USWNT post-World Cup

InstaFace

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BTW how would you guys rank the 3 teams we just faced, in terms of how strong they looked, what we should expect out of them this summer?

Mine:
1. Brazil
2. Canada
3. Japan

Was super impressed with Brazil's attack and overall athleticism. They deserved to score against us (And no surprise it was in a fashion that involved Naeher getting caught in no-woman's-land).
 

67YAZ

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BTW how would you guys rank the 3 teams we just faced, in terms of how strong they looked, what we should expect out of them this summer?

Mine:
1. Brazil
2. Canada
3. Japan

Was super impressed with Brazil's attack and overall athleticism. They deserved to score against us (And no surprise it was in a fashion that involved Naeher getting caught in no-woman's-land).
Canada’s gold medal still looms large for me. They are a deep, balanced, well organized side…when not fighting a public war with Soccer Canada. Their WC group is tricky. Australia so another solid, deep side playing at home and rolling out the best striker in the world - they could make a deep run.

Sundhage knows what she’s working with - work class attack, spotty defense. The high press suits the Brazilian’s athleticism well, but when they have to settle in to defend in a block? They get ripped apart. So they’ll hammer Jamaica & Panama, but get pounded by France. Every Brazil match will be an exciting experience.

Japan still has the characteristic style and play it well, but they haven’t improved the quality of their talent pool as quickly as the rest of the world. Spain-Japan should be a tika taka showcase or snoozefest, depending on your preferences.
 

InstaFace

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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.
 

67YAZ

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Yeah, the draw could not have been kinder and then Miedema blew out her knee. We could glide to the semis before hitting a serious contender, which could cause some serious whiplash for the casual fans who saw the US blow out every team until the final 4.

Did you catch the discussion during the broadcast about Brazil’s FA being shitty to the women’s team? Some staff didn’t travel because they haven’t been paid. Sundhage is fight for basic information and logistical support. It’s maddening. For the cost of bringing a couple of Neymar’s entourage to the Qatar, the FA could do so much more for their women’s side.
 
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InstaFace

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I did catch them mentioning that the US and Japan were wearing purple armbands to signify support for Canada's team and their struggle against WNT funding cuts. And that Brazil wasn't doing likewise, because the players felt themselves to be in a more precarious position with the CBF. I didn't hear the bits about staff not being paid though, that sucks.

I hope they show out down under (leaving aside how I feel about Sundhage). It wouldn't take a miracle for them to out-perform the Brazilian men's team (by making the semis), and if they did that would give them plenty of PR-driven leverage, you would think, to fight for better support with the old-heads in the CBF.
 

Eastchop

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I was admittedly surprised by the surprise Ertz appearance. I’d guess we can expect her signing with a club is imminent as well. 5 mothers on the roster assuming she makes it, which is pretty incredible.

Very excited to tune in for the Ireland friendlies
 

67YAZ

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I was admittedly surprised by the surprise Ertz appearance. I’d guess we can expect her signing with a club is imminent as well. 5 mothers on the roster assuming she makes it, which is pretty incredible.

Very excited to tune in for the Ireland friendlies
I think it’s going to be Angel City. They just traded out an international slot for $70k, which will help with Ertz salary. And LA or SD are the two closest clubs to her home, Phoenix.

I’m really eager to see her form, where she is starting this spring to be WC-ready. Even Ertz at 90% playing DM solves a lot of the national team’s midfield problems.
 

allstonite

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Looks like Mallory just hurt her knee again just before halftime. I feel so awful for her
 

67YAZ

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Fuuuccckkkk. This also nukes the Red Stars’ season. Maybe next season, too, depending on the severity…which looks really fucking bad.

so gutted got her. In her form, she could have nabbed world player of the year.
 

Cellar-Door

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I was baffled when I saw the tweets about a key injury to Swanson... I don't watch every match, but I pay pretty good attention and could not figure out who Swanson was.
 

67YAZ

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Official word is a torn patella tendon. Clearly, the WC and NWSL season are wiped out. Swanson is a battler and an incredible worker. If anyone can come back to fill form after this, it’s her.

I tried to remember other torn patella tendon injuries and players’ performance after - Mayo, Jeremy Lin, Victor Cruz…the track record doesn’t look great. Edwin Diaz just did his, too, so that will be an interesting comp for Swanson. Hoping for the best for one of our very best.