I dunno, how bad could Brazil's defense be? They were playing against some of the most creative midfielders in the world last night and gave up maybe 4-5 opportunities from a set defense, and like 1 from a counter, right? And jack shit from set pieces. I didn't see a lot of
mistakes out of them, just getting beat by Rose Lavelle doing Iniesta things.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-Jldp1KkJ4
Their athleticism is definitely eye-popping though. Other than Canada at times, there might not be another team that can keep up with us athletically like that. That goal they scored, Ludmila absolutely jumped out of the park. Those counters left Sauerbrunn in the dust several times. They cooked Rodman and even Emily Fox a few times on fakes, hesitations and straight-up sprints (though not Dunn, not that I saw). Who the hell have you seen beat Emily Fox with speed? That's skills that not even England or Germany can claim. Sundhage has a lot to work with. Although as you note, her press had her midfield gassed by like 60'. They need a Brenden Aaronson
The bottom half of the WWC bracket is kinda nuts, I almost wish FIFA hadn't done us so many favors. Canada (group B), England (D), France and Brazil (F), Germany (H), all on the same side. On our side, Japan and Spain (C), Netherlands in our group (E), and Sweden (G). Group A's highest-ranked team is Norway at #12. Leaving aside that the bracket divides in half and allows for semifinal rematches, our side is much,
much easier, even if we are a group runner-up to the Dutch. Kinda cheapens it, imo.