WC Fail

[Anonymous]

We’re good but we’re capable of more. We’ve fallen into a default of switching to a 5 back and playing a deep bloc in games in which we actually have the upper hand, just to secure narrow leads. That’s abominable. Carlos Bilardo won a World Cup too but he set the game back by 10 years.

[Anonymous]

Spain, France and England played us very well and all three teams will improve with younger, more technically sound players. We lucked out yesterday. The officials all but gave the game too us and we still struggled to come away with a win.

[Anonymous]

The final should be the US first team against the US second team...USA, USA, USA.

[Anonymous]

I don’t see how’ve the officials gave the game to us. White’s second goal was offsides, and they all but gave England the chance to equalize. Did the ref kick the pk too?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We’re good but we’re capable of more. We’ve fallen into a default of switching to a 5 back and playing a deep bloc in games in which we actually have the upper hand, just to secure narrow leads. That’s abominable. Carlos Bilardo won a World Cup too but he set the game back by 10 years.

^^^^^This.

We are the best team in the world and yet we play a 5-back? We play our holding midfielder as a defender 90% of every game? We can only score on set pieces and headers? The world has caught and passed us from a technical perspective. Now the athleticism gap is closing fast. Then we either adapt or become a quarterfinalist every world cup. The leadership of US Soccer needs a complete overhaul. They are dinosaurs.

[Anonymous]

The thing is you can actually see our talent. We do have strong technical players, it’s not all about athleticism, and we could play a better style better than these other countries. We have resources and support for women’s soccer that some of these other teams don’t, but leadership doesn’t want to run that risk and turn the corner because they just care about attaining results, even if it’s to our detriment in the long term.

[Anonymous]

Not sure I agree with everything, but the OP is making a good point. US Soccer's management on the men's side has been a disaster, and it's more likely that the federation is riding on the hard work of others on the women's side rather than actually "managing" its success. The best evidence for that is the women's lawsuit. Yes, it's true that women's pro soccer is hardly anything at the club level, but it's dominant in the international game. A pragmatic federation that wants to maintain dominance would try to find a way to funnel more money to the best players, coaches and development programs without having to be sued to get it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

We have athletes. We will always have athletes. We don't have the culture of the "Beautiful Game" nor the patience for developing it.

What exactly is our plan B when the European Nations begin to match our athleticism? There is a deeper reason Rapinoe sat, because her athleticism is now being easily matched and by more tactically and technically better players. Rose Lavelle is the mode of player we need more of and she looks like a fish out of water on this team and is frankly wasted here.

We can both appreciate the potential achievement of a three-peat but we seem to be ignoring the trajectory of the European teams relative to our own.

Have the European countries been keeping their best athletes at home? Damn nice of them. They must have a crush on Jill Ellis.

Understand the history of women's soccer. Look at how the gap has closed over the years. Ellen White is better than anyone on our team outside of Rose. Her ability to lose marks is astounding. Seriously, watch her movement as the ball is coming in- she knew our backs were a mess and exposed them. . Had she clipped her toe nails in the morning , the game was 2-2.

1) That PK wasn't anywhere near close to going in --- as the announcers pointed out, it had no pace and wasn't close to a corner.

2) It was Stephanie Houghton that took the PK, not Ellen White --- take time from writing down your criticisms about the US team and pay attention to the game.

3) The English coach is so in tune with her team and the game, she chose NOT to have Ellen White take the PK --- guess the European coaches don't have everything figured out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

We have athletes. We will always have athletes. We don't have the culture of the "Beautiful Game" nor the patience for developing it.

What exactly is our plan B when the European Nations begin to match our athleticism? There is a deeper reason Rapinoe sat, because her athleticism is now being easily matched and by more tactically and technically better players. Rose Lavelle is the mode of player we need more of and she looks like a fish out of water on this team and is frankly wasted here.

We can both appreciate the potential achievement of a three-peat but we seem to be ignoring the trajectory of the European teams relative to our own.

Have the European countries been keeping their best athletes at home? Damn nice of them. They must have a crush on Jill Ellis.

Yes, they were not encouraged to play nor were they given a platform to play on. The women's youth game is beginning to explode in Europe. You have no idea what is coming down the tracks. Ignorance.

OK -- since you know what's coming down the tracks, fill us in...does the US not qualify for the next World Cup 4 years, 8 years ---- should we just fold up our tents because we can't compete anymore. I'm sure you were saying it was over for the women's team after the last Olympics as well --- the US women would just fade away because the world passed us by then to.

Please be specific and let us know when the wheels fall off the track and which European nations will rule the soccer universe because you have an idea what coming down the tracks....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

We have athletes. We will always have athletes. We don't have the culture of the "Beautiful Game" nor the patience for developing it.

What exactly is our plan B when the European Nations begin to match our athleticism? There is a deeper reason Rapinoe sat, because her athleticism is now being easily matched and by more tactically and technically better players. Rose Lavelle is the mode of player we need more of and she looks like a fish out of water on this team and is frankly wasted here.

We can both appreciate the potential achievement of a three-peat but we seem to be ignoring the trajectory of the European teams relative to our own.

