For those used to the United States women’s national team dominating the globe, this edition of the Women’s World Cup has come as a shock. Those who don’t tune in every four years expected turbulence, but the level of bumps and lumps the Americans have taken in Australia and New Zealand has already exceeded the damage thought possible heading into the knockout rounds. There’s no better diagnosis of how the Stars and Stripes’ plan to win an unprecedented third-straight World Cup has gone off-script than a Round of 16 showdown with fellow world power Sweden. Two of the top three teams in the FIFA rankings are guaranteed not to make the quarterfinals, alongside half of the top eight, at least. The group stage of this World Cup will be best remembered for the parity. Germany defeated Morocco 6-0 to start each team’s tournament ledger. The European juggernauts aren’t advancing to the knockout stages for the first time in their history, and tied the record for the highest-ranked team to fail to get out of the group stage. The African newcomers are FIFA’s lowest-ranked team to ever advance to the Round of 16. South Africa, Jamaica, Colombia, and Nigeria all advanced to bring new faces to deep rounds of international tournaments. Old heads like Canada and Brazil, hoping to end the World Cup careers of legends Christine Sinclair and Marta on a high, were eliminated in deserved fashion. The United States barely survived that ax. “Expectations for the USWNT are ridiculously high and also part of the culture,” National Soccer Hall of Famer Michelle Akers, who represented the United States at two World Cups, told Deadspin. “To win a World Cup is extraordinarily difficult and yet the US is seeking its fifth star. Unprecedented. At the same time, if we don’t win, it’ll be seen and felt like a loss which is crazy, because our men’s team is celebrated like they’ve won the World Cup if they get out of the first round. Such a double standard but it is the legacy the women own and continue to expect from themselves.” Three reasons for the Americans’ near-group-stage disaster presented themselves. First, injuries among players who didn’t make Vlatko Andonovski’s 23-woman World Cup squad, such as Mal Swanson and Becky Sauerbrunn, dwindled the team’s depth. A slightly depleted roster is only a minor excuse, as the squad playing in the global showcase is still more than capable of winning the World Cup. Second, the rest of the world is catching up. Teams like the Netherlands and Spain have gone from great to amazing, while the usual minnows have built up a strength that makes even the on-paper easier games more difficult. The last US-specific issue to pop up is a lack of chemistry in the team. The Stars and Stripes have had multiple years with this configuration of players to gel. We’ve seen the results of those efforts toward cohesion in the last three games. The performance in particular against Portugal brought everything to a boiling point. While a 3-goal win over Vietnam wasn’t a demolition, the inheritance of three points overshadowed any pitfalls. Lindsey Horan single-handedly kept the USA from losing to the Dutch. Against the Portuguese, there was no safety net. A bad day for a bad performance didn’t stop the doldrums of the USWNT from coming to light. Ana Capeta’s 92-minute shot rang off the right post, beating the 5-woman US backline and goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher before the woodwork saved the two-time defending Women’s World Cup titleholders. And surviving this weekend will mean beating a prime Sweden squad. “I imagine also the critical spotlight and high expectation to win is an added stress, but I’m sure none agree more that it is part of playing on the USWNT, and maybe even a motivation,” Akers, who scored 107 goals in 155 appearances for her country, told Deadspin. “So far performance is disjointed. And maybe expecting too much out of individual play to make things happen. This also makes for a predictable attack. And for ineffective transitions and more overall pressure and workload for each player. Focus and mentality in front of goal is an issue as well. Lineup changes and more subs seem critical as well. In saying all that, the USWNT historically seems to struggle with low-pressure, bunker teams and when faced with big challenges usually rise to the occasion,” she continued. “The goal is to get out of the first round which they did, barely, and now it’s do or die. So we will see more clearly who this team is on game day versus Sweden.” Andonovski’s lineup decisions have come under scrutiny during the World Cup and his nonchalant nature in the moments following the scoreless draw against Portugal were more of a self-own than he likely realized. Megan Rapinoe has looked sluggish in both substitute efforts thus far at the World Cup. Alex Morgan has been a step slow in all three games. Andonovski made one sub against the Netherlands, and didn’t make more than one against the Portuguese until the 84th minute. Sitting back and being reactive as opposed to proactive will lead to the USA getting eliminated if it continues. Here’s the lineup I’d put forth against Sweden, which unfortunately doesn’t include Rose Lavelle, who is suspended for the game because of yellow-card