The US Women’s National team were woeful against Portugal in their final game of group G. In fact, they were incredibly fortunate to qualify for the next stage of the competition after an absolutely dismal performance. Portugal deserved so much more on the night, having been far superior in all areas of the pitch over the course of the game. Their inspired performance was almost topped by a goal in the dying minutes of the game. Portuguese substitute Ana Capeta stormed in behind the US defense and with just the goalkeeper to beat, her thunderous effort smashed against the post. There’s no doubt that on another day it would have been different.

“We deserved to win, we feel like that chance was our moment to knock the world number one team out of the tournament” said Portugal boss Fransico Neto after the game. He was right. Had the ball been just a couple of centimeters more to the left, the USA would have been the ones on the plane home. And to be honest, they really should be.

As for the USA, the team was disjointed, lacked a game plan, had no identity, looked off the pace and most concerningly, seemed like they didn’t really want to win. The players were lethargic, late to second balls, constantly misplaced passes, and their body language was utterly languid.

Head coach Vlatko Andonovski recognized his team was way off the expected standard, but still has not been able to find solutions. “Starting from the backline, midfield, forwards, I don’t think we were able to solve the problems that the opponent was presenting. There were moments where we did and it looked good, but those moments were very few and not enough to be able to walk out of here with several goals. So hopefully we can synchronize and get the lines in sync for the next opponent,” he said after the draw against Portugal.

The problems are multiple and evident, and it seems like they’re all coming to a head at the wrong time.

Lacking firepower up front

Despite the USA’s front three being on paper one of the most exciting attacks at the tournament, Trinity Rodman, Alex Morgan and Sophia Smith have really struggled to find the net. Against Portugal, the team registered just four of 13 shots on target. It was a similar story against the Netherlands and Vietnam. In their opening game against the southeast Asian side, they had a whopping 28 shots, seven of which hit the target. The trio haven’t really clicked, and even legendary striker Alex Morgan hasn’t been able to open her account at the tournament.They’ve managed just two goals between them, both of which came from Sophia Smith.

Very little playing time together

When Vlatko Andonovksi took over in 2019 after the USWNT’s last World Cup triumph, he was expected to oversee a transition period. The squad needed a lick of paint with many of the players from that roster nearing the end of their careers. The team needed new faces and the Macedonian American coach was expected to carry out a major squad overhaul. But the transition never really happened. Four years after taking charge, and the transition seems to be happening at the worst possible time… now, at the World Cup. The question is: why is that the case? Andonovski has had plenty of time to get this team ready but based on the evidence of the first three games, it looks like he’s failed to do so. They still haven’t clicked and look like total strangers on the pitch.

Injuries

The USWNT’s World Cup preparations were hampered by injuries, there’s no question about it. Injuries to winger Mallory Swanson, midfield maestro Catarina Macario and captain Becky Sauerbrunn threw a spanner in the works. They were three players that would have almost certainly made the starting XI had they been fit.

When it was announced that Sauerbrunn wouldn’t be available for selection, virtually all of her teammates expressed how disappointed they were and how much of a miss she’d be. Her leadership is invaluable to this team and right now they’re crying out for someone to whip them into shape. Also, the team’s struggles upfront would have been alleviated significantly with someone like Mallory Swanson on the roster. Injuries have certainly contributed to the USWNT’s downward spiral.

Not enough ‘know-how’

There are plenty of players playing their first ever World Cup at this tournament and there is an interesting mix of youngsters and veterans. Eight players (Girma, Emily Fox, Andi Sullivan, Smith, Rodman, 18-year-old Alyssa Thompson and Sofia Huerta) have made their debuts at the World Cup, one of whom (Savannah DeMelo) became the first ever footballer to play her first game at a World Cup in one of her first two caps. The lack of experience at this level is starting show, above when it comes to mentality and being capable of getting over the line in difficult periods. The poor performances could be a consequence of struggling to deal with the high expectations and playing at the highest level.

Buying into the coach’s philosphy

Vlatko Andonovski has at times been criticized for overthinking the tactical side of things and focusing too much on the small details. Ironically, this team seems to be missing most is a tactical identity. If that is the case, it’s certainly a risky strategy given on a personal level he is more of a distant man manager. For a manager to succeed, it’s essential that all players buy into his philosophy and that may well not be the case for this team. Andonovski’s underwhelming achievements while in charge- the USA were defeated by Canada in the quarterfinals of the Olympics which was an unexpected and extremely disappointing result- probably shook the confidence the players had in him.

Andonovski keeps talking about needing to improve but it’s impossible to correct all the issues this team has in such a small space of time. At times he looks like a deer in headlights- unsure of what to do and how to truly resolve the team’s shortcomings. Sweden- most probably the USA’s next opponents- will have no problem against the USA if they continue to play like this.

Read More: World News | Entertainment News | Celeb News
Marca

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like

FilmNation, Bleecker Street Partner on Lena Dunham and Stephen Fry Film ‘Treasure’

FilmNation Entertainment and Bleecker Street will partner on Treasure, the new drama…

Fukushima Daiichi starts 3rd release of treated radioactive wastewater into sea

TOKYO >> The tsunami-damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant began its third…

Murad Merali Biography

Facts About Murad Merali Murad Merali is a British blogger, Youtuber, and…

Reddit shares rise 30% to start week after social media company’s IPO

Reddit CEO Steve Huffman hugs mascot Snoo as Reddit begins trading on…