Anonymous
Post 08/16/2023 13:33     Subject: Re:Women’s World Cup
No way - that's awesome! Spanish have balls lol. That's pretty amazing as it's your talent that is saying this is what I need to win and the federation saying you don't know what you're talking about cause we are responsible for outcomes you only play for us!

Puts US soccer to shame!!! Spanish deserved this - they obviously knew who right coach was.
Anonymous
Post 08/16/2023 12:56     Subject: Women’s World Cup
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:The greatest story of this World Cup is Vilda and the Spanish Federation. No other country could leave 13 national team players home and still make it to the finals. They are undoubtedly the next world power.

Welcome to World Cup final.


Wow. So most players are new to a World Cup?


Last year 15 national teams players submitted a letter saying they will no longer play for the national team unless the coach is fired. This was the federations response

The players will not be allowed to return to the national team in the future unless they apologized to the RFEF and “asked for forgiveness,” the statement reads.
“The RFEF is not going to allow the players to question the continuity of the national coach and his coaching staff, since making those decisions does not fall within their powers,” the statement reads, according to The Athletic’s translation. “The Federation will not admit any type of pressure from any player when adopting sports measures. These types of maneuvers are far from exemplary and outside the values ​​of football and sport and are harmful.”
Anonymous
Post 08/16/2023 12:26     Subject: Women’s World Cup
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:What an incredible semi between Australia and England...can't wait for the final on Sunday!


+1 I was hoping Australia would move on, but England were the better team today. They dominated physically and took advantage of the opportunities they were given. It was unfortunate that some of Australia's usually steady core had off games (Ellie Carpenter and Steph Catley, for example), but hats off to the Lionesses on their first World Cup final. Their coach deserves so much credit for steering them there, especially given the key players who were out with injuries.

While it's not the outcome they wanted, the Matildas could still win the third-place game, which would still be a great outcome for the nation.


England’s coaching staff is really really good. Wonder if Sarina Wiegman would take the US job? She has a lot of connection to the US. England coaching staff came up with the game plan and the players executed it. They took out Australia core players. Very physical game by England by design.


Physical game is what is typically associated with english football from what I understand. It will be interesting to see that style vs the tiki taka that Spain tends to play.
Anonymous
Post 08/16/2023 12:26     Subject: Women’s World Cup
Anonymous wrote:The greatest story of this World Cup is Vilda and the Spanish Federation. No other country could leave 13 national team players home and still make it to the finals. They are undoubtedly the next world power.

Welcome to World Cup final.


Wow. So most players are new to a World Cup?
Anonymous
Post 08/16/2023 12:22     Subject: Re:Women’s World Cup
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.


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


No US does not have the cache of talent playing at World Cup level as the other countries. Absolutely not. Look at development of players - if that's not telling, what is?

It's about aggressiveness, speed and physical attributes (height). It is most definitely NOT about technique. What Spain has is everything US has + technique. England has technique in spades.

The goals that were missed by US was not a coaching thing - it was a player thing. You saw Spain's last goal v NED - that's called technique. NED goal to tie up Spain - that was all technique. Our girls could not kick that ball in. It's not about how many shots on goal as it is, you need to know how to score. It's a team sport and the US don't play soccer the way it's supposed to be played. Now that other women around the world are playing soccer, of course they will be better than us because soccer is is not an American sport culturally. Around the world, they watch soccer just for fun - in the US - we only watch IF US is in the World Cup. That's the difference right there. Developmentally, we are clueless. It's the coach who can make us better but I would suggest in this tournament it was bad coaching + bad players.
Anonymous
Post 08/16/2023 11:53     Subject: Women’s World Cup
Anonymous wrote:The greatest story of this World Cup is Vilda and the Spanish Federation. No other country could leave 13 national team players home and still make it to the finals. They are undoubtedly the next world power.

Welcome to World Cup final.