accumulation. Naeher continues in net due to her experience and not having a better option on the bench. Naomi Girma has been the Americans’ best player at the World Cup and continues to play at center back. Pairing with her in central defense should be Alana Cook, not because Julie Ertz needs to go to the bench, but because her services are needed elsewhere. Crystal Dunn had a bad showing against Portugal, but shouldn’t lose her starting spot to Kelley O’Hara just yet. Dunn and right back Emily Fox can be swapped out easily if needed. Back to Ertz, who should move into her natural No. 6 role and send Andi Sullivan to the bench. Lindsey Horan should pair up with Kristie Mewis in the midfield over Savannah DeMelo. And at forward, Alex Morgan playing the super-sub role would be interesting, while starting Lynn Williams, Sophia Smith, and Trinity Rodman. Staying with the status quo is what led to Carli Lloyd going into business for herself and being the catalyst for all the noise about the USWNT’s current culture. “Feedback, criticism, praise is part of being a pro athlete,” said Akers. “And in reality, all of it is speculation and/or hype. And in truth, only the team knows what’s truly happening behind the scenes. I think also the fact there’s more noise now than ever is a positive sign of growth in the sport, but it may be challenging to adjust as that continues to increase in the women’s game.” The best way for the USWNT to absolve itself of any disappointment is winning. While some chirps may exist if the Americans beat Sweden, most will go away. One of the tournament favorites is still four victories away from winning another World Cup. As unlikely as it appears now, one quick goal can change everything. “All is on the line. There is room for nothing else,” Akers said. “Fuck all the PR and promotional requirements and outside distractions or opportunities off the field. Circle the wagons. Take a collective breath. Bring in some adorable dogs and watch your favorite movies together. Focus on each other. Focus on preparations. And play our USWNT game, which is heart, unity, grit, joy, and a killer uncompromising mentality that no one will outwork, be tougher, or want it more than the USA. Nothing else matters than leaving (it) all on the field. We love you and kick ass.” Relatedfree betting calculatorsparlay payoutnfl moneyline calculatornfl half point calculationskelly criterion betting calculatorhedge calculatorbetting against the spreadwhat is over under in bettingwhat is a parlay in bettinground robin bettingwhat does ev mean in bettinghedging sports wagers
Related Posts
Borussia Dortmund will not go easy on Mainz in the Bundesliga on Saturday as they look to maintain their rhythm ahead of the Champions League final, says coach Edin Terzic.
Dortmund are fifth in the Bundesliga with two games remaining, with the performances of German clubs in Europe ensuring that will be enough for Champions League participation next season.
They are also building towards their third appearance in the final of Europe s premier club competition, having overcome Paris Saint-Germain 2-0 on aggregate in the last four.
While all eyes will soon turn to their trip to Wembley Stadium to face Real Madrid on June 1, Terzic is determined that his side maintain their intensity levels, even if he rotates his squad.
Through this rotation we not only k…
Barcelona have denied allegations claiming president Joan Laporta broke club rules when handing out the Camp Nou development contract.
The Espai Barca project was first approved in April 2014, when club members voted in favour of the massive remodelling job that would develop Camp Nou and the surrounding areas.
A further referendum in April 2021 ratified the financial proposal that took the project s maximum budget to €1.5billion.
It will lead to the stadium s capacity increasing by 6,000 to 105,000 spectators plus the installation of a retractable roof, while 40,000 square metres of land is set to be improved.
An announcement earlier this month confirmed Turkish company Limak would be in charge of remodelling the stadium, but a report by Spanish digita…
England forward Fran Kirby has extended her Chelsea contract by another year.
Kirby, who signed a two-year deal in 2021 that included the option of a further 12 months, joined the Blues from Reading in 2015 and has gone on to become the Women’s Super League club’s leading scorer with 110 goals in 175 appearances.
During her time with Chelsea, Kirby has won 13 trophies, including five WSL titles as well as the FA Cup on four occasions.
Another year of !
— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW)
Kirby was also part of the England side which won the European Championship on home soil last summer, but has been ruled out of this year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand after needing knee surgery.
The 29-year-old suffered the injury during…
World Cup winner Philipp Lahm will head the organising committee for Euro 2024 if the tournament is staged in Germany, the German Football Association (DFB) has announced.
Having hosted the World Cup in 2006, the DFB are hoping to bring the European Championship to Germany in six years time having submitted their bid along with an application from Turkey.
