Brazil played Argentina in 1990, in the round of 16. Consider that Brazil, which has been in *every* edition of the World Cup, and Germany/West Germany, which has been in every edition save 1950, after the war, had *never* met in a WC until the 2002 Final.
Brazil played Argentina in 1978, 82, and 90. Look at how often Italy and Germany have played, and Germany and Argentina have met three times...in the WC Final.
This draw, though, looks like it was totally stacked to favor the U.S. and Canada, especially Canada.
With only six seeded teams, assuming all seeded teams won their groups, and won in the round of 16, two seeded teams went up against non seeded teams in the QFS, the U.S. and Canada.
Brazil played Argentina in 1978, 82, and 90. Look at how often Italy and Germany have played, and Germany and Argentina have met three times...in the WC Final.
This draw, though, looks like it was totally stacked to favor the U.S. and Canada, especially Canada.
With only six seeded teams, assuming all seeded teams won their groups, and won in the round of 16, two seeded teams went up against non seeded teams in the QFS, the U.S. and Canada.
Why is a tournament set up so that No.1 Germany plays No. 3 France in a quarter final, and Germany plays No. 2 USA in a semi-final. No. 1 vs. No.3 should be a semi-final matchup and No. 1 vs No. 2 should be in a final.
Poorly drawn up brackets.
Poorly drawn up brackets.
2
Because the host is in the opposite bracket? But don't take FIFA ratings too seriously, either.
2
The brackets are decided in group play, not by strict ranking/seeding. Since there are 6 groups, group winners are bound to start potential matchups in the quarter final in any case.
How FIFA decides what countries go in which groups (and therefore where they could potentially appear in the bracket) is not as clear to me, but may have something to do with regional concerns--the favoured teams on the other side of the bracket were Brazil, Japan (the defending champions), and yes, the host country.
How FIFA decides what countries go in which groups (and therefore where they could potentially appear in the bracket) is not as clear to me, but may have something to do with regional concerns--the favoured teams on the other side of the bracket were Brazil, Japan (the defending champions), and yes, the host country.
The guard is changing. The most important gal on the team is now Julie Johnston. She is everywhere.
3
I celebrate Lloyd's goal while reminding her that "Freedom" comes with the responsibility not to turn over the ball.
2
The commentary team talked about how "China is a possession team." This was undermined by watching them labor to even get to the center line in the first half. It also reminds one how very overrated is the concept of "building out of the back." If it takes six passes to get the ball 25 yards from one's own goal, and the seventh pass goes awry, the ball is going to be jammed down your throat. Playing for safety in defense over mindless possession is paramount, and a lesson lost on too many teams in this tournament, most especially China, the least productive on the ball of any of the final 8 teams.
5
Canadians whining about American players whining is both pretty annoying and humorous, and based on a false premise. I hear they're even rooting for the Germans to beat the U.S. It's the Germans who have been the Women's soccer world bullies of late folks, not the Yanks. And where would Canadian women's soccer be without the U.S. college teams that develop most of their players, often at U.S. taxpayers' expense? Did I mention the name of the nation supplying the most fans/ticket-buyers? (I will grant you that France is probably the best team overall in the tourney, and has been the most fun to watch so far.) In any event, I and my soccer buddies will be rooting heartily for both the U.S. and Canadian teams this weekend.
8
U.S taxpayers paying for Canadians tuition in U.S. colleges? Where do you pull that one out? Good grief. What a load of bull.
@ Bruce — If an out-of-state student (including a Canadian) gets an athletic scholarship at a •public• university in the U.S., then presumably some tax revenue is funding that student’s financial aid.
That doesn’t bother •me•, to be clear; I’m sure benefits flow to the university, and the taxpayers of the state, from having out-of-state students enrich the educational environment at the school. But it would seem a correct statement of fact that U.S. public universities have had a good number of Canadian students as scholarship athletes.
— Brian
That doesn’t bother •me•, to be clear; I’m sure benefits flow to the university, and the taxpayers of the state, from having out-of-state students enrich the educational environment at the school. But it would seem a correct statement of fact that U.S. public universities have had a good number of Canadian students as scholarship athletes.
— Brian
Lucy Bronze of England, a fullback who scored the winning goal in England's two knockout matches, went to (and won a national championship) at North Carolina, presumably on at least a partial scholarship.
