2023 World Cup
Australia-New Zealand
   
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth & Sydney
Auckland, Dunedin, Hamilton & Wellington

ESPAÑA-ENGLAND 1-0
 
 
 
 
 
   

SWEDEN-AUSTRALIA 2-0
 
 


Vlatko Andonovski resigned as head coach of our
Stars and Stripes. There are many thoughts that
come to mind. First, he did a good job, but his
mission was much more challenging than he has
been credited for. As other Nations are developing
the Women's side of the sport and becoming more
competitive, the Ellis-era expectation that the United
States would monopolize the top spots is no longer
realistic. Second, Vlatko should be credited for
having been open-minded and flexible and he
was open to reconsidering and calibrating and
trying different strategies, and not sticking with
a questionable plan, when he saw that that plan
was not bringing the hoped for results. Those of
us that watched the Team's matches in this World
Cup should have no doubts about that. And this is,
by no means, a quality that can be taken for granted
among the selfishness and the egocentrism that we
see in today's footballing circles. But, Andonovski
is also to blame for some things. E.g., why, after
such an extensive preparation period, did we, as
a National Team, have to wait for those tweaks
in strategy until the eleventh hour? Yes, they did
make the Team much better, more coherent and
more effective than in the first games, but should
those changes not have been perceived, systematized
and adopted by an alert and observant coach earlier,
before coming into the final stage of the tournament?
Of course, the mitigating factor, here, is that many
of the preparation games (in both the Men's and
the Women's side) are with teams that are so much
inferior to the United States that they are not helpful
in discerning successful from failing strategies, and
one might even say, are misleading in that regard.
This is something that U.S. Soccer must correct.
It may involve a little higher expense, but my view
is that it may help enough to make it worth it.


AUSTRALIA-ENGLAND 1-3
The quality of the two teams was rather incomparable.
It makes one a little disappointed that France did not
make it through, which, most likely, would have afforded
a more suspenseful and more equally matched tie. But
Australia, I think, boosted by home support, exceeded
expectations and did really well. Let me add, excellent
refereeing by our own Tori Penso.
 
 
 
 
 

SPAIN-SWEDEN 2-1
The Swedish girls were unable to constrain the tempo
of Spain, whose girls seemed, more often than not, to
be totally in command and to monopolize the game.
So the best team did really prevail in the end.
I think that with the skill, the force, the spark and
the consistency that Spain has shown in the tourna-
ment, it will be a very tall order to defeat them in
the Final. If Australia goes through, they might be
helped some by the home crowd, but, even with this
factored in, it is going to be very very difficult.
 
 
 
 

AUSTRALIA-FRANCE 0-0 (7-6), ENGLAND-COLOMBIA 2-1
 
 

SPAIN-NETHERLANDS 2-1, JAPAN-SWEDEN 1-2
Bravo to the Swedes and Coach Gerhardsson. They were
prepared, did everything right and played their best game
in the tournament so far. By pressing tightly everywhere,
especially in the first half, they neutralized Japan's main
advantages. In addition, besides their trademark organized
game, they added speed to counter Japan. But Bravo also
to Japan and their Coach, for correcting some of the pitfalls
of the first half, showing stubbornness and resilience and
coming really close in the second half. I was happy for
Sweden because, the way they played, they deserved to
win. But I also cried with Japan, because they gave all
they had and they never gave up. But, that is football.
Someone always has to yield. Joy and sadness together.
On the other hand, the Netherlands did not seem to have
studied Spain that well, and, in my view, they were lucky
to even be in extra time. I would not want to finish in a
negative note, but I must also say that 12+ and 10+
minutes of injury time were unjustifiable and totally
unacceptable in both games. The parasites of FIFA give
the impression that, whatever the game gained by the
very fortunate and positive introduction of VAR, they
are trying to take away by capriciously and unjustifiably
awarding arbitrary added times and give, all of us fans,
the impression that they pick favorites and sides in each
game. STOP THIS VERY VERY NEGATIVE TREND.
 
