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Good morning all- for those tuning in to World Cup, there has been great
play despite all the key injuries across the grid. Netherlands, France, even
Colombia looking excellent. I have a sneaking suspicion the USWNT is in
trouble this time. This iteration of US players currently looks a bit...disjointed.
We shall see! Trent King

I am hopeful but other countries programs have started to catch-up and the current USA coach doesn’t seem to like using subs and his bench. There are a number of first time players and a number of young players. With the starting line up, I think you are correct, they are in trouble but I hope we are wrong.


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Fair assessment

Hopefully the team and the coach wake up before it is too late.

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I was maniacal enough to wake up at 3 am to watch USWNT. Wow, that
was lame- by the US, anyway. It very, very much looks like this team falls
short on a) technical skill and b) team unity/cohesion. In the past, it's only
taken 1 of those 2 to win. Portugal should have won late, it's pure luck US
didn't lose 0-1. They were outplayed in 2 of the 3 Group matches and are
down Lavelle in the round of 16. The harsh (but apparently correct)
commentary of recent retiree Carli Lloyd is very revealing. That locker room
must be a nightmare. They better change or they won't make quarters.

Trent King

I don’t know enough to comment but am pretty interested in how a team that has been so dominant for so many years can look so beatable. Twitter seems to think the coach is a huge problem with lack of subs. Is that part of it?

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James- strictly an opinion, but I think the subbing issue is overblown, as
are injuries. Lots of teams have been bitten by injury bug this WC. It could
be that the coach is being "loyal" to a fault with some players who shouldn't
start, but the subbing issue itself doesn't resonate with me...

It could be that US turns it around next game. I think it would take a starting
11 shakeup, which isn't difficult. The inside the locker room/ outside the
sport concerns stuff may be killing this team. Trent King

I was also crazy enough to get up at 3am to watch that disappoint. I was glad to see the coach was willing to change up the starting line up. That sadly was nowhere near enough as the team was flat, no energy, and they couldn’t finish.

Many of these issues were the same during the Olympics but Lloyd was there to help finish and give some energy. Lloyd did have some choice words about the coach and program after the showings or lack there if so far.

I hope they find a way to gel, get energy and finish by Sunday morning.


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Melissa- I texted another fanatic during and after the match. I made the same
observation about Carli Lloyd. She is torching this squad despite knowing many
of them. It's refreshingly candid for an American commentator, and revealing
as well. Lloyd is NOT impressed. Trent King

No she is not. When they asked her if he was the right coach. You could see she trying to find words that politely expressed her unhappiness with him as the coach and the way Team USA culture was going. It’s more than a selfie and tik tock video at training as the young members seem to think it is (or based upon appearances).

I have the England game on. Very different story Team England than Team USA. England didn’t look great early, lost a key player and are now dominating a not awful Chinese team.

Swedens set pieces on Sunday will likely beat Tram USA, if they don’t beat themselves with lack of finishing and energy.


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It's a new generation of players starting who are not used to the WC pressure. Other countries have mega pride representing their nations on live TV which leads to over achievement, and favorites underestimating their opponents. I'm sure off the field issues play a small role, but those issues mainly concerned veterans. It's the cycle every team must experience, even the Yankees. Why can't the new batch of Yankees win? Blame Aaron Boone. Why can't USWNT win? Blame the coach.

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The women will not last long in the Knock out round if they keep playing the way they have the last 2 games. Especially against Portugal.
and Portugal is ranked 21st and it was there first world cup.

Team USA almost lost in injury time.

Could be ugly moving forward if they do not step up

Carli Lloyd is absolutely right. I'd frankly rather have a 41-year old Carli Lloyd out there on the field right now.

I think missing Becky Sauerbrunn hurts a lot, as Julie Ertz has to play center back (says a lot about how good Julie Ertz is) instead of her natural position as a defensive midfielder.

Andronovski seems to be pretending he's coaching a premier league men's team, where the quality is so high that you can change your lineup on the fly and still be in sync.

