really happen?' After that, I knew we had a shot at winning it. These ladies have endured so much and know what adversity is about. More important, they know how to fight through it."
TV cameras captured the emotional celebration after the U.S. victory, but Banks said once the players reached the locker room, the scene was different.
"Most of the players were speechless, even the veterans," he said. "They just couldn't believe what happened. It was by far and away the most exciting sporting moment I have had the privilege to be a part of."
The victory over Brazil was the most-watched Women's World Cup match since the U.S. won the World Cup in 1999. The dramatic win has captured the country's imagination, with star players such as Wambach, Krieger and Solo hitting the morning talk shows on Monday.
It will be Banks' job to get the players physically ready for today's semifinal match with France (noon, ESPN), which also needed 120 minutes to beat England on penalty kicks in the quarterfinals.
"They've just go to get their legs back underneath them," Banks said. "They have two days' rest. France played 120 minutes as well, so it should be a battle."
The U.S. is still two victories away from a World Cup title, but comparisons already are being drawn to the 1999 team and Brandi Chastain's memorable shirtless celebration. Banks, for one, thinks this team also is destined for something special.
"It's 2011, and this USA team has an opportunity to write their own storybook ending," he said. "I believe they have what it takes to see this thing through to win the Cup."