 
 
 
 

Besides a very good, mesmerizing team, which has
been a joy and a privilege to watch, the Japanese
in this tournament have also given us a very good
coach, Futoshi Ikeda, and a very good referee,
Yoshimi Yamashita. It seems like they are making
a concerted ambitious effort to further popularize
and improve the sport, with the right goals in mind.
 

We are now in the stage where all 8 teams
remaining have a good claim to the title.
The main thing is that, based on tactics,
any team can frustrate its opponent and
force it to play a nervous game and yield
any attribute it may have exhibited in
the group stage or in the Round of 16.
Assuming that all teams would be able
to play in a relaxed way and take full
advantage of their skills, based on what
I have seen, I would favor Spain, Japan,
England and France. Spain and Japan
must, however, try to play their fast and
versatile game against the Netherlands
and Sweden, respectively, which are very
skilled but heavier teams and, I am sure,
they will be trying to slow things down
and take full advantage of set pieces,
where they might be better able to break
through. We'll see awesome games!


Colombia-Jamaica 1-0, France-Morocco 4-0
I really liked the pair formed by Wendie and
Elisa at France's central defense, as well as
the work that Sandie did in coordinating and
organizing France's efforts, especially in the
first half, since she clearly was tired before
being substituted in the second. On the other
hand, as the scoreline indicates, it was not an
equally matched pair. So, the French ladies
were by no means under any significant or
intense pressure. Morocco needs a few more
years of high-level experience in order to
reach France's level and be able to compete
in earnest, but its ladies did what they could.
 
 

England-Nigeria 0-0, 4-2 Australia-Denmark 2-0
 
 

I think the criticism of Team USA by Emma Smith
on the BBC is harsh and unwarranted. Both the
defense and the attacking ability of our girls were
solid and coordinated. And, without wanting to
belittle the abilities of the individual girls at the
midfield, I think that is where the main problem
lies. We lacked a player with the ability to connect
the back with the front and to act as a monter, say
like Messi or like Jorginho. Someone with the
talent to tie the team together at the center. But
the changes that were made at the Round of 16
partly addressed this deficiency, with Lindsey
and Alex in a more central role, rather than Alex
playing as a full forward and being isolated and
ineffective. So I would draw two conclusions:
1. The changes needed are not radical; not a
    complete overhaul as Ms. Smith insinuates.
    We need to work towards more coherence
    and better coordination.
2. We have to think about this vital central
    position. Based on the style of players that we
    saw, it seems like Naomi, Crystal or Sophia
    could step up in this role, but, of course,
    bringing the first two up or taking the
    third slightly back will deprive the team
    of their services in critical roles elsewhere.
    However, the problem has to be somehow
    addressed and resolved. We need to fix this.
WE ARE PROUD. LAMBASTING THIS TEAM
THAT GAVE ALL IN THE OCTAVOS IS NEITHER
RIGHT NOR FAIR. But we respect the right of others
to voice their views. Our system even respects the right
to despicable fabrications and deliberate detestable lies
that lead to political chaos, turmoil and catastrophe.
 

The girls played much much much better than they did
in the group stage and they got eliminated literally by
less than an inch, by less than in the details. We could
not have asked for more. But this is football. One side
wins and one loses and we were not in the winning side
today. I think the Team showed their worth and we can
only expect great things from this group of youngsters
in the years to come. BRAVO, GIRLS!! THANK YOU
FOR EVERYTHING!!
The Netherlands and Sweden have formidable keepers.
In this Round of 16, their teams have been very very
lucky indeed... Neither side could have asked for more.
 
 

Netherlands-South Africa 2-0
The Dutch ladies need to change everything,
except their extraordinary keeper, if they are
ambitious. If they play in the same way against
Spain, they will find themselves in dire straits.
 

Switzerland-Spain 1-5 & Japan-Norway 3-1
 
 

Even though the powers to be allowed the
German ladies the equivalent of a first half
of extra time to do the job, they were unable
to capitalize. So, in the end Colombia and
Morocco did qualify from Group H and
they set up ties against Jamaica and France,
respectively. The latter two having left Brasil
out in the cold.
 