Have the European countries been keeping their best athletes at home? Damn nice of them. They must have a crush on Jill Ellis.

Understand the history of women's soccer. Look at how the gap has closed over the years. Ellen White is better than anyone on our team outside of Rose. Her ability to lose marks is astounding. Seriously, watch her movement as the ball is coming in- she knew our backs were a mess and exposed them. . Had she clipped her toe nails in the morning , the game was 2-2.

1) That PK wasn't anywhere near close to going in --- as the announcers pointed out, it had no pace and wasn't close to a corner.

2) It was Stephanie Houghton that took the PK, not Ellen White --- take time from writing down your criticisms about the US team and pay attention to the game.

3) The English coach is so in tune with her team and the game, she chose NOT to have Ellen White take the PK --- guess the European coaches don't have everything figured out.

I never said Ellen White took the pk. Goodness READ

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

We have athletes. We will always have athletes. We don't have the culture of the "Beautiful Game" nor the patience for developing it.

What exactly is our plan B when the European Nations begin to match our athleticism? There is a deeper reason Rapinoe sat, because her athleticism is now being easily matched and by more tactically and technically better players. Rose Lavelle is the mode of player we need more of and she looks like a fish out of water on this team and is frankly wasted here.

We can both appreciate the potential achievement of a three-peat but we seem to be ignoring the trajectory of the European teams relative to our own.

Have the European countries been keeping their best athletes at home? Damn nice of them. They must have a crush on Jill Ellis.

Understand the history of women's soccer. Look at how the gap has closed over the years. Ellen White is better than anyone on our team outside of Rose. Her ability to lose marks is astounding. Seriously, watch her movement as the ball is coming in- she knew our backs were a mess and exposed them. . Had she clipped her toe nails in the morning , the game was 2-2.

1) That PK wasn't anywhere near close to going in --- as the announcers pointed out, it had no pace and wasn't close to a corner.

2) It was Stephanie Houghton that took the PK, not Ellen White --- take time from writing down your criticisms about the US team and pay attention to the game.

3) The English coach is so in tune with her team and the game, she chose NOT to have Ellen White take the PK --- guess the European coaches don't have everything figured out.

I never said Ellen White took the pk. Goodness READ

You refer to "she" after referring to Ellen White by name, and then presumably again (unless you meant Rose) in the next couple of sentences with "her".
Ellen White is the only English player you refer to; therefore, Ellen White would be she.
If you can't express your thoughts any more clearly in written form, maybe you should stop until you've taken a class in grammar. Goodness.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

We have athletes. We will always have athletes. We don't have the culture of the "Beautiful Game" nor the patience for developing it.

What exactly is our plan B when the European Nations begin to match our athleticism? There is a deeper reason Rapinoe sat, because her athleticism is now being easily matched and by more tactically and technically better players. Rose Lavelle is the mode of player we need more of and she looks like a fish out of water on this team and is frankly wasted here.

We can both appreciate the potential achievement of a three-peat but we seem to be ignoring the trajectory of the European teams relative to our own.

Have the European countries been keeping their best athletes at home? Damn nice of them. They must have a crush on Jill Ellis.

Understand the history of women's soccer. Look at how the gap has closed over the years. Ellen White is better than anyone on our team outside of Rose. Her ability to lose marks is astounding. Seriously, watch her movement as the ball is coming in- she knew our backs were a mess and exposed them. . Had she clipped her toe nails in the morning , the game was 2-2.

1) That PK wasn't anywhere near close to going in --- as the announcers pointed out, it had no pace and wasn't close to a corner.

2) It was Stephanie Houghton that took the PK, not Ellen White --- take time from writing down your criticisms about the US team and pay attention to the game.

3) The English coach is so in tune with her team and the game, she chose NOT to have Ellen White take the PK --- guess the European coaches don't have everything figured out.

I never said Ellen White took the pk. Goodness READ

You refer to "she" after referring to Ellen White by name, and then presumably again (unless you meant Rose) in the next couple of sentences with "her".
Ellen White is the only English player you refer to; therefore, Ellen White would be she.
If you can't express your thoughts any more clearly in written form, maybe you should stop until you've taken a class in grammar. Goodness.

The offsides call. You can't read a game or a post.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

We have athletes. We will always have athletes. We don't have the culture of the "Beautiful Game" nor the patience for developing it.

What exactly is our plan B when the European Nations begin to match our athleticism? There is a deeper reason Rapinoe sat, because her athleticism is now being easily matched and by more tactically and technically better players. Rose Lavelle is the mode of player we need more of and she looks like a fish out of water on this team and is frankly wasted here.

We can both appreciate the potential achievement of a three-peat but we seem to be ignoring the trajectory of the European teams relative to our own.

Have the European countries been keeping their best athletes at home? Damn nice of them. They must have a crush on Jill Ellis.

Understand the history of women's soccer. Look at how the gap has closed over the years. Ellen White is better than anyone on our team outside of Rose. Her ability to lose marks is astounding. Seriously, watch her movement as the ball is coming in- she knew our backs were a mess and exposed them. . Had she clipped her toe nails in the morning , the game was 2-2.

