GOALLLLLLLLLLL!

After the U.S.’s huge semi-final success today over France, one thing remains tried and true: this year’s FIFA crew, from
Wambach to Solo, has certainly been a smash hit of summertime. —

Every bit
the role models as the famed Mia Hamm-led team (I mean, did you SEE that down-to-the-shredding-wire Brazil match?), these ladies are true purveyors of the turf. 

If you
haven’t already, take some time to share the FIFA fever with your daughters and
sons. Teamwork is the ultimate talk of self-esteem and sharing! (Kick up some extra self-motivation with this charismatic HBO documentary, Kick Like A Girl.) If you didn’t DVR today’s game, you can check out all the highlights from
the Women’s National Team blog. 

If you
want to take things to the next level (but keep it onsides of course), check out
the city’s hotspots for soccer programming from our 2011 Classes Guide, from SocRoc to Super Soccer Stars, plus tons of other netted fun. 

And since
we’re in a sharing mood, here’s a cutesy round-up of ball-themed picture books
for those less inclined to turn on the tele.

Be sure to catch (and tape) the finals this Sunday (who do we think will play? Japan or Sweden?), for the U.S.’s first appearance in 12 years. The game kicks off at 2:45pm. A great time to be had by all!