Upstarts and debutantes have powered their way through. Usual contenders have been shocked and sent packing. Goals are being scored at a record pace.
And the USWNT, two-time defending champions, sit outside all three categories. Barely squeaking into the knockouts phase, the team is facing more scrutiny than previously seen in recent Cups. And they will be tested against Sweden, a team who won Group G with three victories and goal difference of plus eight.
Heading into the final group game against Portugal, team USA was looking for a complete performance. Winning Group E was still on the table and hopes were that a "no-doubt-about-it" victory and firing on all cylinders would propel the team forward with valuable momentum.
Instead, it was a game where the USWNT looked playing not to lose, rather than playing to win. A brilliant save by the goal post late in the match was the saving grace in keeping the women from making their first-ever exit prior to the knockout rounds. While they struggled to a 0-0 draw against Portugal, Netherlands defeated Vietnam 7-0 to win the group.
Inches provided the difference for a team that overall underwhelmed in only picking up one win and two draws in the group stage. It was enough but they will need to be a lot better if their quest for a third-straight title is to continue.
United States vs Portugal
In their final group game, the USWNT started fast and fiery. Those first five minutes, the team was on the attack and looked like the club fans were used to seeing.
From there, though, struggles and frustration mounted. Counterattacks were rare and, even when on the attack, were outnumbered by Portugal. Part of this was due to tactics from both coaches but team USA continues to be inadequate in the final third.
Passing lanes and good angles to attack are lacking. And there seems to be very little of switching fields, relying on one side of the field even when the opportunities are sparse. At times, spacing is bad and often appears there is no plan at all.
Set pieces have improved but another area of the game lacking is play off the throw-in. The USWNT has almost no movement or plan when possessing from the sideline. This isn't to say something special needs to happen every instance but opportunities are being missed.
The midfield has struggled, save for Lindsey Horan. And with Rose Lavelle out for the game against Sweden, thanks to two yellow cards in group play, it might serve the team well to move Julie Ertz to the midfield. Changes will be needed all around but it seems the midfield is ripe for an overhaul heading into the knockout rounds.
Finishing has been a problem, with team USA only scoring four goals this tournament. There have been 11 games where teams have scored four or more goals, with Japan doing it twice (and holding an 11-0 advantage overall against opponents).
Changes in the lineup and tactics, along with playing with urgency, can still turn this team around for the '23 World Cup. Toss in a little luck, and team USA will need to be at their best in keeping their 20-match unbeaten streak in the World Cup alive (where their last loss in World Cup play was to... Sweden in 2011).
Of course, 15 other teams still stand tall in having their eyes on the ultimate prize.
Hellos & good-byes
Some of the best in the world, teams that have won the title before or seemingly always in contention, saw their 2023 run come to an end. Germany, with their first-ever Group stage exit, Italy, and Brazil, all who harbored high hopes of winning, will be watching from the sidelines.
Brazil's exit marked the end of the remarkable career of Marta. Marta played in six World Cups and has scored the most goals in World Cup history, men or women, with 17.
Also gone is Canada, who was stunned by co-host Australia 4-0 in the final game of Group B play. The loss itself wasn't necessarily stunning, as Australia was out with a loss, but the final margin was the surprise.
Earlier, New Zealand, who started off the '23 World Cup with a bang, lost and became the first host/co-host to not advance to the knockout rounds.
While they couldn't use their early momentum to advance, plenty of teams will continue to make waves in the round of 16. Jamaica, Nigeria, Morocco, and South Africa all are dancing, riding a wave of confidence in making their first-appearances in this stage.
So, too, will surprise group winners Colombia and young star Linda Caicedo.
Games will ratchet up intensity with the upcoming round of 16, where the favorites at this point include Japan, Sweden, Netherlands, and England.
Round of 16 schedule
Eight matches will take place August 5 - 8. All times listed below are Eastern, with my predicted winners in bold.
- August 5 (1 a.m.): Switzerland (1A) vs Spain (2C)
- August 5 (4 a.m.): Japan (1C) vs Norway (2A)
- August 5 (10 p.m.): Netherlands (1E) vs South Africa (2G)
- August 6 (5 a.m.): Sweden (1G) vs United States (2E)
- August 7 (3:30 a.m.): England (1D) vs Nigeria (2B)
- August 7 (6:30 a.m.): Australia (1B) vs Denmark (2D)
- August 8 (4 a.m.): Colombia (1H) vs Jamaica (2F)
- August 8 (7 a.m.): France (1F) vs Morocco (2H)
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