2014-07-01

【Aiden in English】

        The USA soccer team has never made it to the World Cup in its history. And this year, a miracle happened in Brazil. The USA passed the qualification rounds and entered the Round of 16 unexpectedly.

        As lucky as the USA gets, their fortune couldn't last forever. This knockout game against Belgium proved that the USA wasn't able to compete at this level.

        The game started off fine. In fact, at one point, the USA was shooting by the minute. It was the ending that brought downfall. The first goal was scored at the 91 minutes when the Belgian player on the right intended to pass to a player in the center. However, it seemed too far ahead, and entered the goal with no anticipation. The second goal on Belgians' behalf was abruptly. A nice pass to the center again, immediately followed by a shot to the upper right corner of the goal. The kick was smooth and flawless.

        When a game of importance begins, it's crucial to start strong, but just as critical to finish stably.

【红霞译文】

        美国足球队从未打入过世界世界杯赛，而今年却在巴西绿茵场上缔造出千古不灭的奇迹，不仅顺利通过了资格赛，而且还意外跻身十六强。

        凭借运气，美国队势如破竹，但好景不长，其实力因不敌比利时强悍进攻而败下阵来，随着淘汰赛落下帷幕，美国队无缘进军世界杯八强。

        本次比赛开场不错。实际上，有一阵子美国队斗志昂扬，每分钟都在发起进攻猛烈射门，仅在终场前才被迫罢休。第一个进球发生在第91分钟，比利时前卫试图从右边大脚远射传球给中锋，没想到歪打正着，球竟然直接入网得分。第二个球纯属天意，比利时队以迅雷不及掩耳之势将球传中，而球从球门右上角飞了进去，干脆利落，无可挑剔。

        比赛的重要性不仅在于开场时全力以赴，而且还要稳扎稳打，坚持到底才是胜利。