Women’s World Cup

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It makes sense that all national team players should get paid the same. The olympics works this way. All athletes make the same when they medal, male and female, regardless of sport. Gymnastics and basketball make the revenue but fencing and greco roman wrestling get paid the same.

But they're all participating at the same event; broadcasted in the same contiguous block of time. Are you saying Special Olympics athletes get paid the same?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's striking how little interest there seems to be outside of discussing the USWNT in what has been an amazing tournament. This morning's game was another close one, with late drama, including another goal scored by Spain's 19-year-old super sub.

Can't wait until tomorrow morning, when I will be rooting for the Matildas to continue their storybook run.

+1. I was expecting Sweden to wear Spain down, which is what they did for 2/3 of the game to Japan. Even though Japan had looked better than Spain in possessing the ball and launching slick-passing attacks, at least the early stage of the tournament. The difference I thought is that Spain is not just technical and slick in their passing, they are also (a) physically strong and fast in key positions, (b) able to adapt tactics and playing XI from match to match.

Against Sweden and Netherlands, I thought Spain's approach was similar to their men's team in 2010. Dominate the midfield with superior technical skills, rapid ball recovery and passing. But not go forward in big numbers so that they remain secure at the back against the counter. Possession itself becomes a defensive strategy, and the lack of shots on goal is deceptive because the control of the game is what they are after to win what they know will be a tight game. The CBs were great 1-on-1, the fullbacks were hardworking and didn't bomb forward without someone (a mid) covering them and/or the other full back staying back to create a 3-back, and the 6 (wearing jersey #3) I thought was the underappreciated best player of the game today. When the half-fit Putellas (who showed some nice skills in the 1st half and helped the midfield control the game) was replaced around the 55th by the 19yo from Barca, it was exactly the right move as she could run at tiring defenders and provide an outlet upfront. Really enjoyed the game. Sweden played a good game as well. Tactics were spot-on, and with a bit of luck they could have won just like they did in the earlier rounds.

Couldn't help thinking (once again) that the USWNT was badly undone by the boneheaded coach's refusal to use subs strategically. Both Sweden and Spain, along with every other surviving team, have been doing it so well. There is a plan and pattern to their subbing, as well as flexibility. Subbing in a knockout stage of a WC is not a passive thing that one does only when forced to (injury or stamina or someone not playing well). It is done to change the balance of a game, make a tactical switch or to use your resources maximally.

Both Sweden and Spain had smart and brave coaches, whereas the USWNT allowed a few divas to take over the team and fail spectacularly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It makes sense that all national team players should get paid the same. The olympics works this way. All athletes make the same when they medal, male and female, regardless of sport. Gymnastics and basketball make the revenue but fencing and greco roman wrestling get paid the same.

But they're all participating at the same event; broadcasted in the same contiguous block of time. Are you saying Special Olympics athletes get paid the same?

Therefore all participants should be paid the same. Why are US women earning 10-20x over other countries? I say spread the wealth equally.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's striking how little interest there seems to be outside of discussing the USWNT in what has been an amazing tournament. This morning's game was another close one, with late drama, including another goal scored by Spain's 19-year-old super sub.

Can't wait until tomorrow morning, when I will be rooting for the Matildas to continue their storybook run.

+1. I was expecting Sweden to wear Spain down, which is what they did for 2/3 of the game to Japan. Even though Japan had looked better than Spain in possessing the ball and launching slick-passing attacks, at least the early stage of the tournament. The difference I thought is that Spain is not just technical and slick in their passing, they are also (a) physically strong and fast in key positions, (b) able to adapt tactics and playing XI from match to match.

Against Sweden and Netherlands, I thought Spain's approach was similar to their men's team in 2010. Dominate the midfield with superior technical skills, rapid ball recovery and passing. But not go forward in big numbers so that they remain secure at the back against the counter. Possession itself becomes a defensive strategy, and the lack of shots on goal is deceptive because the control of the game is what they are after to win what they know will be a tight game. The CBs were great 1-on-1, the fullbacks were hardworking and didn't bomb forward without someone (a mid) covering them and/or the other full back staying back to create a 3-back, and the 6 (wearing jersey #3) I thought was the underappreciated best player of the game today. When the half-fit Putellas (who showed some nice skills in the 1st half and helped the midfield control the game) was replaced around the 55th by the 19yo from Barca, it was exactly the right move as she could run at tiring defenders and provide an outlet upfront. Really enjoyed the game. Sweden played a good game as well. Tactics were spot-on, and with a bit of luck they could have won just like they did in the earlier rounds.