I suspect that our ladies are going to be fired up against Sweden, but it's going to take more than individual aggression and flair to beat them.

Why is it in sports they when a team underperforms its always attributed to the same thing: they didn’t want it had enough. Kind of silly. Maybe the other teams talents matched or surpassed your team. It’s a tired canard. It’s always some variation about “how you didn’t want it bad enough”. Like Bobby Knight screaming at some kid who just missed two free throws that he doesn’t want it. It’s just one of those stupid things you hear over and over.

People can want to win very badly and not execute well. They are two totally separate things.

I would agree and to me it is all about the execution of the players. The international talent level is up but most people believe that the US Team has the better Talent(with the gap not as wide vs some Teams). But they had better talent in the last round but it was lack of execution.

They've given up one goal in three games. Their talent will carry them IMO.

should be a great final 16 Knock out round style. And we had upsets like Italy, Canada, and Brazil knocked out

and teams like South Africa, Nigeria, and Jamaica getting in.

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Spain and Japan looking GOOD today. Tomorrow is a fascinating game for
the USWNT. Talk about being backed into a corner with a lot to prove! That
game should speak volumes- one way or another- about this WCup squad.
Looks to me like several teams play better soccer than USWNT, or at least
do so more consistently. Soccer is compelling in that so much scrutiny can
be dumped onto the #1 team. Gonna be a must watch for me... Trent King

I agree!
Spain dominated Switzerland even with their best player not playing. The Japanese squad looks solid all around and play a team game.

I am hopeful for tomorrow’s Team USA but will sadly not be shocked if Sweden blows them out of the water. The line up isn’t working nor are the formations. Change is needed. I hope we see it tomorrow but . . .

The rest of the world has improved but Team USA still has talent, maybe not the best coaching to get the most out of the talent?


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Sweden is highly ranked(#3 in world I believe) and they have look good and disciplined this World Cup So far.

Team USA needs to step up or they will lose. They have the skill sets but do not seem to play like a team.

Japan Surprised me how well they have played and could go real deep. They are a dangerous Team.

True missing Becky Sauerbrunn hurts, but Julie Ertz has to start in her natural position, which she distributes the ball well from there and has good chemistry with Lindsey Horan. Andonovski needs to move Ertz back to her position if they want to get past Sweden

Please sub Smith out.

Team USA has looked better than any other game so far.


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Melissa- Good to read you on here. I thought Sweden made really nice
adjustments after half (or just got a good talking to). Extra time coming, will
check in later... Trent King

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I'm checking in at breaks:) It seems like US "won" the first half and Sweden
the 2nd. I think Sweden look better in extra time, slightly. Sets up for a
good finish for the viewer... Trent King

I agree. Williams has played well but why take Morgan out and leave Smith in?

Smith is overrated.


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Both goalies have played very well.


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PKs! Wow... a couple observations-

1) US defense has been stellar, can't complain about it at all

2) Same for Sweden, especially goalie. Has she been favoring a side, trying
to hide an injury she got in first half?

3) I'm trying to figure out why Morgan stayed in so long. She was the lone
forward yet has played very...passively is the word, maybe? She won't
try defenders face to face, often passes her teammates out of plays or
into trouble, and refuses to defend in any meaningful way. Ninety minutes
of, say, Lynn Williams may have broken the Swedish seal. Just a thought.

4) Now it's anyone's game:)

Trent King

5) whoops! Really liked Fox in this game

Tough way to go. Our goalie played well. MVP

Why didn’t Williams take a Pk? Smith continued her streak of stinking and me not understanding why she was in there.

Good game, tough way to lose.


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Well, there it is...7 US shooters, and THREE didn't even force the Swedish
goalie to make a save. There needs to be a lot of soul searching within that
team and organization- not excuse searching, soul searching. I had a feeling
as I watched them in Group stage, that they were a bit like Mike Tyson before
the Buster Douglas fight.

Japan Sweden should be a great match, I won't stop watching merely because
US faltered. Back to the drawing board, USWNT.

Trent King

Trent, I agree. The USA soccer organization needs to do some real soul searching and make some changes.

