Netherlands got their tactics right and Americans struggled to impose themselves, yet once star of tournament scored there was only going to be one winnerIt became clear after 13 minutes that this was going to be a different kind of game for the USA. The Netherlands, it turned out, were different from any team they had faced at this World Cup. But the US had something no other side in tournament had: Megan Rapinoe, the biggest star of the World Cup, and the confidence she embodies.After steamrolling their way through the rest of the tournament and scoring within 12 minutes in every game, the mighty Americans had to wait an agonizing 61 minutes to score against a team that very...
The England coach should not have changed a winning formation that put key players out of positionI have incredible admiration for USA and the determination they possess as a unit of 23 players and staff to do whatever it takes to get the job done. Winning means everything to them. England came up against a better and more experienced team, and now need to think about how they can make a difference to get to the same level.The tournament has been hugely positive in terms of how we see the women’s game and there is no disgrace in losing to the holders and favourites in the semi-finals, but England were, in the end, tactically deficient and fell short. Related: England...
Steph Houghton’s missed spot kick ensured Phil Neville’s side were beaten 2-1 by USA in the Women’s World Cup semi-final on a night when they came agonisingly close to making historyEngland’s dizzying progress at this Women’s World Cup came to a painful – if familiar – end in the semi-finals last night as their captain Steph Houghton missed a late penalty as they were beaten 2-1 by the United States.It was an instant classic, although that will come as cold comfort to England’s players, who went out despite throwing everything at their opponents in a desperately exciting final 30 minutes. Related: Alex Morgan fires USA past England into Women’s World Cup final Related: England 1-2 USA: Women's World Cup 2019...
Criticism of the World Cup defending champions has been widespread since they thumped lowly Thailand by a record score in Tuesday’s group gameI have to say I’ve been surprised to see some of the reaction to the USA team’s celebrations during the 13‑0 win against Thailand. I think some of it is to do with the fact that they aren’t the most popular team out there – there’s this perception that the USA are arrogant and everything is excessive and over the top with them.But there is also a perception that women’s football should be all hugs, smiles and kisses – people do not expect a level of ruthlessness they might see in the men’s game. That kind of win-at-all-costs...
Midfielder is looking towards the World Cup in France while her husband, Zach, has his eyes on a repeat Super BowlAlmost a year ago the United States women’s team kicked off what would become an undefeated year with a 5-1 win over the Euro 2017 runners-up, Denmark.Having fallen behind to a Nadia Nadim goal, the USA equalised through Alex Morgan before the midfielder Julie Ertz put the 2015 World Cup champions ahead to accelerate the turnaround. Related: Women’s Super League: talking points from the weekend’s action Related: Sheffield United Women player faces sack if racism claims are proved Continue reading...