Lahm is already being lined up for a key role in any successful German bid, with the former Bayern Munich defender set to be the tournament s director.
It was my desire to take on long-term responsibilities from the beginning as an ambassador for Euro 2024, Lahm said.
The new role as a tournament director gives me a very interesting opportunity.
The vote to determine who will host Euro 202…
Lionel Scaloni says there will be a place for Lionel Messi in Argentina s 2026 World Cup squad if he has a change of heart after he lifted the trophy for the first time in Qatar on Sunday.
Messi scored twice in an incredible final against France, which the Albiceleste won 4-2 on penalties following a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Argentina looked to be cruising to victory after goals from Messi and Angel Di Maria put them two up at the break, but Kylian Mbappe s late quickfire double forced extra time.
Messi put the Copa America champions back ahead in the additional 30 minutes, only for Mbappe to level once more for his hat-trick and take the game all the way to penalties.
Aurelien Tchouameni and Kingsley Coman failed to convert in the shoot-out, which Gonzalo Mon…
Arsenal should be labelled as favourites in the north London derby, but Harry Redknapp says Harry Kane will always give his old team Tottenham a fighting chance.
Premier League leaders Arsenal make the short trip across the capital to face their rivals on Sunday.
A 3-0 defeat to Antonio Conte s team in the corresponding fixture last season was the start of Arsenal s capitulation in the run-in, which saw them miss out on the Champions League.
Yet Mikel Arteta s side are flying high this term and, having beat Spurs 3-1 in October, Arsenal are looking to complete their first league double over their rivals since 2013-14, which was also their last league victory away at Tottenham.
Former Spurs manager Redknapp believes Arsenal have the edge, but is confident …
West Ham’s new signing Max Kilman has not given up hope of representing England one day, hoping his consistent performances earn him a debut call-up.
Kilman left Wolves after six and a half years to join the Hammers in a £40m deal earlier in the transfer window, becoming Julen Lopetegui s third signing.
The Englishman was one of just two defenders, along with Arsenal s William Saliba, to play every minute of the 2023-24 Premier League season.
He was left out of Gareth Southgate s England squad for Euro 2024, with the likes of Jarrad Branthwaite, Lewis Dunk and Ezri Konsa preffered.
Interim manager Lee Carsley will choose his first squad for the Three Lions upcoming Nations League games against the Repbulic of Ireland and Finland next month.
<…
´We are not afraid´ – Zanetti relishes Inter´s Champions League challenge against Bayern and Barcelo
Bayern Munich and Barcelona await Inter in the Champions League group stage, but Nerazzurri vice-president Javier Zanetti insists his side are not afraid of the challenge.
UEFA s flagship club competition has provided a headline reunion with new Barca arrival Robert Lewandowski returning to his former side Bayern in Group C.
The draw of the Poland talisman revisiting the Allianz Arena remains the standout pick of the group-stage clashes, with Inter and Viktoria Plzen the other two sides to compete alongside the European giants.
Simone Inzaghi s side pushed Liverpool close in the round-of-16 clash last season and, despite falling to the Reds, Zanetti insists the Nerazzurri will take a no-fear approach to their draw alongside Bayern and Barca.
It is a diff…
England coach Fabio Capello has announced that the England post will be his last in football as he plans to retire from the dugout following Euro 2012.
The 64-year-old who was considered fortunate to remain in the post after England s disappointing exit in the World Cup quarter-finals said at a book signing by a friend in Milan on Friday that he was too old to consider another coaching job.
At the moment I think of nothing else but Euro-2012 with England, said Capello, who is seen by many as one of Europe s greatest club coaches.
After that I will go into retirement.
Unfortunately I am old, I no longer have the time: this will be my last experience on the bench.
Capello, who guided AC Milan to four league titles and the 1994 Champions League …
Market: Reims draw no bet
Odds: 2/3 @
Hoping to find a route into the top-four this weekend, Reims will travel to the Stade Raymond Kopa on Sunday afternoon when they meet Angers.
Starting with the hosts, although Angers might have secured a Ligue 1 return for this season, Les Scoistes have a real battle on their hands in the race to keep hold of their top-flight status this time around. Missing out on what they had billed as a potential opportunity last weekend as they eventually had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate at home against Nantes, Alexandre Dujeux’s men find themselves sat rock-bottom of the table and pencilled in as a leading relegation contender this year. Heading into September’s international break with a nightmare 4-1 drumming at the hands of Nic…