11/05/24
June 09, 2015
U.S. Women Impress in World Cup Opening Win Over Australia: Australia gave the U.S. a scare in the Women's World Cup opener Monday, evening the score at 1-1 27 minutes in and putting keeper Hope Solo to work with a stronger and faster attack. But over time the U.S. began to take charge in a convincing 3-1 Group D victory. Megan Rapinoe scored the first and third goal and Christen Press the second. Player of the Match Rapinoe was exceptional on the ball, and called her play "my best Messi impression -- much slower." "She is the most skillful player I've come across," said Australian midfielder Katrina Gorry
I think that headline is a bit generous. We didn't impress until Australia ran out of juice in the second half of the second half. It seemed like the midfield couldn't complete most of their passes before that. We couldn't even take throw ins very well. Australia did a great job pressing. Also, what the hell are the refs wearing under their shirts? Inner tubes?
posted by Ricardo at 10:16 AM on June 09, 2015
Agree, US passing was very weak and back four were incohesive. The team created a lot of turnovers but turned many of them right back to the Matildas; as Oguchi Onyewu said a few years ago it isn't enough to win the ball, you have to convert it into an offensive opportunity. Back four did not seem to have a great understanding of each other, especially Klingenberg who I think wasn't used to having to defend so deep so quickly as the US have generally been winning the midfield battles in games she's played.
posted by billsaysthis at 10:36 AM on June 09, 2015
Also, what the hell are the refs wearing under their shirts? Inner tubes?
Water bottle?
as Oguchi Onyewu said a few years ago it isn't enough to win the ball, you have to convert it into an offensive opportunity.
I would have preferred he do a little of column A as well. I assume he made that statement into the ear of a passing attacker who was splitting his defensive pairing.
posted by yerfatma at 11:25 AM on June 09, 2015
I think the last half was impressive. Megan Rapinoe was doing great things in tight space and her attack all the way from midfield for the final goal was flawless.
The first half was scary, since for the first 30 minutes Australia was clearly the better team and only Hope Solo kept the U.S. close. But aside from Abby Wambach's play I didn't leave the match with the concerns others have expressed here.
posted by rcade at 12:56 PM on June 09, 2015
Grantland on the key to the US defense.
posted by yerfatma at 01:40 PM on June 09, 2015
We didn't impress until Australia ran out of juice in the second half of the second half.
Exactly. I hope I'm wrong, but I don't think we'll be as fortunate against Sweden and Nigeria as far as waiting them out until they are gassed.
posted by goddam at 02:07 PM on June 09, 2015
The Matildas are in a very similar position to our men's team at the last WC. Young, inexperienced but willing to give it a go in the toughest group. Eventually running out of steam, like the men did against Holland in Brazil. But that momentary 2-1 lead was glorious.
They're also under a new coach who came through the ranks and likes playing a high intensity 4-3-3, just like the men. We probably won't get out of the group this time around, but this will be the basis of the team and the tactics for 2019.
posted by owlhouse at 02:03 AM on June 10, 2015
The US backline had a few moments that frightened me. They'll need to get a bit more organized as the tournament goes along.