American team was far superior to Chinese. They
should have won by a wider margin. Chinese were
giving the ball away and had problem mounting a
seriously coordinated attack. Germany will be tough.
Americans will have to bring their A game to win.
should have won by a wider margin. Chinese were
giving the ball away and had problem mounting a
seriously coordinated attack. Germany will be tough.
Americans will have to bring their A game to win.
3
Wonderful! Congratulations!! Now we need a flip in the trade balance.
1
Great game Ladies.
China was pressed all game long, and couldn't mount an attack. If there is a weakness, it's finishing. Lot of opportunities in front of the China net and only one goal to show for it.
In spite of that it was nice to see Rodriguez running hard and hustling up front. We've been watching a lot of jogging by the USWNT forwards for much too long.
China was pressed all game long, and couldn't mount an attack. If there is a weakness, it's finishing. Lot of opportunities in front of the China net and only one goal to show for it.
In spite of that it was nice to see Rodriguez running hard and hustling up front. We've been watching a lot of jogging by the USWNT forwards for much too long.
2
Maybe we better not be celebrating headers...
Ah! France. You had such talent and quickness, you should have been there. Inspiring and hard to take.
4
Agreed, Erwan. While I want the US to win, France are my favorite women's team to watch, very fast, very technical, very physical. They should have beat Germany.
Go USA!
Excellent victory! Congrats to the team!
The U.S. Team looked just awful against an inferior team.
For most of the first half they had the ball well within striking distance but were utterly and hopelessly unable to put together a cohesive attack on the goal.
I don't see this team winning the World Cup.
For most of the first half they had the ball well within striking distance but were utterly and hopelessly unable to put together a cohesive attack on the goal.
I don't see this team winning the World Cup.
2
“just awful” is unpersuasive hyperbole.
— Brian
— Brian
It was fantastic to see the USA find their stride yesterday! Rodriguez and Brian were game changers (although I really like the speed of LeReux and Press). The France v. Germany was a beautiful game to watch, the speed, the 2 - v - 1 s, the grit with which they fought to the end was incredible! All four teams showed me the power of female sport and how important it is that girls (and boys) have full access to physical education and team sports (free and community based). There is a lot of talent out there just waiting for an opportunity.
2
Nice victory by the US women! Chances are China hacked into the US Women's Soccer website and knew their entire strategy and game plan.
I said it two days ago: "China's Soccer players have a good physical condition," but it is not enough to beat the American team. The USA team could have scored four to five goals at the TD Stadium (Ottawa) yesterday. Their problem is that American forwards and mid-fielders don't try to shoot from the outside foal area.
After all, Americans have sent a message yesterday. The World Cup for women belong to North America. Don't be surprise if the finals are between United States and Canada.
After all, Americans have sent a message yesterday. The World Cup for women belong to North America. Don't be surprise if the finals are between United States and Canada.
I read most of the preceding comments, and I am amazed no one picked up on the style of play opponents employed against the U.S. from the group stage through last night. Press in a compact mid-field, play a deep back line, take away the U.S. speed and rhythm, and hope for an opportunity to counter. Not one team has played wide open against the U.S. and they (U.S.) looked stodgy and lackluster to say the least. That said, I think a lot of the criticism leveled at Ellis in the first four matches might have motivated change. Consider Lloyd's one word that said it all - 'freedom'. I think you will see a different look against Germany, one closer to what we witnessed last night.
Such an energized lineup. Great to watch.
The whole World Cup I've been saying it comes down to Lloyd. Before last night, we weren't controlling the ball in the middle. Finally, last night we were. And it showed. As Lloyd said, she had the freedom to move forward. That needs to continue in the game against Germany.
Ellis has some difficult lineup decisions to make.
The whole World Cup I've been saying it comes down to Lloyd. Before last night, we weren't controlling the ball in the middle. Finally, last night we were. And it showed. As Lloyd said, she had the freedom to move forward. That needs to continue in the game against Germany.
Ellis has some difficult lineup decisions to make.
2
An improvement for sure, but not the finished product.
3
Yes very good very good Congratulations USA
Better. The greater aggressiveness was good to see.
