Posted on 06/24/2019 8:05:42 AM PDT by Berlin_Freeper
The prohibitive favorites coming into the tournament, Team USA has gotten off to a perfect start. Shattering records en route to an 18-0 goal differential in group play, their biggest test thus far has been Sweden, whom they dismantled with ease 2-0. Now things get serious.
On June 24 they'll take on Spain in their first game of the single-elimination knockout round. If they win, they'll take on France in the round of eight, who defeated Brazil in extra time. Spain finished Group B in second place (1-1-1, 4pts), while USA finished Group H in first place (3-0-0, 9pts).
Team USA is attempting to become the first team since Germany in 2007 to repeat as World Cup champions.
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Wow handball penalty against Sweden, excellent block by Sweden.
Been trying to keep up with the game via watch/twitter during breaks at work.
Full time Sweden 1-0 Canada
Congratulations Sweden
Spain exposed the US weaknesses on the back line and in goal. Yes, they fouled excessively to blunt the US timing on the offense, but they used long passes to capitalize on their superior one on one skills.
Morgan and Rapinoe were ordinary. Morgan is playing hurt. She should be substituted sooner during the French game if she has another subpar performance. I would replace Dunn with Krieger. Krieger is more experienced, bigger, and Dunn is playing out of position. She is a midfielder. Mewis played surprisingly well.
Based on todays performance, the US will have a hard time beating France, which has better technical skills and a better attack than Spain.
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