Head and shoulders above the rest: U.S. forward Abby Wambach scores the latest goal in a game in Women’s World Cup history and sends the quarterfinal against Brazil to penalty kicks in Germany (AP Photo).

It was quite simply, one of the most enthralling, drama-filled, soccer games I’ve ever seen.

Striker Abby Wambach, a Hermosa Beach resident, scored an equalizer deep into stoppage time of extra time and a 10-player U.S. went on to win on penalty kicks today over Brazil in the World Cup quarterfinals.

ESPN2 will show a replay of the game beginning at 9 o’clock tonight.

Torrance’s Shannon Boxx also played a pivotal role in the game.

It’s twelve years to the day since the U.S. won the 1999 Women’s World Cup in Pasadena on a Brandi Chastain penalty kick.