+1! I do think we received a preview of what the future of global women’s soccer looks like with the Spanish and English. Also, we definitely haven’t seen the last of Australia, Sweden, and Japan. I’m half Japanese and was rooting for them all tournament so I’m still licking my wounds, but I know we’ll be back!
Anonymous
Post 08/16/2023 11:41     Subject: Women’s World Cup
The greatest story of this World Cup is Vilda and the Spanish Federation. No other country could leave 13 national team players home and still make it to the finals. They are undoubtedly the next world power.

Welcome to World Cup final.
Anonymous
Post 08/16/2023 11:05     Subject: Women’s World Cup
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:What an incredible semi between Australia and England...can't wait for the final on Sunday!


+1 I was hoping Australia would move on, but England were the better team today. They dominated physically and took advantage of the opportunities they were given. It was unfortunate that some of Australia's usually steady core had off games (Ellie Carpenter and Steph Catley, for example), but hats off to the Lionesses on their first World Cup final. Their coach deserves so much credit for steering them there, especially given the key players who were out with injuries.

While it's not the outcome they wanted, the Matildas could still win the third-place game, which would still be a great outcome for the nation.


+1. I was also rooting mildly for Aus as I thought it'd be great for the sport to have the home time in the final with the whole country cheering them on. They had also looked very good against Canada, Denmark and France, one of the favorites for the tournament. But England deserved to win. Solid at the back, moved the ball well and controlled it for large parts of the game, and came up with moments of individual brilliance or combinations upfront. Ozzies fought hard, never really looked like completely in control, but had enough individual talent to tie and even win the game. Kerr's goal was a moment of genius, although 1 of the 3 England defenders should have closed her down instead of backing away. Although to be fair, they were trying to close down the pass angles to the runner on the left while trying to keep up with Kerr charging at full speed, and didn't think Kerr posed a direct threat on goal from 30 yards out. They had 3 chances at the end before England scored their 3rd. One of those goes in - not easy chances as two were 1-touch and the goalie made a great save on the third one - and the game turns on its head. Overall a great game. Had everything, and was played at a high speed throughout. Both teams have such amazing athletes, the speed at which they were closing down opponents, including the goalies, even after 90+ minutes was something.

England v Spain will be quite a match-up. On paper and form, Spain might be slightly ahead on paper just because of the way they control the ball and the supreme collection of talent they have. But England has the game and experience to solve whatever problems Spain poses, and my money will be on them.
Anonymous
Post 08/16/2023 10:36     Subject: Women’s World Cup
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:What an incredible semi between Australia and England...can't wait for the final on Sunday!


+1 I was hoping Australia would move on, but England were the better team today. They dominated physically and took advantage of the opportunities they were given. It was unfortunate that some of Australia's usually steady core had off games (Ellie Carpenter and Steph Catley, for example), but hats off to the Lionesses on their first World Cup final. Their coach deserves so much credit for steering them there, especially given the key players who were out with injuries.

While it's not the outcome they wanted, the Matildas could still win the third-place game, which would still be a great outcome for the nation.


I’m Australian and think this is going to be a HUGE boost for girls and women’s soccer in Oz. Also, as a Queenslander, I’m so pleased that, although we only account for 20% of the population, almost half the players are from Queensland. I hope other states (and countries?) take note of what can be achieved through long term, low scale government investment in regional sports programs targeting girls.

https://amp.abc.net.au/article/102703530
Anonymous
Post 08/16/2023 10:31     Subject: Women’s World Cup
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:What an incredible semi between Australia and England...can't wait for the final on Sunday!


+1 I was hoping Australia would move on, but England were the better team today. They dominated physically and took advantage of the opportunities they were given. It was unfortunate that some of Australia's usually steady core had off games (Ellie Carpenter and Steph Catley, for example), but hats off to the Lionesses on their first World Cup final. Their coach deserves so much credit for steering them there, especially given the key players who were out with injuries.

While it's not the outcome they wanted, the Matildas could still win the third-place game, which would still be a great outcome for the nation.


Australian's goal was incredible. But is it me or should England's keeper have been able to at least touch the ball?

I wonder if she will be a weakness against Spain.


No the keeper had no chance on that one.


Why?