Lloyd was much improved, of course — though, still, a number of her passes were just howlers (like, passing straight to a China player not even 10 yards from her). She had a fine header for the goal, though, and Johnston’s long pass for the assist was just beautiful. Indeed, (B-T) Paul’s impression, that Johnston evoked Beckenbauer at points, strikes me as sound. (Watching the replays, I suspect that a more experienced, confident keeper than Wang Fei might have stopped Lloyd’s shot, but the U.S. certainly deserved at least one goal!)
Morgan repeatedly made runs down the left flank that looked promising, and I kept thinking, “She’s gonna blow past the defender, turn the corner, and run at goal, right?!” But she never moved into that higher gear that we’ve seen before, when she’s burned defenders. Was China’s right back that fast, or has Morgan not quite put all the pieces back together after her injuries?
France-Germany was an epic match, and surprising. Germany wasn’t terrible, but the run of play clearly favored France. And yet, the side that appeared the better team didn’t win.
Imagine that, in soccer . . . .
— Brian
Lloyd was much improved, of course — though, still, a number of her passes were just howlers (like, passing straight to a China player not even 10 yards from her). She had a fine header for the goal, though, and Johnston’s long pass for the assist was just beautiful. Indeed, (B-T) Paul’s impression, that Johnston evoked Beckenbauer at points, strikes me as sound. (Watching the replays, I suspect that a more experienced, confident keeper than Wang Fei might have stopped Lloyd’s shot, but the U.S. certainly deserved at least one goal!)
Morgan repeatedly made runs down the left flank that looked promising, and I kept thinking, “She’s gonna blow past the defender, turn the corner, and run at goal, right?!” But she never moved into that higher gear that we’ve seen before, when she’s burned defenders. Was China’s right back that fast, or has Morgan not quite put all the pieces back together after her injuries?
France-Germany was an epic match, and surprising. Germany wasn’t terrible, but the run of play clearly favored France. And yet, the side that appeared the better team didn’t win.
Imagine that, in soccer . . . .
— Brian
6
Thank you Coach Ellis for sitting Wambach most of the game. I have great respect for Wambach's accomplishments and spirit, but I couldn't have taken another game of lackluster offense consisting mainly of wayward airballs lofted in Abby's general direction. Mercifully we were spared this time.
2
5 down and 2 to go. Game 5 haiku:
They built a great wall
In China and Germany
We are united
They built a great wall
In China and Germany
We are united
1
This team is so loaded that there shouldn't be any excuses. Ellis can't show deference to playing the veterans in the WC anymore. Don't if it was the luck of the two suspended players or Ellis would have changed the lineup all along, but she has to stay with speed up top. China was so confused the first half they were forced to parking the bus just to survive, that was amazing. Surprised by the speed of the game and the amount of running the USWNT player did (need a quick recovery), this strategy will create havoc to the slower German back line. Very optimistic effort, it's not over keep it going, 2 more to go.
14
@KOW, China has parked the bus in every one of their matches, from the opener against Canada to its swan song against us. In the round of 16, they got a goal in the first ten minutes on confusion in the Cameroonian defense, and bunkered for over 80 minutes.
I still think the fastest attack for the USWNT features Press, Le Roux and Morgan up top. Rodriguez had some moments, but the flub in alone in the second minute, followed by persistently going offside, was unconvincing to me.
How it wasn't a rout against a team mostly unable to escape it's own half of the pitch for the *entire* first half, is a mystery to me. The best passer on our team is a center half? That worries me, though I am pleased to see Johnston's emergence. She is the first new star to be allowed to emerge since Alex Morgan was a toss-on late sub in a WC qualifier *playoff,* and she scored late to tie in Italy, and provide the important away goal. Without that goal, who knows how her development would have been very different these last four years. I'm still not convinced Morgan is close to full fitness.
I still think the fastest attack for the USWNT features Press, Le Roux and Morgan up top. Rodriguez had some moments, but the flub in alone in the second minute, followed by persistently going offside, was unconvincing to me.
How it wasn't a rout against a team mostly unable to escape it's own half of the pitch for the *entire* first half, is a mystery to me. The best passer on our team is a center half? That worries me, though I am pleased to see Johnston's emergence. She is the first new star to be allowed to emerge since Alex Morgan was a toss-on late sub in a WC qualifier *playoff,* and she scored late to tie in Italy, and provide the important away goal. Without that goal, who knows how her development would have been very different these last four years. I'm still not convinced Morgan is close to full fitness.
