"It has been different
Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2016 8:24 am
BRASILIA, Brazil - The United States womens soccer team conceded a second-half equalizer to draw 1-1 against China in the opening match of the International Tournament of Brasilia on Wednesday. .Carli Lloyd put the U.S. ahead in the 22nd minute, but Hang Peng equalized in the 66th to close the scoring in the first game of the four-team competition. Host Brazil defeated Argentina 4-0 in the late match at the Mane Garrincha Stadium.Lloyd redirected the ball into the net from close range after a perfect low cross from the right side by Megan Rapinoe, scoring her 57th goal with the national team. China equalized thanks to its midfielders remarkable right-footed shot from the right side of the box, finding the upper left corner over goalkeeper Hope Solo.The Americans struggled to control possession and China had most of the dangerous scoring opportunities throughout the match in the Brazilian capital. Neither team had many significant chances to break the deadlock, although the Americans complained of a hand ball by a Chinese defender inside the penalty area near the end of the game.Abby Wambach, nominated for the worlds best player award, entered the match after halftime. Only 300 people attended the game at the Mane Garrincha Stadium, which hosted seven World Cup matches.The top two teams after round-robin play will meet for the title on Dec. 21. The other two nations will play for third place.The U.S. will face Brazil on Sunday and Argentina on Dec. 17. All matches will be played in Brasilia.Brazil made its debut with an easy win over Argentina. Debinha opened the scoring with a header in the 13th, veteran midfielder Formiga added to the lead in the 41st and Raquel got on the board in the 78th before Formiga netted again in the 82nd. Five-time world player of the year Marta had a goal ruled offside near the end of the game.It is the sixth edition of the international tournament. The hosts have won four of the previous five tournaments, finishing second to Canada in 2010. It is the second year in a row the competition is being played in Brasilia. The first four were played in Sao Paulo.The U.S. is in the tournament for the first time. Its the teams last competition of the year.The Brasilia tournament serves as preparation for the 2015 World Cup in Canada. Brazil, China and the U.S. have qualified. .J. Watt is a unanimous selection as The Associated Press NFL Defensive Player Of The Year for 2014. . The teams global ambassador acknowledged the leagues reigning MVP in the crowd and asked the five-time All-Star to consider Toronto as a free agent destination next summer. . This player is a sniper, that ones over-the-hill; this one can still dominate the game, that one is riding the coattails of superior linemates.MANCHESTER, England -- Ryan Giggs is starting his stint as interim Manchester United manager by urging his players to entertain the fans who have endured a miserable season. The 40-year-old midfielder was put in charge on Tuesday when David Moyes reign ended after 10 months with the defending champions in seventh place in the English Premier League. Speaking publicly for the first time since his temporary appointment, Giggs provided an insight into what he has told the squad about Saturdays match against Norwich at Old Trafford. "I trust you and I know what youre capable of, and go out there and show it on Saturday, and give the fans something to shout about," Giggs said on Friday. "Entertain them, score goals, make tackles, play with speed, play with tempo." Giggs is expected to manage the team for only the remaining four matches of the season before a more experienced successor to Moyes is appointed. "It has been a difficult week for the club and its been a bit of a whirlwind week for me but one Ive enjoyed," Giggs said. "It has been different, chaotic, and Ive been getting a little taste as its my fourth day in the job." Giggs came through the youth ranks at Old Trafford and was part of the famed "Class of 92" youth team that helped contribute to so much of the clubs success under Alex Ferguson, who retired last year after more than 26 years in charge. "Ive had to take a bit of stick (ffrom the players)," Giggs said. . "Things like, Where are you going to park? What do we call you? "The players have been great and the reaction in training has been sharp. Ive just tried to make things relaxed and for everyone to enjoy themselves ... lets have a good end to what has been a frustrating and disappointing season." The clubs most decorated player, who has made 962 appearances, is still in the squad and could pick himself to play against Norwich. "Ive just given myself a five-year contract," Giggs joked. "I havent done much this week but am still involved as a player as well." Giggs is being assisted by former teammates Phil Neville, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes as he tries to stabilize a team in turmoil. "Its the proudest moment of my life," Giggs said. "Ive supported Manchester United all my life. Its been the biggest part of my life since I was 14, when I signed schoolboy forms. Im proud, happy, a little bit nervous but just like I am as a player, I cant wait for the game on Saturday." Moyes can now prepare for the future after finally agreeing on his severance package with United on Friday. "Terms of settlement have been agreed between the club and David Moyes in respect of the termination of his employment," the League Managers Association said in a statement. "A settlement agreement is in the process of being finalized." ' ' '