Women's World Cup: 5 Thoughts Before USA vs. Colombia
By Ty Duffy
The USWNT faces Colombia in the 2015 Women's World Cup Round of 16 at 8pm ET on FOX Sports 1. Here are five thoughts ahead of the match.
Helpful Draw: FIFA dictated the women’s draw. It appears the soccer overlords wanted the USWNT around for the latter stages. The U.S. has the easiest route to the semifinal of any major contender. They face Colombia (20th best WSPI team) in the Round of 16. If they win, the Americans play China (13th per WSPI) in the quarterfinal.
Where are the U.S. Forwards? The U.S. entered the tournament with, on paper, the best, deepest forward line in the tournament. The results thus far have been unspectacular. Sydney Leroux and Christen Press linked up for a nice goal against Australia. Abby Wambach scored unmarked on a corner against Nigeria. Beyond those two moments, production has been minimal. Alex Morgan, injured in the tournament run up, will get fitter. Abby Wambach, 35 and no longer playing club soccer, will not get younger.
Tactics: Much of forward production is service. Service, thus far, has been poor. The U.S. has had little, if any, linkup play between the midfield and forward lines. In possession, the U.S. has exhibited little patience and, Megan Rapinoe excepted, even less creativity. Off-the-ball movement has left something to be desired. They have been direct and predictable. Chances have come this tournament, with players creating with the ball at their feet. The U.S. must do a better job getting players such as Leroux and Press on the ball in space. Sledge hammering a square peg harder may work against Colombia. It won’t against Germany.
Excellent Defending: The USWNT back line opened poorly against Australia. Since, it has coalesced into a strength. Julie Johnston, the youngest and least experienced U.S. player, has arguably been the team’s best over three matches. The argument is with Becky Sauerbrunn, her partner in central defense. Meghan Klingenberg also made perhaps the most important U.S. play of the tournament, heading a ball off the cross bar against Sweden.
Colombia: We should, perhaps, discuss the opponent. Colombia’s women’s team is less James and dancing, more Zuniga kneeing Neymar in the back. They produced the fewest shots of any team to advance to the knockout rounds, and the most fouls and yellow cards. The counterpoint to every argument against them: they beat France in the group stage. Beware the delusionally motivated. Lady Andrade, who punched Abby Wambach during the 2012 Olympics, called out the U.S. for talking so much. This was news to the U.S. team, who had not talked about Colombia. Colombia has since continued talking.