2
Morgan is definitely not 100% or is playing with the injury still in her mind. The speed came from O'Hara and A-Rod on the same side of the pitch. Sure A-Rod sometime may need 10 shots to score 1, but I'll keep her up there anytime, no one works as hard as her and her movement opens up a lot of space. Press hit the cross bar and Johnston had a ball taken off the line not to mentioned a missed header, plus a great diving effort by O'Hara. Sure it could have been more, but Chinese played all defense sometime out of strategy and sometimes out of survival. I don't think Ellis will go with 3 up top, and that's ok, but I would keep O'Hara (Rapinoe is too slow and holds the ball to long) in there she really changed that entire right side and Krieger finally had her best match of the series so far. Don't mind having Holiday back in even though Brian finally showed some maturity. I think having Sauerbraun back there alongside helps JJ a lot, but definitely can sit Abby with JJ there for set pieces. Press has the best vision on the team (except for the one time she didn't look at the goal before she to the shot), but a little nervy and still doesn't seem to have a set position. What worries me is going into PK's with Germany, US aren't so good (both taking them and stopping them) and they seem perfect. Let's avoid that at least. Will be a good one. Clean sheet again, 2-0 US.
@ Paul — “The best passer on our team is a center half?”
Did you mean, “center •back•”? I infer so, from your mention of Johnston in the immediately following sentence, but you might well be contemplating something I’ve totally missed, so it’s best to ask!
Of course (as you previously hinted at), when a team’s best passer has been a center back named Beckenbauer, that hasn’t worked out so badly. One hopes the coaches in charge of the team over the next decade will figure out the most advantageous way to use such a superb talent.
— Brian
Did you mean, “center •back•”? I infer so, from your mention of Johnston in the immediately following sentence, but you might well be contemplating something I’ve totally missed, so it’s best to ask!
Of course (as you previously hinted at), when a team’s best passer has been a center back named Beckenbauer, that hasn’t worked out so badly. One hopes the coaches in charge of the team over the next decade will figure out the most advantageous way to use such a superb talent.
— Brian
US got lucky: a bad PK call and wasteful finishing by France mean they face Germany. That France side just bossed the world Number 1. How did Thiney miss that sitter?
We did deserve to beat China, but the match was at a much lower level than Germany - France, which merited a final. Still, it's a Cup, anything can happen. I thought Norway would easily handle England, after all.
We did deserve to beat China, but the match was at a much lower level than Germany - France, which merited a final. Still, it's a Cup, anything can happen. I thought Norway would easily handle England, after all.
9
I agree that France was the better side against Germany. Not by so much, but they're right to feel unlucky.
What I wonder, is why the top 3 teams, Germany, USA, and France were seeded on the same side of the tournament. It seems to me that's FIFA's seeding system puts too much emphasis on helping the host side advance.
What I wonder, is why the top 3 teams, Germany, USA, and France were seeded on the same side of the tournament. It seems to me that's FIFA's seeding system puts too much emphasis on helping the host side advance.
1
yes i agree with the bad pk call. While my reffing career is over my litmus test was did hand strike the ball or ball strike the hand. The commentator said she made her self big hence the pk? HUH?
I suspect Thiney thought she was offside, hence the casual flick. But put it in the net and talk about it later.
Because of Lloyd scoring, the egregious miss by Rodriguez in the second minute was not consequential. But it might have been. It's a chance that HAS to be finished.
Because of Lloyd scoring, the egregious miss by Rodriguez in the second minute was not consequential. But it might have been. It's a chance that HAS to be finished.
2
In my opinion Rodriguez made a huge difference in this game. Her great speed and endurance seemed to give her the ability to be in two places at one time, resulting in extra pressure on the Chinese. Wambach may be more skilled at heading and kicking the ball, but she lacks the peripatetic quality of Rodriguez. I believe that the coach made a very wise choice in selecting Rodriguez over Wambach in this game.
27
This was the best game to watch from the American women in this tournament to date.
Finally a true team effort with "clockwork orange" total soccer ala the team of Johan Cruyff.
The Americans played most of the match at a high level and overwhelmed China at key moments trapping them in their end of the field.
Against Germany the women will have to turn it up another gear on offense and keep the middle of the field and the back line together.
