I still remember the excitement building up as the 2017 Tournament of Nations approached. Having followed women's soccer for over a decade, I could sense this tournament would be special - and boy, was I right. The preparation phase particularly caught my attention, especially when I learned about the teams' rigorous training schedules. One coach's comment really stuck with me: "We are trying to get maybe about, if we can, 18 practices together including two-a-day practices. We are hoping to get 18 practices including friendlies before we actually get into the first game proper on August 5th." This level of preparation told me we were about to witness something extraordinary.

The tournament kicked off with incredible energy, and the opening match between Australia and Brazil set the tone perfectly. I recall watching Sam Kerr's spectacular performance - she netted two goals that match, completely dominating the field. What many casual viewers might not realize is how those 18 practice sessions the coaches emphasized directly translated to the pitch. The teams' coordination, the seamless passes, the strategic positioning - it all spoke to hours of meticulous preparation. Personally, I've always believed that preparation separates good teams from great ones, and this tournament proved that theory correct.

One moment that still gives me chills thinking about it was the US Women's National Team's comeback against Japan. We were trailing 2-1 with only 15 minutes remaining, and the tension was palpable. Then Megan Rapinoe worked her magic, scoring an equalizer that felt like it shifted the entire tournament's momentum. The way she celebrated - running toward the corner flag with that characteristic confidence - it was pure theater. From my perspective, that moment encapsulated why I love this sport: the unpredictability, the passion, the sheer will to win against all odds.

The final match day presented one of the most dramatic conclusions I've seen in international soccer. Three teams - the US, Australia, and Brazil - all had mathematical chances to win the tournament. The US needed to beat Brazil by at least three goals while hoping Australia didn't defeat Japan by too many. The Americans delivered an absolute masterclass, winning 4-3 in what I consider one of the most entertaining matches of the decade. The statistics from that final match were staggering: 28 total shots, 17 on target, and what felt like endless back-and-forth action that left fans breathless.

Looking back, what made the 2017 Tournament of Nations truly special wasn't just the quality of play, but the narrative that unfolded. Each team brought their unique style and strengths, creating this beautiful tapestry of international soccer at its finest. The preparation those coaches talked about - those 18 practice sessions - manifested in every crisp pass, every coordinated defensive move, every strategic substitution. In my years covering women's soccer, I've rarely seen a tournament where the connection between preparation and performance was so visibly demonstrated. The 2017 edition set a new standard for international tournaments, and honestly, I'm not sure we've seen anything quite like it since. The memories from those matches continue to resonate, reminding us why we fell in love with this beautiful game in the first place.