Penalty kicks are the worst.
You play the full game. Then you play the extra time. And if you still don’t have a winner, you basically start flipping coins.
Brutal.
The US Women’s National Team got knocked out of the World Cup.
On penalties.
Brutal, brutal, painstakingly brutal.
There’s important soccer strategy takes – but more importantly, there’s this message.
Carli Lloyd, one of the all-time US greats, recorded a message to Sophia Smith – one of our most promising young players, who (brutally) missed her penalty kick on that fateful, knockout night.
“It’s a moment to grow.”
I’m saving this pep talk here. Just below it, see Brazilian superstar Marta’s exit interview too. Her perspective and positive ambition is infectious.
Just watch.