Finally a true team effort with "clockwork orange" total soccer ala the team of Johan Cruyff.
The Americans played most of the match at a high level and overwhelmed China at key moments trapping them in their end of the field.
Against Germany the women will have to turn it up another gear on offense and keep the middle of the field and the back line together.
11
Much as I want us to win, we were a long way from clockwork orange football, and against a team that put up dreadful resistance.
The two efforts that reminded ME of Holland 74-78 were Japan in the first half against, ironically, Holland, and France in the first half against Germany yesterday.
The two efforts that reminded ME of Holland 74-78 were Japan in the first half against, ironically, Holland, and France in the first half against Germany yesterday.
1
At least the American women know how to win in the World Cup. Maybe in 30 years our men can get to the end.
12
A few facts may be in order.
The U.S. men face countries where soccer is the number one sport and where the number two sport is far behind. Here there are many mens' sports more popular than soccer.
It's the opposite in the women's game. A huge percentage of American girls play soccer. Not so in the other countries.
The U.S. men face countries where soccer is the number one sport and where the number two sport is far behind. Here there are many mens' sports more popular than soccer.
It's the opposite in the women's game. A huge percentage of American girls play soccer. Not so in the other countries.
1
There's no way to compare American men to American women in soccer. As a dad of two girls who played soccer, at the high school level there are 3x more girls playing soccer than men. Men play other sports like Baseball, Football, Lacrosse and Basketball rather than soccer. Until such time they have the same participation rate as women they will continually be just mediocre. The men are not getting their best athletes when compared to the women.
1
Not one instance of flopping, faking, or preening like the men's version of the game.
This was truly fabulous sport and sports(man)ship.
This was truly fabulous sport and sports(man)ship.
60
Didn't watch the USA vs Colombia game did you? Heaps of flopping and leg clutching by the Colombians.
1
I noticed that starting with the first women's world cup match I saw... couldn't think what the difference was, then realized it was no flopping, no acting like an opera star energetically "dying".
I guess it's because men have so much more trouble than women controlling their emotions and keeping their minds on the job? Isn't that what the Nobel laureate said last week?
I guess it's because men have so much more trouble than women controlling their emotions and keeping their minds on the job? Isn't that what the Nobel laureate said last week?
1
Or like the Colombian team.
1
We couldn't take another World Cup game due to boredom, so off to watch Argentina-Columbia play in the Copa America. On the scoreboard, no different than Germany-France, but as fans, a way more entertaining game.
Yes, we'll be watching the US take on Germany, but the remote will be handy. There's a reason the stands are empty. The product just isn't that appealing.
I do think playing on the synthetic turf certainly limits what they are willing to try however. I've played on it myself, better than mud or rocks, but we're talking world cup games, Canada should have done better.
Yes, we'll be watching the US take on Germany, but the remote will be handy. There's a reason the stands are empty. The product just isn't that appealing.
I do think playing on the synthetic turf certainly limits what they are willing to try however. I've played on it myself, better than mud or rocks, but we're talking world cup games, Canada should have done better.
8
I found both World Cup games this evening thoroughly engrossing. Too bad you couldn’t share the enjoyment.
— Brian
— Brian
2
If you had watched the game, you would have seen that the stands in Landsdowne Park were full...
3
Would you care to reconsider your comment after Argentina and Colombia combined to miss *5* penalty kicks? I guess that's a kind of entertainment. Also, Canada was the only country that bid to host the Women's World Cup (Zimbabwe withdrew its bid.)
Deutschland will be the test. Good result this game. Keep it up, USA Women's Soccer....Our Champions!
13
Excellent game by the USA today. Much better overall play and I love the pressing defense. Still a bit rusty up top but the defense has been a joy to watch. The game vs Germany will be epic and I look forward to cheering on our USWNT!
8
Soccer is an amazing sport. I play it myself. This article interests me because I am a huge supporter when it comes to the World Cup. I was watching the game, I try to watch every USA FIFA World Cup game. USA had a great win today against rival China, 1-0. An amazing goal scored off a header by Carli Lloyd. They are off to the semi-finals against Germany in Montreal.