GIRLS, NO DISTRACTIONS, NO DISAPPOINTMENTS.
JUST FOCUS, HARD WORK, PLAN, DETERMINATION
AND GIVE ALL YOU HAVE. WE MUST COMBINE, WE
MUST PRESS TIGHTLY, WE MUST PLAY PERFECTLY.
GO GIRLS!! WE BELIEVE! WE HOPE!


Unfortunately, the Banyana Banyana proved too
stubborn and steely for Le Azzurre to tame. With
an apparent stress and lethal mistakes, the Italian
side had to bow out in the end to the South Africans,
who were not as unlucky as the Portuguese girls
were against our USA in one of their final attempts
to secure a win. In the other match of the group,
the Swedes continued powerful showings to beat
Argentina and secure the first spot in Group G,
setting up a tie with the United States.
Our girls must approach perfection - ironclad
defense, with Ertz and Girma at their best, no
mistakes allowed; A fast game from the flanks,
with Sophia and Trinity at top form, with firm
support from behind, able to make quick and
smart decisions, creating chances and, in general,
trying to keep up as much pressure as possible.
A lot to ask, I know, but anything less might
not be enough, unless the Swedes falter, which
is very very unlikely without relentless pressure.


Our girls made it through by securing a goalless
tie against Portugal, avoiding a last second scare.
But everyone realizes the need for something more.
With teams like England, Japan, the Netherlands
and Sweden, just to name a few, one cannot afford
the luxury to stumble along; one needs spark and
genius, inspiration and initiative. GO GIRLS!!


In terms of quantity and quality of goals, if not
the best, one of the best games of the tournament
so far. The Japanese have undeniable class and
talent. Unparalleled combinations and clinical,
exquisite touches! MAGIC... PURE MAGIC!
 
 

A routing at the hands of Sweden today.
I knew it was a formidable opponent, but
the girls had given us grounds to expect
more and a much much better performance.
I hope that against South Africa, we will
be able to return to proper form and seal
a place in the knock-out stage, but it will
be dangerous; they have proven their worth.
 
 

Our girls tied with the Netherlands in their second
game. They are facing Portugal in a critical and
decisive last Group E battle. I have to say that, with
the Netherlands, we did see some positive things.
First, our middle defense was very solid. Of course,
Julie Ertz is a veteran and a well-known quantity,
a player any team would want to have on their roster.
But Naomi Girma did play a very good game and
showed that she is getting ready to become a pillar
of this next USA generation at the defense line.
Also Trinity Rodman and Sophia Smith are very
talented wingers and a pleasure to watch play. Our
left wing was a bit more active due to Crystal Dunn's
ability and skill in ascending up forward from the
defense, in a more half role. But Trinity, Sophia and
Crystal will have to become a little better in spatial
awareness, and faster in passing and delivering, and
this will come, I think, more naturally with more
experience. Passing the ball faster to set teammates
free, opening spaces, creating chances and, of course,
setting up goal-scoring opportunities or assisting
teammates are critical skills. GO GIRLS!!
 
 
 

Le Azzurre also did the trick and won their
opening three points against Argentina. With
a very solid Francesca Durante under the posts
directing the effort at the back, the experienced
Juventina Cristiana Girelli sealed the deal with
a superb header after an equally superb serve
by another Juventina, Lisa Boattin.
 
 
And for old times' sake...

Our girls passed through Vietnam without
any difficulty whatsoever. Suffices to notice
that the final balance (or shall we rather say
imbalance) in attempts was a gaping 28-0.
The difficulties, of course, start against
the Netherlands. There, the concentration
and the craftsmanship required must be of
a totally different scale. Well done, girls!
(Only comment: Pass the ball more (and
more quickly); do not hold it for so long.
This will help in developing a faster game,
surprising the opponent and creating more
and better opportunities.)