Couldn't help thinking (once again) that the USWNT was badly undone by the boneheaded coach's refusal to use subs strategically. Both Sweden and Spain, along with every other surviving team, have been doing it so well. There is a plan and pattern to their subbing, as well as flexibility. Subbing in a knockout stage of a WC is not a passive thing that one does only when forced to (injury or stamina or someone not playing well). It is done to change the balance of a game, make a tactical switch or to use your resources maximally.

Both Sweden and Spain had smart and brave coaches, whereas the USWNT allowed a few divas to take over the team and fail spectacularly.

Lol the game planning and adjustments made by both the Swedish and Spanish coaching staffs were well beyond anything a US coaches could do or even understand. The US coaches do not even understand who the best players are.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's striking how little interest there seems to be outside of discussing the USWNT in what has been an amazing tournament. This morning's game was another close one, with late drama, including another goal scored by Spain's 19-year-old super sub.

Can't wait until tomorrow morning, when I will be rooting for the Matildas to continue their storybook run.

+1. I was expecting Sweden to wear Spain down, which is what they did for 2/3 of the game to Japan. Even though Japan had looked better than Spain in possessing the ball and launching slick-passing attacks, at least the early stage of the tournament. The difference I thought is that Spain is not just technical and slick in their passing, they are also (a) physically strong and fast in key positions, (b) able to adapt tactics and playing XI from match to match.

Against Sweden and Netherlands, I thought Spain's approach was similar to their men's team in 2010. Dominate the midfield with superior technical skills, rapid ball recovery and passing. But not go forward in big numbers so that they remain secure at the back against the counter. Possession itself becomes a defensive strategy, and the lack of shots on goal is deceptive because the control of the game is what they are after to win what they know will be a tight game. The CBs were great 1-on-1, the fullbacks were hardworking and didn't bomb forward without someone (a mid) covering them and/or the other full back staying back to create a 3-back, and the 6 (wearing jersey #3) I thought was the underappreciated best player of the game today. When the half-fit Putellas (who showed some nice skills in the 1st half and helped the midfield control the game) was replaced around the 55th by the 19yo from Barca, it was exactly the right move as she could run at tiring defenders and provide an outlet upfront. Really enjoyed the game. Sweden played a good game as well. Tactics were spot-on, and with a bit of luck they could have won just like they did in the earlier rounds.

Couldn't help thinking (once again) that the USWNT was badly undone by the boneheaded coach's refusal to use subs strategically. Both Sweden and Spain, along with every other surviving team, have been doing it so well. There is a plan and pattern to their subbing, as well as flexibility. Subbing in a knockout stage of a WC is not a passive thing that one does only when forced to (injury or stamina or someone not playing well). It is done to change the balance of a game, make a tactical switch or to use your resources maximally.

Both Sweden and Spain had smart and brave coaches, whereas the USWNT allowed a few divas to take over the team and fail spectacularly.

For those who are actual soccer fans and not just Rapinoe haters, there have been some thoughtful critiques of the coaching in the podcast world, particularly from Tobin Heath and Christen Press (on the ReCap show) and especially from Arsenal women's coach Jonas Eideval on Men in Blazers. There are strong arguments that it wasn't a lack of talented players but rather a team composition and tactical decisions that did not maximize the players' talents.

Here's the link to the Men in Blazers episode:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmNpQHF0Dyw

I was also impressed by Tobin Heath's discussion with NWSL player Jess Fishlock about what didn't work for the USWNT:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAOOi3LlKE4

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It makes sense that all national team players should get paid the same. The olympics works this way. All athletes make the same when they medal, male and female, regardless of sport. Gymnastics and basketball make the revenue but fencing and greco roman wrestling get paid the same.

No. The Olympics are not the same as a the World Cup. Men’s soccer generates a lot of revenue while women’s soccer does not. Should the NBA and WNBA get paid the same? Should Dwayne Johnson or Brad Pitt get paid the same as Amber Heard or Arielle Kebbel?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's striking how little interest there seems to be outside of discussing the USWNT in what has been an amazing tournament. This morning's game was another close one, with late drama, including another goal scored by Spain's 19-year-old super sub.

Can't wait until tomorrow morning, when I will be rooting for the Matildas to continue their storybook run.

+1. I was expecting Sweden to wear Spain down, which is what they did for 2/3 of the game to Japan. Even though Japan had looked better than Spain in possessing the ball and launching slick-passing attacks, at least the early stage of the tournament. The difference I thought is that Spain is not just technical and slick in their passing, they are also (a) physically strong and fast in key positions, (b) able to adapt tactics and playing XI from match to match.

