Tomorrow should be great day for the women’s game with 2 compelling match ups.
US-Germany 11am est
Meeting twice in a tournament makes things all the more intense. I don’t expect the US to have the same fast start. This German side is full of hard nosed pros who have played in big matches. They’ll take the embarrassment from last week and use it as fuel.
One great thing about Hayes is that she will launch a surprise in big matches. She done it in the WSL and UCL to great effect. Now Hayes and this squad are still feeling each other out, so maybe not a dramatic formation change, but maybe a new starter and or have Mal & Trin switch sides? There’ll be something.
In the end, Germany employs a direct, athletic style that plays to the US’ strengths. It will be a much closer affair, but I have it as US 2-1 Germany.
Spain-Brazil 2pm est
What an epic upset for Brazil and a massive let down for France. (That has to hurt Renard’s chances for the US gig…I hope.). Brazil will be energized by that win plus Marta’s return. Hell, even Rebecca Andrade winning gold today will get the whole nation dreaming.
But Spain are a quantum leap better than France. They won’t gift away possession so often and be so wasteful near goal. Their movements and tika taka passing make them exhausting to defend. And if you foul them, the best free kick taker in the game, Putellas, steps up.
But we have seen Spain get opened up on the counter and hit on free kicks in this tourney. They can be can be beat by a side that defends tirelessly and counters ruthlessly. I don’t think Brazil have another performance like that in them. Spain 2-0 Brazil.