A normal occurrence every four years in the Women's World Cup is the USWNT advancing to the Knockout rounds. In the previous eight iterations of this tournament, the United States women have never failed to advance out of the Group Stage.
Probability remains low they receive that mark (or, demerit perhaps) in 2023. Yes, entering the tournament, a stiffer test for the USWNT was predicted. The world's top-ranked squad is not only on a journey for an unprecedented third straight title, but fields a squad that is a little green around the edges.
They are a team rounding into form, with flashes of brilliance mixed in with mediocrity through two matches. Blend in solid individual play with questionable late-game strategy by the coaches and what is concocted is a recipe with potential to be delicious but an outside chance of disaster with game three on the horizon.
USWNT: Group play
A precise but not glorious 3-0 victory over Vietnam got things going for the USWNT in the '23 World Cup. Areas needed to be improved upon but it was a splendid way to open.
Some of those same areas were present in the team's 1-1 draw with the Netherlands last Wednesday. In a rematch of the 2019 final, the Dutch jumped out to the lead with a first-half goal. The Americans attempted to play catch-up but missed some opportunities fans are used to seeing them convert. On many levels, it seemed a lack of fire and an instinctive connection that comes from playing together over and over again was missing.
Rose Lavelle was brought in off the bench for the USWNT and the intensity seemed to instantly step up. Urgency was tapped and the team looked more in sync in balancing the attack and defense. And, in matching the Netherlands with physicality, a new motivation seemed to be unlocked for the Americans.
In the 60th-minute, off a corner kick from Lavelle, a Lindsey Horan header found the back of the net, giving team USA the equalizer needed. (And a much-needed confidence booster of a goal off a set piece).
Again, the USWNT had plenty of missed opportunities throughout the game, whether that be with mistimed passes and badly missed shot attempts. One thing of note was the lack of subs deployed by USWNT coach Vlatko Andonovski. Lavelle was the only sub and they came in at the half.
On one hand, the attack was working and the Americans failed to convert. Forwards Trinity Rodman and Sophia Smith were making nice runs, with Alex Morgan doing their best to find them. So, I could see not wanting to mess with that rhythm because it seemed like they were poised to score before the 90th-minute.
On the other hand, the USWNT has plenty of game changers on the bench. Lynn Williams hasn't seen the pitch yet and could have provided a difference in the final 15 minutes. So, too, could have Alyssa Thompson and Megan Rapinoe.
And, with five subs at team's disposal per game, there really isn't a reason not to use them, especially in the Group Stage. Fresh legs will be needed going forward, so perhaps a major overhaul in the third game is on the horizon.
Thankfully, a draw was salvaged and the United States remained on top of Group E thanks to a goal differential. Netherlands and Portugal, each with one win, are two goals back of the United States.
Both games (USWNT vs Portugal, Netherlands vs Vietnam) to close out group play will be at 3 a.m. ET on Aug. 1. A win or a draw and the Americans will advance. A loss, well, they'll need the Netherlands to do the same by a greater margin. Nothing will come easy from this point forward but best hope is to win the group. Either path in the final 16, however, is a mine field waiting to be gingerly traipsed through.
Group standouts
The darlings and aces of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in the first week are the teams from Spain and Japan. Representing Group C, each has won their first matches with ease. Spain currently holds a +8 difference in the goal column, with Japan sitting at +7.
The teams meet July 31 at 3 a.m. (ET) to determine the winner of that group, with both teams already advancing.
Spain has looked to be the finest of teams so far but Sweden is looking like a top contender, too. As of this writing, Sweden has played only one match (a victory) and takes on Italy (1-0) at 3:30 am (ET) on 7/29.
The most intriguing to me, aside from the United States team, will be the finales in Group B, with three teams fighting for two spots.
Nigeria, Canada, and Australia all sit with one win each. Nigeria and Canada tied with one another, while Australia's loss was to Nigeria. Canada will take on Australia and Nigeria faces the Republic of Ireland on 7/31 at 6 a.m. ET to close out this group.
Australia will face a tough-test but they will get standout Sam Kerr back for the match. A victory is needed for the co-host to advance and anything less will be considered a disappointment for a team that harbored series hopes of making a run for the cup. (A draw could still be had by Australia, but a lot of help from Ireland over Nigeria would be needed).
Panic might be swirling around Australia and many teams. For team USWNT, while in somewhat unfamiliar position heading into the third match, the panic button should be avoided. Too much talent is present and I believe this team is poised to put together a complete match. It will be needed sooner or later, so why not find that Zen against Portugal. Because if not and a victory is still secured, the real panic in the Knockout Rounds will settle in, and team USWNT may find the perfect game far too late.
photo credit: Wikimedia Commons
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