USA 2-0 Germany: Four Quick Thoughts
By Ty Duffy
The USWNT beat No. 1 ranked Germany. They are heading to the 2015 Women’s World Cup Final. Here are five quick thoughts.
Referees: Two refereeing miscues went the Americans’ way. Julie Johnston was not red carded for her penalty when she was the last defender when she should have been. Germany was also called for a penalty on Alex Morgan that was outside the box. The first coupled with a Sasic conversion could have swung the match. The second did. So much for the FIFA conspiracy theory.
Formation Shift: The U.S. switched to a three-woman central midfield with Morgan Brian and Lauren Holiday behind Carli Lloyd. This (a) permitted Lloyd to get forward into her natural attacking position and (b) gave the U.S. the bodies to cope with Germany in the midfield.
Carli MF Lloyd: Great players play consistently well. The greatest come through when it’s vital. Carli Lloyd scored the winner in the quarterfinal against China. Tonight, she converted the penalty and set up the second goal. Hard to put someone else forward for golden ball if the U.S. wins the final.
The Draw: Germany had to play Sweden and a 120-minute slugfest with France. Both are among the world’s top teams. The U.S. cruised, relatively, facing Colombia and China. And, though suspension, got to rest a couple key players. The U.S. outplayed and out maneuvered the Germans. But, it’s hard not to believe the fresher legs also played a decisive role.
[USAT]