Perfect Goalkeeper Hope Solo

With impressive performances and an unyielding spirit at the 2011 Women's World Cup, goalkeeper Hope Solo became a new sports idol in the hearts of the American people.

Hope Solo helped the US team win the 2008 Olympic gold medal, but she is not well-liked because of her hot temper. She was kicked off the team at the 2007 World Cup by former coach Greg Ryan for criticizing the coach and veteran goalkeeper Briana Scurry after not being allowed to play in the quarter-finals. Last year, Hope Solo publicly criticized the referees and the US Soccer League on Twitter because she was not satisfied with the referee's performance.

Hope Solo's brave save in the quarter-final against Brazil - Photo: Reuters

But at the 2011 World Cup, Hope Solo was the real hero for the U.S. team. She had great reflexes and could always read the opponent's intentions. Hope Solo confidently told Reuters: "I can predict every move in the opponent's head, the direction they are going to dribble or shoot or pass to a teammate. I always enjoy being 'ahead' of the game."

“Hope Solo is the most complete goalkeeper I have ever seen in women’s soccer,” said U.S. goalkeeping coach Phil Wheddon. “She has the ability to initiate attacks from the penalty area with passes of nearly 70 meters. The presence of Hope Solo makes the U.S. team play more dynamic and faster.”

Hope Solo played bravely with many spectacular Spiderman-like saves. And it was thanks to Daiane's successful save in the penalty shootout that helped the US eliminate Brazil in the quarterfinals, earning the right to face France in the semi-finals.

In recent days, Hope Solo’s personal website has been constantly blocked by a large number of visitors. NBA star Kevin Durant even declared to his hundreds of thousands of fans: “If I have a daughter, I will name her Hope Solo Durant.”

The blue eyes, blond hair and tall, toned body of 30-year-old Hope Solo were also chosen as the “standard” for modern women’s beauty. Blogger Lindsay Ferrier wrote on the social network CafeMom (specialized for mothers): “Hope Solo still looks feminine. She always harmonizes between femininity and the strength of an athlete. She is a great role model for our daughters.”

Hope Solo began her soccer career as a striker. Her first teacher was her father, Jeffrey, a veteran of the Vietnam War. Hope Solo was a famous high school striker, scoring 109 goals to help the Richland High School team win many championships.

However, Hope Solo switched to goalkeeping when she entered the University of Washington at age 19. “I hated being a goalie because it wasn’t fun,” she recalls. “Every time I got the ball, I had to kick it up and I only got to touch it a few times a game.” Gradually, Hope Solo found enjoyment in her new position.

In addition to talent, what American fans like about Hope Solo is her tenacious fighting spirit, encouraging her teammates to play well in all situations. At the 2011 World Cup, the US team became the most promising candidate for the championship after Brazil and Germany were eliminated. Hope Solo said: "The entire US team will hold hands and move forward. We thank the fans for their support. I feel like the whole team is playing a tournament of a lifetime."

According to Tuoi Tre