7
Great improvement! Tough lineup decisions for Coach Ellis going into next game. Carli Lloyd looked comfortable for this first time this WC. Rapinoe-less team allowed for more ball movement and variety of attacking angles. ARod brought tons of energy. Alex Morgan was rather flat, easily contained and opting to go left way too often. Sydney Lerouix should at least be splitting time with Morgan.
Also, more encouraged about our chances against Germany after watching them be dominated by France. Tough late PK call ruined an otherwise outstanding French effort.
Also, more encouraged about our chances against Germany after watching them be dominated by France. Tough late PK call ruined an otherwise outstanding French effort.
8
Oh, the Germany-France match was superb. It's a shame France lost as they played so well.
29
The best teams find a way to win. Then there is France, a team loaded w/ talent, that always finds a way to lose.
Finally, Ellis made the right squad selection and employed the tactics suited to her side. High pressure, fluid attack and ball control. Defense swarming and solid as usual.
Best match so far for the USA although they should have scored more. Wastefull chances.
ARod and Morgan Brian were standouts. Midfield bossed the pitch. Solo looked a bit shaky, probably due to inactivity.
Why Wambach was brought on was mystifying. She kills the USA game.
Hopefully she sits for Germany as well. Bring her on as a sub if needed.
Germany can be beat but I don't think with the squad selection and tactics
Ellis chose for the first 4 matches.
Rapinoe is great but aging and quiet slow and Holiday is good but slow. Can they play against Germany and press and maintain ball control?
Viva USA!
Best match so far for the USA although they should have scored more. Wastefull chances.
ARod and Morgan Brian were standouts. Midfield bossed the pitch. Solo looked a bit shaky, probably due to inactivity.
Why Wambach was brought on was mystifying. She kills the USA game.
Hopefully she sits for Germany as well. Bring her on as a sub if needed.
Germany can be beat but I don't think with the squad selection and tactics
Ellis chose for the first 4 matches.
Rapinoe is great but aging and quiet slow and Holiday is good but slow. Can they play against Germany and press and maintain ball control?
Viva USA!
14
Wambach, veteran that she is, is more bull than finesse at this point. Proof of that was the stupid choice to the the penalty kick left footed and whiff on it in the previous match. She is powerful with a dominating heading ability and nose for the goal. But what has happened to that? She is not match ready any longer for a full 90 minutes, hence the idea of bringing her on in the remaining time was just to give her an opportunity to try poaching a late goal. I doubt she will start vs. Germany.
In the past 2 to 3 years she could be seen attacking the goal with Alex Morgan and scoring or setting up Morgan to score. I don't see the two of them meshing easily.
Morgan is questionable as a starter also.
In the past 2 to 3 years she could be seen attacking the goal with Alex Morgan and scoring or setting up Morgan to score. I don't see the two of them meshing easily.
Morgan is questionable as a starter also.
"Rapinoe is great but aging and quiet slow "
...and directly involved in, what, four goals so far? Rapinoe isn't why I worry about Germany.
...and directly involved in, what, four goals so far? Rapinoe isn't why I worry about Germany.
1
@ Richard — Wambach has been subject to disparagements along the lines of “more bull than finesse” throughout her career. It has long been clear to me that a lot of observers look at a player of Wambach’s size and strength, make a snap judgment that she’s simply a power player, and don’t bother continuing to subject that conclusion to critical scrutiny, viewing her actual performances with an open mind.
It’s not just Wambach; I’ve seen a lot of athletes — in all sports at all levels — similarly underestimated. It’s the unfortunate persistence of idées fixes, and their resistance to countervailing evidence. Certainly, whatever striking a PK just wide may show, it’s not compelling evidence that any player is one who has become reliant on brute force.
— Brian
It’s not just Wambach; I’ve seen a lot of athletes — in all sports at all levels — similarly underestimated. It’s the unfortunate persistence of idées fixes, and their resistance to countervailing evidence. Certainly, whatever striking a PK just wide may show, it’s not compelling evidence that any player is one who has become reliant on brute force.
— Brian
This game should have been a blowout. The Rodriguez miss in the second minute went further wide than she was close to the goal.
It's a win, but 1-0 against an absolutely abysmal China that had trouble getting across the center line in the first half?
For all the changes, the most consequential was not a personnel change, but a tactical one. Once again, Julie Johnston was Woman of the Match, stepping forward into attack like a young, female, blonde Beckenbauer. She was unlucky to have a shot cleared off the line in the first half, and laid on the best pass made yet by an American, right on Lloyd's head for the goal.