Against Sweden and Netherlands, I thought Spain's approach was similar to their men's team in 2010. Dominate the midfield with superior technical skills, rapid ball recovery and passing. But not go forward in big numbers so that they remain secure at the back against the counter. Possession itself becomes a defensive strategy, and the lack of shots on goal is deceptive because the control of the game is what they are after to win what they know will be a tight game. The CBs were great 1-on-1, the fullbacks were hardworking and didn't bomb forward without someone (a mid) covering them and/or the other full back staying back to create a 3-back, and the 6 (wearing jersey #3) I thought was the underappreciated best player of the game today. When the half-fit Putellas (who showed some nice skills in the 1st half and helped the midfield control the game) was replaced around the 55th by the 19yo from Barca, it was exactly the right move as she could run at tiring defenders and provide an outlet upfront. Really enjoyed the game. Sweden played a good game as well. Tactics were spot-on, and with a bit of luck they could have won just like they did in the earlier rounds.

Couldn't help thinking (once again) that the USWNT was badly undone by the boneheaded coach's refusal to use subs strategically. Both Sweden and Spain, along with every other surviving team, have been doing it so well. There is a plan and pattern to their subbing, as well as flexibility. Subbing in a knockout stage of a WC is not a passive thing that one does only when forced to (injury or stamina or someone not playing well). It is done to change the balance of a game, make a tactical switch or to use your resources maximally.

Great semi-final. I'm impressed by the players' willingness to take long shots and that the shots are going in!

I've only read a bit on the Spain coach issues. I wish the situation was better for the players and those who were originally on the team.

Agreed. I can't help but wonder how the players who opted out feel now that the team is in the finals and might actually win.

They are bitter like I would be. I would have loved to see the Spanish team at full strength. Putellas is still recovering. She is a shadow of what she was. Maybe another 4-6 months before she gets it all back.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It makes sense that all national team players should get paid the same. The olympics works this way. All athletes make the same when they medal, male and female, regardless of sport. Gymnastics and basketball make the revenue but fencing and greco roman wrestling get paid the same.

But they're all participating at the same event; broadcasted in the same contiguous block of time. Are you saying Special Olympics athletes get paid the same?

Therefore all participants should be paid the same. Why are US women earning 10-20x over other countries? I say spread the wealth equally.

Different countries get paid differently for medaling at the Olympics as well. But the Men's World Cup and the Women's World Cup are not the same event. They're different; at different times, with different broadcast partners and sponsors.

Payouts at the the Olympics also seem much lower, probably owing to the fact that it was centered around amateur athletics for so long.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's striking how little interest there seems to be outside of discussing the USWNT in what has been an amazing tournament. This morning's game was another close one, with late drama, including another goal scored by Spain's 19-year-old super sub.

Can't wait until tomorrow morning, when I will be rooting for the Matildas to continue their storybook run.

+1. I was expecting Sweden to wear Spain down, which is what they did for 2/3 of the game to Japan. Even though Japan had looked better than Spain in possessing the ball and launching slick-passing attacks, at least the early stage of the tournament. The difference I thought is that Spain is not just technical and slick in their passing, they are also (a) physically strong and fast in key positions, (b) able to adapt tactics and playing XI from match to match.

Against Sweden and Netherlands, I thought Spain's approach was similar to their men's team in 2010. Dominate the midfield with superior technical skills, rapid ball recovery and passing. But not go forward in big numbers so that they remain secure at the back against the counter. Possession itself becomes a defensive strategy, and the lack of shots on goal is deceptive because the control of the game is what they are after to win what they know will be a tight game. The CBs were great 1-on-1, the fullbacks were hardworking and didn't bomb forward without someone (a mid) covering them and/or the other full back staying back to create a 3-back, and the 6 (wearing jersey #3) I thought was the underappreciated best player of the game today. When the half-fit Putellas (who showed some nice skills in the 1st half and helped the midfield control the game) was replaced around the 55th by the 19yo from Barca, it was exactly the right move as she could run at tiring defenders and provide an outlet upfront. Really enjoyed the game. Sweden played a good game as well. Tactics were spot-on, and with a bit of luck they could have won just like they did in the earlier rounds.

Couldn't help thinking (once again) that the USWNT was badly undone by the boneheaded coach's refusal to use subs strategically. Both Sweden and Spain, along with every other surviving team, have been doing it so well. There is a plan and pattern to their subbing, as well as flexibility. Subbing in a knockout stage of a WC is not a passive thing that one does only when forced to (injury or stamina or someone not playing well). It is done to change the balance of a game, make a tactical switch or to use your resources maximally.

Both Sweden and Spain had smart and brave coaches, whereas the USWNT allowed a few divas to take over the team and fail spectacularly.