It’s a great tournament, I’m going to continue to watch.

Japan looks good and Spain looked dominate.


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Don’t forget my Dutch!

Sadly not surprised that they lost.
They came out strong and played a solid game. As mentioned earlier it felt like they won the first half and lost the 2nd half.....And Beyond. their goalie was solid and the defense was better than previous games

However, I feel that the Swedish team made better adjustments after the first half and thru out the game.

I feel some of the coaching calls or lack their of hurt.

The Same was super close, dramatic and great to watch. Both teams deserved to win But Sweden came out on top.

looking forward to the rest of the world cup just would have prefered the US to go further.

Definitely Dramatic just a shame many people missed it do to the time difference

The defense showed up today, that's for sure. Repeating myself a bit, but missing Becky Sauerbrunn really messes up their lineup. Ertz is an absolute defensive stalwart (mistimed jump vs Portugal notwithstanding), but (as someone else also noted above) we really needed her this tournament in the 6 spot.

As for the penalties, yeah, all a bit nervy and uncharacteristic. But should be a good lesson for the next WC.

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I just read elsewhere that USWNT scored exactly ONE goal in the most
recent 300 minutes of game play at WCup. Ouch.

Trent King

One sure would have expected the prolific Sophia Smith to do some scoring. But ultimately it's a team game and even a mega star cannot be expected just to manufacture opportunities. Hopefully the popularity of women's soccer in the US won't take a hit.

Not counting the PKs against Sweden, they only gave up 1 goal as well so a little more offense would have gone a long way.

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Peter- It may be wise to pump the brakes a bit on Smith as a "mega star".
And I'd be stunned if women's soccer in general in US took a hit due to
this result.

Jay- No doubt, I mentioned the scoring to highlight a problem. The defense
surely wasn't the cause of this extremely early exit.

Trent King

Defense was great and Sweden only had I believe 1 official while the US had 11 official shots on goal.

Unfortunately Sweden’s goalie and their defense had a bend not break philosophy and in penalty kicks the US Lost it

https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/202...en's%20one.

When the Vietnamese team proudly sang their national anthem before the match with USNWT, my interest in the World Cup was over. When our team is proud to represent their country, I remain open to changing my mind. Just sayin’.

I'm guessing you're not a Colin Kaepernick fan, Frank?

A horrible moment for Rapinoe, but looking at the big picture, what is her legacy? Is she a top ten women's player or a notch below?

I would say a notch or so below. She is like the Joan Rivers of soccer. Makes sure you know she is there even when she is mediocre. At least one person in her family will be considered one of the greatest of all time, her mate Sue Bird.

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Back to game action- England squeaked by, living to fight another day.
Australia looked good! Trent King

Trent - yes but England’s best players, James has a red card and is out for the next game.

Many good games to come.


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Hi Melissa- yes indeed, and I think she merited that card. Some cool matchups
coming. Trent King

PS- think Andonovski regrets not keeping Ashley Hatch??

I don't know why, but unlike the men's tournament, I find myself not caring with the USA gone.

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Peter- your loss. Trent King

Trent, no doubt, obviously there are great teams and players left. But I am guessing I am not alone.

I think the ESPN article nailed many points including not playing the right players and not taking the right roster.

I’d be very surprised if he was back.

Team USA needs some rebuilding and depth.

https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/...-injuries-more


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A lot of hindsight and revisionism in that article. Before the tournament here's what ESPN said about the "one dimensional" Smith, who they ranked the third best player.

Leading a generational shift within the U.S. women's national team is Sophia Smith, the young forward who will likely score the bulk of the USWNT's goals. As a striker in club play and primarily a winger for the U.S., Smith's strength is in her confidence and audacity to go at goal. She's not afraid to take on defenders, and she's emerged as a ruthlessly incisive finisher as she has come into form for this World Cup. As she heads to New Zealand, she puts pause on a club season where she is the NWSL's Golden Boot leader with 10 goals in 13 games.

When your one dimension is scoring goals, perhaps that isn't a valid criticism in a sport where a couple of goals usually wins a game?

