USWNT World Cup Ready
Anytime there’s a World Cup on the horizon the tension always seems to rise. For the United States Women’s National Team, the tension is even higher as the two-time defending champions. Here are ten major storylines to keep an eye on this tournament!
#10 Can Macario recover in time?
USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski has attempted to do a soft reboot of the team, bringing plenty of new faces. The problem is that the injuries have stacked up and players that were previously called upon to step up will either be out of the tournament (Mallory Swanson) or will be a tournament time decision (Catarina Macario). Not having Macario, who already has eight goals in seventeen appearances for the USWNT would be a crushing blow for the side. But coming back too early from an ACL tear is a very delicate situation as well.
#9 Who will run the midfield?
The USWNT have a very strong midfield with the likes of Lindsay Horan, Andi Sullivan, Rose LaVelle, and Kristie Mewis all serving as the key facilitators in the middle. While LaVelle is cemented in the role of attacking midfielder, who will run things in the center of the pitch is still a bog question. Of the four, Sullivan is most suited for it with her precise passes and ability to move the side from a defensive posture to an attacking one. But keep an eye on Mewis, who has steadily risen through the ranks of the midfield corps and become a favorite of Andonovski.
#8 What role will Julie Ertz play?
One of the big surprise call-ups during the April international break was that of Julie Ertz, who has been out for the last two years due to maternity leave and to resolve some nagging injuries. She played in both matches against the Republic of Ireland and looked fine, with her usual speedy runs off of the ball and crisp passes in the attacking third. Having her experience, whether as a starter or a veteran off of the bench, will undoubtedly help the USWNT. It is up to Andonovski to figure out where she fits best and how much time she can give after having been off for such an extended period.
#7 The USWNT backline vs the Dutch attack
Perhaps one of the biggest battles in the Group Stage will be the 2019 World Cup final rematch between the United States and the Netherlands. In that match, the USWNT defense held the Dutch attack scoreless and was a major reason for the US’ second trophy. The Netherlands will certainly have revenge on their mind so look for captain Becky Sauerbrunn to play a huge role alongside newcomer Naomi Girma in limiting Vivianne Miedema and Lieke Mertens up top.
#6 Keeping the minnows at bay
The Netherlands match is obviously a major game for the USWNT as it will likely determine where they finish in Group E. But that match is bookended by games against Portugal, a rising European power that nearly downed Japan earlier this year, and Vietnam, a side that are steadily rising through Asian football. Especially after some uneven results in the Olympics, the USWNT would be wise to put these sides away early.
#5 Girma, The Future
In just a short period of time, Naomi Girma has steadily risen to the top of the best defenders in the world. The NWSL Defender of the Year has proven herself in friendlies and during qualification that she can be called upon for the decisive tackle or a late clear to preserve a result. Now she will be tasked with holding some of the top attackers in the world.
#4 Sophia Smith’s Role Up Top
The reigning NWSL Most Valuable Player just now seems to be finding her footing with the USWNT, having scored eleven of her twelve international goals in the last year. Alongside Alex Morgan, Smith has found a position as the forward that can do a little bit of everything, creating chances for both herself and her strike partner with limited space. In time, she will take over as the number one attacking option. For now she will have to settle for tons of goals and some highlight-reel worthy clips.
#3 Trinity Rodman-Ashley Sanchez Combination
Rodman and Sanchez are one of the top of goalscoring duos in the NWSL and undeniably two of the biggest talents in women’s soccer. But she hasn’t figured out how to make their magic work with the USWNT. That Andonovski remarked back in February that Rodman “needed to find her ruthlessness” certainly didn’t help. But the two seem to be at their best when they are creating chances for each other. The USWNT have always been at their best when their entire roster is clicking and having the Sanchez-Rodman partnership working will cause major issues for opponents.
#2 Rapinoe’s Last Dance
There are a number of players who will likely be playing in their final World Cup during this window for the USWNT, but none of them are as important as Rapinoe. Her production for her club side OL Reign hasn’t stopped. She also seems to be content with being a role player/veteran leader on the bench, which is a positive sign for a program that has struggled with players accepting that spot. She still has plenty to give and will certainly be called up on during the knockout stage.
#1 Can Andonovski Secure The Threepeat?
Threepeats don’t come very often in any sport and so the odds seem to be stacked against the USWNT. The side certainly has the talent, but do they attitude to secure a third title. No side in World Cup history, mens or womens, has ever done it. Andonovski was brought on specifically for his experience in getting the most out of sides that have won multiple titles. Anything less than a World Cup final appearance is seen as a failure by this program so he will need to put in his best coaching performance to win their third consecutive star.