Super far-away shot, and the keeper was well-positioned. Maybe she's a bit too short?
Anonymous
Post 08/16/2023 10:22     Subject: Women’s World Cup
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:What an incredible semi between Australia and England...can't wait for the final on Sunday!


+1 I was hoping Australia would move on, but England were the better team today. They dominated physically and took advantage of the opportunities they were given. It was unfortunate that some of Australia's usually steady core had off games (Ellie Carpenter and Steph Catley, for example), but hats off to the Lionesses on their first World Cup final. Their coach deserves so much credit for steering them there, especially given the key players who were out with injuries.

While it's not the outcome they wanted, the Matildas could still win the third-place game, which would still be a great outcome for the nation.


England’s coaching staff is really really good. Wonder if Sarina Wiegman would take the US job? She has a lot of connection to the US. England coaching staff came up with the game plan and the players executed it. They took out Australia core players. Very physical game by England by design.
Anonymous
Post 08/16/2023 10:17     Subject: Women’s World Cup
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:What an incredible semi between Australia and England...can't wait for the final on Sunday!


+1 I was hoping Australia would move on, but England were the better team today. They dominated physically and took advantage of the opportunities they were given. It was unfortunate that some of Australia's usually steady core had off games (Ellie Carpenter and Steph Catley, for example), but hats off to the Lionesses on their first World Cup final. Their coach deserves so much credit for steering them there, especially given the key players who were out with injuries.

While it's not the outcome they wanted, the Matildas could still win the third-place game, which would still be a great outcome for the nation.


Australian's goal was incredible. But is it me or should England's keeper have been able to at least touch the ball?

I wonder if she will be a weakness against Spain.


No the keeper had no chance on that one.
Anonymous
Post 08/16/2023 09:41     Subject: Women’s World Cup
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:What an incredible semi between Australia and England...can't wait for the final on Sunday!


+1 I was hoping Australia would move on, but England were the better team today. They dominated physically and took advantage of the opportunities they were given. It was unfortunate that some of Australia's usually steady core had off games (Ellie Carpenter and Steph Catley, for example), but hats off to the Lionesses on their first World Cup final. Their coach deserves so much credit for steering them there, especially given the key players who were out with injuries.

While it's not the outcome they wanted, the Matildas could still win the third-place game, which would still be a great outcome for the nation.


Australian's goal was incredible. But is it me or should England's keeper have been able to at least touch the ball?

I couldn't believe it went it. You might be right about the keeper, or perhaps it was the viewer's angle? I was thinking that it was selfish for Sam Kerr to take that shot when she had a player making a run, but damn, what a moment.
I wonder if she will be a weakness against Spain.
Anonymous
Post 08/16/2023 09:39     Subject: Women’s World Cup
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:What an incredible semi between Australia and England...can't wait for the final on Sunday!


+1 I was hoping Australia would move on, but England were the better team today. They dominated physically and took advantage of the opportunities they were given. It was unfortunate that some of Australia's usually steady core had off games (Ellie Carpenter and Steph Catley, for example), but hats off to the Lionesses on their first World Cup final. Their coach deserves so much credit for steering them there, especially given the key players who were out with injuries.

While it's not the outcome they wanted, the Matildas could still win the third-place game, which would still be a great outcome for the nation.


Australian's goal was incredible. But is it me or should England's keeper have been able to at least touch the ball?

I wonder if she will be a weakness against Spain.
Anonymous
Post 08/16/2023 09:35     Subject: Women’s World Cup
Anonymous wrote:What an incredible semi between Australia and England...can't wait for the final on Sunday!


+1 I was hoping Australia would move on, but England were the better team today. They dominated physically and took advantage of the opportunities they were given. It was unfortunate that some of Australia's usually steady core had off games (Ellie Carpenter and Steph Catley, for example), but hats off to the Lionesses on their first World Cup final. Their coach deserves so much credit for steering them there, especially given the key players who were out with injuries.

While it's not the outcome they wanted, the Matildas could still win the third-place game, which would still be a great outcome for the nation.