Hoping for an unprecedented three-peat, the USWNT won their first match against Vietnam. Here's what we learned before they clash with the Netherlands.
The United States opened their conquest for a fifth World Cup win with a three-to-zero victory over Vietnam. This was the first match of group E, and it didn't disappoint in terms of action. Sophia Smith became the second USWNT player to have an assist and a brace in their World Cup debut, making her mark on the World Stage as predicted. The third United States goal came from US captain Lindsey Horan. But even though they got the victory in the end, this game wasn't without stumbles from the United States. And those stumbles might cost them against a higher-ranked team like the Netherlands.
USWNT takeaways: Chemistry and connection
The United States took the field in an unfamiliar rotation on Friday. In particular, Julie Ertz started alongside center-back partner Naomi Girma. There's no denying that Ertz is a force on the pitch, and the relatively young backline desperately needs leadership. But starting an untested center-back pairing for the first time in a World Cup game was a bold choice. The midfield also looked different without Rose Lavelle, who is still on a minutes restriction. Andonovski went with Savannah DeMelo, making her World Cup debut and earning just her second cap with the team. The frontline also shifted, with Trinity Rodman getting the start alongside the usual Alex Morgan and Sophia Smith.
This was a brand-new lineup for the States, and it showed. They were uncertain in their passing, and they looked nervous. Their success came mostly from moments of individual exceptionality, not from a team effort. It makes sense that these players are feeling each other out for the first time on the world's stage. But the lack of familiarity and crisp connection lead to a stumble towards victory, instead of a smooth game. It'll be interesting to see if Andonovski switches out the lineup for a more familiar and experienced starting eleven against the Netherlands, or if he wants to continue to build the chemistry of the team we saw on Friday.
USWNT takeaways: Finishing opportunities
The USWNT had twenty-eight shots with seven of those on target, and yet they only finished with three of those in the net. With almost seventy percent of the possession, it's reasonable to have assumed that this scoreline would've been higher. There's no lack of trying, but the final touch and the final pass, seem to be lacking. The States are rushing their chances, rocketing off shots whenever they get a look at goal. This strategy worked for them against Vietnam, but it's unlikely to pay off in the same way when they take on a more experienced team like the Netherlands. If the US can slow down the pace of the game, and really take their time in the buildup, they might make the most of their opportunities against a side that surely won't give them as many to work with.
USWNT takeaways: Super substitutions
On a more positive note, the USWNT benefits from having one of the deepest talent pools in the world. Their second-half substitutions can make a world of difference in changing the pace of a game. In this game in particular, Lavelle taking the field upped the tempo for the States, as the midfielder got her first minutes for the team since April. Megan Rapinoe also came off the bench, as did veteran Kelley O'Hara for the final minutes of the game. Alyssa Thompson made her World Cup debut alongside Sofia Huerta as substitutes. These subs helped change the game significantly, and the US can continue to use that strategy. However, getting things started earlier will only benefit things as this team thrives on momentum.
The United States play a rematch of the 2019 World Cup final against the Netherlands on July 26 at 9 p.m. EST. The two sides will be battling to lead the top of Group E as the World Cup progresses through the group games.
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