And yes, we could have the same discussion more or less about Cristiano Ronaldo.

I have the exact opposite feeling, not that I care that much about soccer but its nice to see other teams compete for their countries. The drama surrounding the US team got a bit exhausting.

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Peter- the problem with Smith is that she essentially has zero credibility as
an international goal scorer. The article mentions "audacity" and
"confidence", rather than actual productivity- hence, my earlier comment
about Ashley Hatch or Lynn Willaims over Alex Morgan, Smith etc (Hatch in
her prime at 28 yoa and with 19 intl appearances, and over 100 NWSL
appearances with nearly 40 goals). This points up the problem, it very much
appears Andonovski relied on reputation/glitz/past performance (Morgan,
Rapinoe) rather than prudent choices. Obviously, he couldn't control the
injuries to Swanson and Macario, which were devastating. He could control
who he played, however, and it was clear immediately that Morgan was
absent. In truth, had the team not possessed a generational defense, they
would have lost 2 of 3 in group. Makes me wonder if Andonovski was hands
on or off for the defense, similar to how some college football coaches pick a
side (offense or defense) and leave the "other" side to the other staff
members. Speculation of course, but boy the defense and the offense were
strikingly different from one another, like they were coached by different
folks. Trent King

Does the game suddenly become something else because it is "international"? IMO you cannot not play a scorer of the caliber of Sophia Smith. I am not arguing about Alex Morgan or with the general proposition that better personnel decisions could have been made although some of that it seems to me is hindsight.

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Peter- Of course it becomes something else because it's international! That's
the test, to see how your players stack up against the best of other nations.
US has enjoyed a run of success, but there have been signs for years that
the rest of the world (at least several nations) are sustained, real threats. In
this WCup alone, I have watched Netherlands, Sweden, England, Japan and
even Portugal display clearly better spatial understanding of gameplay than
the US- and I'm sure I'm forgetting teams. The US team had to adapt or fail,
not merely show up and roll the ball out there and win due to better talent,
and it failed in spectacular fashion. Put differently, it now appears that the
mantra "we have better talent" is false. It might be prudent for fans to
hold off on declaring players as "prodigies" until they prove it.

Regarding Smith, I certainly didn't say "don't play her". It is the manager's
job to recognize ineffective play. Your remark about hindsight doesn't apply,
the manager HAD to have seen what we were seeing, and it's their job to
adjust. It looks very, very much to me like the tail was wagging the dog on
this squad, as if the staff were afraid to pull the trigger on certain players.
Rapinoe versus Sweden is a perfect example. In a 4 minute span, she fluffed
2 corners and was dispossessed (as I recall), then fluffed a PK horribly as
the cherry on top. "Not good, Bob!" She should NOT have seen the field.

I'll end by saying I'm hoping the US organization learns from this and
adapts. I doubt the other good teams will simply rest on their laurels.

Trent King

Trent to be clear I didn't say or mean to imply it was ALL hindsight, although I think that still applies to some of the more subtle criticisms now being made. I don't disagree that when a player is obviously playing very poorly with little likelihood of redemption, one should not defer to their stature with a game on the line. But you can easily imagine if the game had gone differently, had some sub missed the key kick in OT, the same press would be bitching about taking out the great veteran Rapinoe. Sometimes you can't win.

Watching the US team reminded me of the 2014 US Ryder Cup team; poorly coached, with a lack of cohesion among the players, and both of those were evident on the field.

Scott that is a good comparison and summary.

Hopefully the US learns from it and comes back better prepared to play.

Someone I believe said it earlier but the US Team came across as Entitled or Smug. They just expected to walk into the finals and potentially did not prepare/playas hard as they should have.

The gap in talent has definitely shrank and the coaching as well. Many strong teams and this World Cup overall play is a lot more entertaining then in past years

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WOW! Australia over France. If Netherlands had beaten Spain, it would
have been perfect (interesting that Spain's team has united despite
controversy, how refreshing...?)