Lol the game planning and adjustments made by both the Swedish and Spanish coaching staffs were well beyond anything a US coaches could do or even understand. The US coaches do not even understand who the best players are.

Very true.

Worse, US players didn't even understand what's the role of a coach...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It makes sense that all national team players should get paid the same. The olympics works this way. All athletes make the same when they medal, male and female, regardless of sport. Gymnastics and basketball make the revenue but fencing and greco roman wrestling get paid the same.

But they're all participating at the same event; broadcasted in the same contiguous block of time. Are you saying Special Olympics athletes get paid the same?

Therefore all participants should be paid the same. Why are US women earning 10-20x over other countries? I say spread the wealth equally.

Different countries get paid differently for medaling at the Olympics as well. But the Men's World Cup and the Women's World Cup are not the same event. They're different; at different times, with different broadcast partners and sponsors.

Payouts at the the Olympics also seem much lower, probably owing to the fact that it was centered around amateur athletics for so long.

The summer and winter olympics are not the same event. They are at different times, different broadcast contracts. And yet everyone is still paid the same. Men, women, regardless of their event as they are competing internationally representing their country.

Yes, there are differences from the olympics but USNT soccer isn’t all that different to make a case for equal payment. Enough people agreed and that’s the current deal. You really don’t want the womens team to get paid the same in soccer out of some concept of fairness but don’t mind it in the olympics ? Your selective outrage is telling

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It makes sense that all national team players should get paid the same. The olympics works this way. All athletes make the same when they medal, male and female, regardless of sport. Gymnastics and basketball make the revenue but fencing and greco roman wrestling get paid the same.

But they're all participating at the same event; broadcasted in the same contiguous block of time. Are you saying Special Olympics athletes get paid the same?

Therefore all participants should be paid the same. Why are US women earning 10-20x over other countries? I say spread the wealth equally.

Different countries get paid differently for medaling at the Olympics as well. But the Men's World Cup and the Women's World Cup are not the same event. They're different; at different times, with different broadcast partners and sponsors.

Payouts at the the Olympics also seem much lower, probably owing to the fact that it was centered around amateur athletics for so long.

The summer and winter olympics are not the same event. They are at different times, different broadcast contracts. And yet everyone is still paid the same. Men, women, regardless of their event as they are competing internationally representing their country.

Yes, there are differences from the olympics but USNT soccer isn’t all that different to make a case for equal payment. Enough people agreed and that’s the current deal. You really don’t want the womens team to get paid the same in soccer out of some concept of fairness but don’t mind it in the olympics ? Your selective outrage is telling

The Olympics men’s soccer 23 and under. Maybe the women should so the same?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It makes sense that all national team players should get paid the same. The olympics works this way. All athletes make the same when they medal, male and female, regardless of sport. Gymnastics and basketball make the revenue but fencing and greco roman wrestling get paid the same.

But they're all participating at the same event; broadcasted in the same contiguous block of time. Are you saying Special Olympics athletes get paid the same?

Therefore all participants should be paid the same. Why are US women earning 10-20x over other countries? I say spread the wealth equally.

Different countries get paid differently for medaling at the Olympics as well. But the Men's World Cup and the Women's World Cup are not the same event. They're different; at different times, with different broadcast partners and sponsors.

Payouts at the the Olympics also seem much lower, probably owing to the fact that it was centered around amateur athletics for so long.

The summer and winter olympics are not the same event. They are at different times, different broadcast contracts. And yet everyone is still paid the same. Men, women, regardless of their event as they are competing internationally representing their country.

Yes, there are differences from the olympics but USNT soccer isn’t all that different to make a case for equal payment. Enough people agreed and that’s the current deal. You really don’t want the womens team to get paid the same in soccer out of some concept of fairness but don’t mind it in the olympics ? Your selective outrage is telling

The U.S. paid $37,500 for gold in the Olympics. I'm sure USWNT would be happy to have their World Cup pay reduced to this amount and have the rest go to the development of the game, so long as it's equal to the men .

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There are strong arguments that it wasn't a lack of talented players but rather a team composition and tactical decisions that did not maximize the players' talents.

But, but, what about all the people claiming "go woke, go broke" in this thread and on Twitter? Why must you introduce logic and reason?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are strong arguments that it wasn't a lack of talented players but rather a team composition and tactical decisions that did not maximize the players' talents.

But, but, what about all the people claiming "go woke, go broke" in this thread and on Twitter? Why must you introduce logic and reason?

In this case those people were right.

[Anonymous]

What an incredible semi between Australia and England...can't wait for the final on Sunday!