1) That PK wasn't anywhere near close to going in --- as the announcers pointed out, it had no pace and wasn't close to a corner.

2) It was Stephanie Houghton that took the PK, not Ellen White --- take time from writing down your criticisms about the US team and pay attention to the game.

3) The English coach is so in tune with her team and the game, she chose NOT to have Ellen White take the PK --- guess the European coaches don't have everything figured out.

The English coach is a he and his name is Phil Neville lol

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

We have athletes. We will always have athletes. We don't have the culture of the "Beautiful Game" nor the patience for developing it.

What exactly is our plan B when the European Nations begin to match our athleticism? There is a deeper reason Rapinoe sat, because her athleticism is now being easily matched and by more tactically and technically better players. Rose Lavelle is the mode of player we need more of and she looks like a fish out of water on this team and is frankly wasted here.

We can both appreciate the potential achievement of a three-peat but we seem to be ignoring the trajectory of the European teams relative to our own.

Have the European countries been keeping their best athletes at home? Damn nice of them. They must have a crush on Jill Ellis.

Understand the history of women's soccer. Look at how the gap has closed over the years. Ellen White is better than anyone on our team outside of Rose. Her ability to lose marks is astounding. Seriously, watch her movement as the ball is coming in- she knew our backs were a mess and exposed them. . Had she clipped her toe nails in the morning , the game was 2-2.

1) That PK wasn't anywhere near close to going in --- as the announcers pointed out, it had no pace and wasn't close to a corner.

2) It was Stephanie Houghton that took the PK, not Ellen White --- take time from writing down your criticisms about the US team and pay attention to the game.

3) The English coach is so in tune with her team and the game, she chose NOT to have Ellen White take the PK --- guess the European coaches don't have everything figured out.

I never said Ellen White took the pk. Goodness READ

You refer to "she" after referring to Ellen White by name, and then presumably again (unless you meant Rose) in the next couple of sentences with "her".
Ellen White is the only English player you refer to; therefore, Ellen White would be she.
If you can't express your thoughts any more clearly in written form, maybe you should stop until you've taken a class in grammar. Goodness.

The offsides call. You can't read a game or a post.

Aw, I stand corrected, thats for clarifying your garbage post.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The success of the USWNT will be the biggest dagger to the heart of US Soccer since the USMNT failed to qualify for the WC. The reason is that if the women win, and they probably will, it will further enable US Soccer to live in the delusion that they know what they are doing. This WWC has revealed several things:
1. The gap has closed. The US women have been outplayed in several games, and other teams probably feel the way NFL fans feel when their team has to play the Patriots: calls and good fortune have been on the US's side.
2. Defense sucks. Our defense I mean. Our CBs are a disaster, and it is the case on both the men's and women's sides. We get away with poor marking consistently, and US Soccer puts little to no emphasis on defense in its courses.
3. Shooting. How many goals have the women's players' skied? We kid ourselves into thinking we play " possession" style ( we don't) , and we will walk the ball in. The women are dreadfully inefficient at volleys and, since we outlaw headers for some ridiculous reason at the youth level, that will cost us too.
4. Coaching- Ellis is a bad coach with great players. She can't sub, she disrupts chemistry, she cannot deal with angry players. Press is a better player than Rapinoe- sorry. She should have been on all along and was only in today due to "injury". That bit of luck saved Ellis. Rapinoe doesn't have the pace to be where Press was when Press scored.
Had the women lost to Spain, as they probably should have, it may have forced changes in US Soccer. Since the women will probably win, US Soccer can point at them and say " See ? We DO know what we are doing?" And play the tired old "The best US athletes play other sports" card. Success sometimes fails, and this is one of those times

So, one one hand, the team has been outplayed in several games, the defense sucks, the center backs are a disaster, we don;t mark, we can't shoot, we can't play a possession game, and they also can't volley?

But on the other hand, they have "great players?"

Internally inconsistent. Make up your mind, OP.

I am the OP. That wasn't I, but it was someone or ones else who understands the game. We do have individually great players, but our system makes them less so. In a very short time, US Soccer has beaten the Creativity out of Pugh, for example
She is a very young woman, and she is being told " do this, do this, and do this" thereby ignoring the instincts that got her where she is. She used to be a lovely take on artist, and now she just looks confused. Try to get this through your head: all of the criticisms I made were valid. The reason winning again will be a dagger is because the twits at US Soccer will now say " The women still win, so what we are doing is right". They are only slightly less thick headed than you are, which is scary. Had we dropped the ball in this WC, that would have been bad short term, but that on top of the men's disaster from the last WC may have forced some changes. Don't be offended just to be offended. Internalize what I am saying. You may disagree with my contention, but you are the one who is confused in analyzing my rationale.

Ok, superstar coach, what are YOU doing about this? Anything other than posting on a forum? Do you coach or run clinics or run a club? It is easy to be a critic. It is hard to coach young people, to deal with self-absorbed adults, and to lead a national team to greatness. Please tell us your hands on solutions, not your pedantic, arm chair observations. That was MY point when I talked about the negativity. Being negative is easy. Making change is hard. So tell us what you are actively doing to make us remain the best in the world.