USA vs. Netherlands
Excitement abounds as the “Marquee Matchup” of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup’s second round draws nearer. The two-time-defending World Champion USWNT, unlike in their previous two title-winning campaigns, face an early test in their quest to accomplish a three-peat. A Dutch side that furnished a genuinely impressive performance in their tournament opener awaits. Vlatko Andnovski’s U.S. girls face Andries Jonker’s Leeuwinnen in a re-match of the 2019 Final on Thursday.
At this particular point in the discourse surrounding the women’s game, the USWNT cannot help but be held to the highest of standards. Pre-tournament chatter focused on some of areas of Andonovski’s squad that were positionally thin. Some minor deficiencies in the squad’s 3-0 win over Vietnam in their tournament opener were given far greater attention than they would have received in previous years. Such is the current state-of-affairs.
A more objective look at the team proves most criticism unfounded.
USA
Some may not be entirely pleased at the news, but it must be said that the Stars and Stripes turned in a largely flawless performance in their opening match. The attack clicks at a high level; one that it often takes tournament teams multiple matches to attain. Some scuffed finishes and more reserved attack builds notwithstanding, Andonovski’s constellation functions very well. The team did play somewhat tepidly at times. Recall that they incurred massive criticism after running up a 13-0 scoreline against Thailand four years ago. This may have influenced them.
Lineup—USA—Match One (4-3-3)
Andonovski runs what some of us now term an “American Double Pivot”. In recent years, this approach has surpassed the 5-3-2 “Diamond Box” as the most common formation seen stateside, particularly in the women’s game. The basic idea revolves around winning midfield balls via a pocketed striker and midfielder, then cycling up the pitch with sharp triangles. The arrangement utilized in the opening fixture had the look of a ramrod spine on the overhead. It’s actually unusual to see such a wide shape stitch together so neatly so early in a competition.
Andi Sullivan and surprise starter Savannah De Melo provided the stability. Alex Morgan and Lindsey Horan supplied the improvisational brilliance. Morgan setup both of rising-star Sophia Smith’s goals with some lovely skill. The team’s most scrutinized player obviously caught some flak for her missed penalty, but this is again a result of the high-standards she and everyone else must contend with. Morgan netted five goals in the previous tournament opener. Here, she looks perfectly fine. More of her trademark in-your-face goal celebrations are coming.
Morgan does favor cuts to the left, meaning that Trinity Rodman wasn’t involved to the extent she might have liked to been. Like just about everything else, one can manufacture a sensational issue out of this if one wants. It remains doubtful that this should be a problem moving forward. Horan – now donning the captain’s armband – delivered by far the best performance of among the outfielders. The 29-year-old is simply in the best form of her career. Nothing fazes her now that she’s back in France again beating back archaic stereotypes about female athletes.
DeMelo – at least in the author’s opinion – might have been the second best U.S. performer on the pitch. Interesting that Andnovski clearly aimed to place a nice, safe placeholder for Rose Lavelle’s spot and now has something to think about. The midfield trio together essentially allayed any fears that Sam Mewis’ absence might leave them vulnerable. The second biggest so-called concern – namely that the loss of Becky “the Broom” Sauerbrunn might lead to some shakiness at the back – also doesn’t really generate much worry.
The author confesses that he subconsciously typed “Julie Johnston” when initially filling the center back position. It has indeed been that long since he can recall Julie Ertz playing back there. Though her touch was off on a few occasions, she won most all of her direct duels and even carried out of the back in almost mimic-manner as we’ve come to expect from late-career Sauerbrunn. There’s some talk about Andonovic potentially going with Alana Cook in the next match. This seems unlikely. The USWNT head-coach will want his most flexible tactical actor in the mix.
So there one has it. No discernible weaknesses to report. As much promise as the “Brilliant Oranje” demonstrated on Sunday, this dragon may simply be too ferocious to slay. We’ve beheld our fair share of surprises thus far in this tournament and a shocker here can’t totally be ruled out. Above all else, one simply hopes for an entertaining game. The two squads might neutralize one another. Virtually no Championship side rides to the title without at least one borefest. One definitely doesn’t wish to see repeat of USA/Sweden (2015) or USA/Spain (2019) here.
Netherlands
The latest prognosis on Lineth Beerensteyn’s injury is very grim. The Juventus striker – among the standout performers in Holland’s opening round victory – had to leave the Forsyth Barr Stadium on crutches and hasn’t been training with the team. She may be out for the whole tourney Jonkers doesn’t possess a true like-for-like replacement for his aggressive 3-1-4-2. Everton’s Katja Snoeijs comes closest. We might see her plugged in.
A more likely scenario might see Esmee Brugts or Victoria Pelova move up to pair with Lieke Martens whilst Damaris Egurrola take over behind the forward line. In such a case, the attack would still maintain plenty of pop. One nevertheless retains fears for the defensive trio that performed so heroically in the last match. Expected Stephanie van de Grade, Dominique Janssen, and Sherida Spitse to replicate that performance is asking a lot.