I've been waking up at the odd hours, watching and enjoying these
matches. I've tried to imagine how the current USWNT would have fared
against these quarterfinalists, seeing if US just ran into a buzzsaw and was
somehow worthy of a quarter slot. The answer is no. Each of the teams I've
seen has been superior, particularly with short passing and offensive game
play, meaning players understanding and using each other to advantage.
The US #1 ranking was faux. Getting ready to watch England/Colombia and
don't have the desire to research, I just wonder if US #1 rank was built on
wins over clearly inferior teams. Anyway, Sweden and Spain should be
awesome and, if the stars align, so would an England/Australia matchup.
Great stuff!!

Trent King

I agree. And I like all the teams in the final 8 so it's hard to know who to cheer for. I like Sweden because they beat the USA, and Australia because they're the host, but what's nice is, I'm not disappointed no matter who wins these games. So it's oddly exciting and relaxing at the same time. Just enjoying the sport.

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England/Australia, great matchup. The Aussies remind me of prior US
teams. An excellent group of semi-finalists!

Trent King

Agreed Trent looks like a great final four and it is shaping up to be an epic finish.

Sadly without Team USA but they did not look good enough to be in the final 4 anyway

when a new team will win, it's always great for the sport. it confirms to countries that their investments have paid off.

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Have to root for the home team Australia in this one. Totally agree that after seeing the quality of play in the quarterfinals, the US didn't deserve to be there. (As for Netherlands....yes, bye.)

I really enjoyed watching Japan play. They played beautifully and seemed to really want it. Shame they got bounced.

Like in basketball, tall players really have the advantage, especially on corner kicks and other contested high balls. Columbia in particular often just made a short pass with their corner kick opportunities, rather than launching it high towards the goal, where those blonde English trees invariably headed the ball out harmlessly.

Your post reminded me of the show Flight of the Conchords. My wife is a hair short of 6ft tall. She can't wear heels very often. She loved sports where tall girls are appreciated: volleyball & basketball were her favorites. Anyway one of her favorite songs is titled "Leggy Blonde."

https://youtu.be/Mg0jS6F4M10

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One finalist is in. I was REALLY pulling for Sweden, which must be why they
lost :) Amazing to watch the dynamics between Spain coach and the players
who detest him. I'd be okay with Spain if they didn't dive so much, they are
mimicking their male counterparts too much for my taste...

England/Aussie tomorrow. I'll root for that winner, to win the Cup.

Trent King

Well said about Spain but unless they change the rules or enforce it differently then they will continue to do it

Vlatko Andonovski resigned today, though I suspect it was a jump-or-be-pushed situation.

glad he is gone did not get it done and did not seem to have either a solid strategy in the world cup and the team appeared to be to conceited as if they were better then everyone and not grounded in reality to the other strong teams and took them for granted.
and I believe this is the earliest exit they had in the world cup in like over 30 years or so

Go England, I'd love to root for Spain but watching them take dives and whine to the ref is off putting.

Concur.

On a related note, it's good to see the biggest diver of them all, Neymar, leave for Saudi Arabia. Where he will join the biggest whiner of them all, Ronaldo.

I'm quite happy with Messi and who he's brought with him to the US.

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I’ll be up at 5 am Sunday (insomnia helps:) Pulling for England for sure. Both teams deserve credit for getting there. Trent King

But sadly your Prince and Princess will not be there.

Such an uproar since the Prince is the president of their Football Federation.

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One half down, one to go. Spain looks better for sure. Maybe if I stop rooting
for England, they will play better:) Trent King

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Could that fluffed PK turn the tide? Trent King

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/...od%20of%20time.

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Spain really controlled the midfield, that was the story. They deserved the win.

Trent King

I sadly couldn’t watch the second half as I’m on a plane but I got to see the goal and the full first half. Spain was the more dominate team from the part I was able to watch.


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Congrats to Spain

They were the better team

Besides their royalty was their and not the British royalty:D

Mary Earps, the England goal keeper, was intense! I love how she stuck out her tongue Michal Jordan style after making the save and then yelling F OFF!