Once again, the U.S. is lucky to have France eliminated, because they dominated a very good German side. But the USWNT will have to ratchet up its game by several levels to beat Germany.
It's a win, but 1-0 against an absolutely abysmal China that had trouble getting across the center line in the first half?
For all the changes, the most consequential was not a personnel change, but a tactical one. Once again, Julie Johnston was Woman of the Match, stepping forward into attack like a young, female, blonde Beckenbauer. She was unlucky to have a shot cleared off the line in the first half, and laid on the best pass made yet by an American, right on Lloyd's head for the goal.
Once again, the U.S. is lucky to have France eliminated, because they dominated a very good German side. But the USWNT will have to ratchet up its game by several levels to beat Germany.
18
Johnston is by far their best player and the comparison to Beckenbauer is apt. However, after watching GER-FRA, I thought the USA-CHN game was like watching a high school game. The game with France may have taken a toll on the Germans but they are more battle-hardened after having to go through Sweden and then France. The U.S. faces a huge challenge.
1
I completely agree. The U.S.-China game was woefully short of the quality of the opener.
1
Only caught the last 30 minutes, but they are going to find a method of putting passes together. The defense looked shaky at times and the offense looked strong but no cohesive. No inspirational play. Taking Morgan out was the right decision as she was destroying chances instead of making them. Wambach's five minutes were uneventful.
2
Even after years of viewership, it is difficult for me to not be irked at how often in soccer teams dominate games for very long stretches, with no scores to show for it, as was the case for both the Us and France today--with the French ultimately losing.
3
Yes but that is also its tension. Usually the best team wins but not always. You can't count on winning just because you are dominating. You actually have to score. You have to stay focused for 90 minutes, not 89, and soccer punishes any mental breakdown, on a team level, like no other sport.
Your dissing soccer's secret sauce: the underdog can win.
1
Rob, you have encapsulated one of the most one-sided upsets in soccer history, when in the 1990 WC round of 16, Brazil bossed around Argentina for the entire match, hit the woodwork three times, and we're eventually undone when Maradona found Claudio Caniggia for the only goal in the match.
2
The USA defense continues to dominate; but the real test will be the semifinal vs Germany. USA grit may
be the best weapon we have going for us. The semifinal winner here will be a heavy favorite to take home
the cup. GO USA!
be the best weapon we have going for us. The semifinal winner here will be a heavy favorite to take home
the cup. GO USA!
5
It was a workmanlike win over an intimidated and inferior squad. Hopefully we won't need to rely on Rodriguez to fill in again -- although she has a nice burst of speed and a big leg, she also was a turnover machine. Numerous promising drives stalled out due to her being offsides or trying to go 1-on-11. Somewhere near the 70th minute she was WAY offsides and, while her teammates stalled the ball waiting in vain for her to recover, she just languished there. The France and Germany game was vastly more scintillating and intense, so the U.S. will need all they can get from returning Rapinoe and Holiday. Solo will have to prove she is the best if the U.S. is to advance against Germany.
12
I was very happy --and we are fortunate-- that we have this Germany vs France match in this 2015 FIFA womens WC. You cannot ask more than having two top team playing in a football tournament for 2h + penalty shootout. Then Germany vs USA, not in the final match. As the final is always almost boring. Players get nervous, pressures...
My first FIFA WC was in 1982. Since that year, i:ve heard people complaining about the FIFA draw and bracket. All the time.
Well, no matter what perfect draw you set, there is NO guarantee that you will have No1 to No8 in the quarter final. Football WC and its tournament dont work like the north american playoff sport system.
The reality is that everybody want to have an easy group and deep run. They want to go to the final game but complain and find some reasons to criticise FIFAs draw and bracket when they meet an opponent they fear to play.
Look at men WC, when you see Brasil play Argentina for the last time in a FIFA WC? 1986 i guess. Then ...??? We have to wait 28 years before we see France play Germany in WC 2014.
So, please stop complaining about draw/bracket. Football fans all around the world want a match up between superpower as many as possible. No matter in the final or in group stage.
In my opinon humble opinion, the most important thing the seed. And the location for commercial reason. Thats it.