Net so terrific
The U. S. Women’s National Team is all but assured of advancement in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, even before facing a Nigeria team it has never lost to. But don’t think for a second the U. S. doesn’t have major concerns heading into its Group D finale at Vancouver’s BC Place.
The Americans’ offense has been less than the sum of its parts, struggling to score goals despite an enviable plethora of strikers. They’re still griping about playing on artificial turf, leading some to wonder if that has gotten in their heads. And now they face the African champs, a team that’s physically imposing and left them bruised and beaten up in their meeting eight years ago.
“[ They’re a] very physical, fast team that I think— for me— they’re going to play as hard as they can,’’ striker Abby Wambach told reporters. “They’re fighting for their lives in this tournament, and I’m excited for the opportunity, because I remember playing them in 2007 and being beaten up after the game because theywere so strong and physically dominant, and can match you toetotoe.
“I think we just need to stick to our game plan, stay organized as much as we possibly can, and I think we’ll get some goals against them, hopefully give something for the fans to cheer about.’’
That might be easier said than done, because Wambach hasn’t given the fans a lot of goals lately. After missing a pair of headers in the opening 31 victory over Australia, she had another bounce off the turf just high enough to be tipped over the bar by Sweden goal keeper Hedvig Lindahl in their scoreless draw.
It prompted Wambach — who had been one of 60 players to file an unsuccessful lawsuit vs. FIFA and the Canadian Soccer Association over playing on turf — to proclaim, “I think I score if we’re on grass.” It raised eyebrows, with cofavorites Germany pointing out it hasn’t had any problems scoring on the turf.
The front six has lacked cohesion, needs better movement off the ball, and better holdup play. Coach Jill Ellis opted for a strike duo of Sydney Leroux and Christen Press instead of Wambach against Sweden, and both are great running at goal but are illsuited for holdup play.
The Americans will advance by finishing first or second in the Group D, or as one of the top four thirdplace finishers. They have a 99.9 percent chance of survival according to Five Thirty Eight’s soccer power index, but not all advancement is created equal.
Winning the group lets them play the thirdplace finisher of Group B/E/ F on June 22 in Edmonton, Alberta, just 500 miles away. Finishing second means they’d have to play Brazil on June 21 in Moncton, New Brunswick, with a day’s less rest and 2,600 miles away. Finishing third forces them to wait until group play ends Wednesday to see if they’ve survived, not theway they want to end up.