[BigEasyCard]

We already beat Swedes 2-0 in Group F, so I think we end up facing NED Orange Nation on Sunday. NED won Group E with 3 wins, but with just 6 goals and 2 against. A disciplined, well drilled squad, but not as explosive as ENG. I think we just beat the next best team in the Tourney.

How UK Guardian wrote up the loss for the "Lionesses": 
www.theguardian.com/.../usa-england-womens-world-cup...

Fivethirtyeight.com gives the Netherlands a 57% win probability:
https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/201...id=rrpromo

ESPN Sports Center cites fivethirtyeight.com Finals win probabilities for the USWNT of 65% vs. The Netherlands and 70% vs. Sweden.

And thanks for the link to the Guardian article.  It seemed accurate and fairly written to me.

Geaux Cardinal!

[BigEasyCard]

We already beat Swedes 2-0 in Group F, so I think we end up facing NED Orange Nation on Sunday. NED won Group E with 3 wins, but with just 6 goals and 2 against. A disciplined, well drilled squad, but not as explosive as ENG. I think we just beat the next best team in the Tourney.

How UK Guardian wrote up the loss for the "Lionesses": 
www.theguardian.com/.../usa-england-womens-world-cup...

Fivethirtyeight.com gives the Netherlands a 57% win probability:
https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/201...id=rrpromo

ESPN Sports Center cites fivethirtyeight.com Finals win probabilities for the USWNT of 65% vs. The Netherlands and 70% vs. Sweden.

And thanks for the link to the Guardian article.  It seemed accurate and fairly written to me.

Geaux Cardinal!

[BostonCard]

And the US wins the 2019 women’s World Cup, 2-nil over Netherlands.  W00t!

BC

[BostonCard]

And the US wins the 2019 women’s World Cup, 2-nil over Netherlands.  W00t!

BC

[BobK]

Woot. What a fantastic win and awesome tournament Now pay them !!!!

[BobK]

Woot. What a fantastic win and awesome tournament Now pay them !!!!

[Viking_Guy]

Great run by the USWN TEAM, and I do mean team, in the tournament.  The team's fitness and physicality was truly impressive.  As was their depth and across the board excellence.  Hoping that Kelley recovers quickly.  And that this result will add something to the pressure for better payouts for the women for national team duty.

That said, one major gripe.  

Megan Rapinoe, for as great a finisher as she is, was in no way the best player in the tournament.  She won the Golden Boot, but that's on the basis of goals, and half of her goals were penalty finishes - and she won none of the penalties.  She put her freekick against France in a good spot, and tucked home the cross from Heath, but she also had little impact on defense, even on the forward pressure that the U.S. put on.  Today, she was pretty obviously babying her hamstring, and had little effect on the flow of the game other than finishing the PK.

In today's game, I would've taken van Veenendaal as the most outstanding player overall, followed by Ertz and Lavelle, and I would've taken Ertz for the Golden Ball overall - the U.S. gave up TWO goals in a tournament against the best teams in the world, and her disruption of other's teams' attacks was a big part of the reason.  Most of the chances other teams got were when one of her midfield partners or a wing back turned it over and/or got caught out of position, pulling Ertz wide and letting teams run against the centerbacks.

Valuing defense is tough - since 1970, the men's cup has had only one non-striker/attacking midfielder as a Golden Ball winner - Oliver Kahn in 2002.  Only a few have won Silver or Bronze.

Again, not downplaying the value of Rapinoe's finishing - you only have to look at the tough time the Lionesses (sorry, Yvonne) had with PKs throughout the tourney.  But as overall outstanding player?  Nope.

</vent>,

VG

[Viking_Guy]

Great run by the USWN TEAM, and I do mean team, in the tournament.  The team's fitness and physicality was truly impressive.  As was their depth and across the board excellence.  Hoping that Kelley recovers quickly.  And that this result will add something to the pressure for better payouts for the women for national team duty.

That said, one major gripe.  

Megan Rapinoe, for as great a finisher as she is, was in no way the best player in the tournament.  She won the Golden Boot, but that's on the basis of goals, and half of her goals were penalty finishes - and she won none of the penalties.  She put her freekick against France in a good spot, and tucked home the cross from Heath, but she also had little impact on defense, even on the forward pressure that the U.S. put on.  Today, she was pretty obviously babying her hamstring, and had little effect on the flow of the game other than finishing the PK.

In today's game, I would've taken van Veenendaal as the most outstanding player overall, followed by Ertz and Lavelle, and I would've taken Ertz for the Golden Ball overall - the U.S. gave up TWO goals in a tournament against the best teams in the world, and her disruption of other's teams' attacks was a big part of the reason.  Most of the chances other teams got were when one of her midfield partners or a wing back turned it over and/or got caught out of position, pulling Ertz wide and letting teams run against the centerbacks.

Valuing defense is tough - since 1970, the men's cup has had only one non-striker/attacking midfielder as a Golden Ball winner - Oliver Kahn in 2002.  Only a few have won Silver or Bronze.

Again, not downplaying the value of Rapinoe's finishing - you only have to look at the tough time the Lionesses (sorry, Yvonne) had with PKs throughout the tourney.  But as overall outstanding player?  Nope.

</vent>,

VG

[Treefence]

Great run by the USWN TEAM, and I do mean team, in the tournament.  The team's fitness and physicality was truly impressive.  As was their depth and across the board excellence.  Hoping that Kelley recovers quickly.  And that this result will add something to the pressure for better payouts for the women for national team duty.

That said, one major gripe.  

Megan Rapinoe, for as great a finisher as she is, was in no way the best player in the tournament.  She won the Golden Boot, but that's on the basis of goals, and half of her goals were penalty finishes - and she won none of the penalties.  She put her freekick against France in a good spot, and tucked home the cross from Heath, but she also had little impact on defense, even on the forward pressure that the U.S. put on.  Today, she was pretty obviously babying her hamstring, and had little effect on the flow of the game other than finishing the PK.

In today's game, I would've taken van Veenendaal as the most outstanding player overall, followed by Ertz and Lavelle, and I would've taken Ertz for the Golden Ball overall - the U.S. gave up TWO goals in a tournament against the best teams in the world, and her disruption of other's teams' attacks was a big part of the reason.  Most of the chances other teams got were when one of her midfield partners or a wing back turned it over and/or got caught out of position, pulling Ertz wide and letting teams run against the centerbacks.

Valuing defense is tough - since 1970, the men's cup has had only one non-striker/attacking midfielder as a Golden Ball winner - Oliver Kahn in 2002.  Only a few have won Silver or Bronze.

Again, not downplaying the value of Rapinoe's finishing - you only have to look at the tough time the Lionesses (sorry, Yvonne) had with PKs throughout the tourney.  But as overall outstanding player?  Nope.

</vent>,

VG

I agree with your thoughts on Rapinoe, I thought she disappointing in about half the games, even Spain when she had 2 PK goals.  I think part of that is that I expect a lot from her, because she is a top 10 player in the world.  I honestly thought O'hara and Ertz had better tournaments.

[Treefence]

Great run by the USWN TEAM, and I do mean team, in the tournament.  The team's fitness and physicality was truly impressive.  As was their depth and across the board excellence.  Hoping that Kelley recovers quickly.  And that this result will add something to the pressure for better payouts for the women for national team duty.

That said, one major gripe.  

Megan Rapinoe, for as great a finisher as she is, was in no way the best player in the tournament.  She won the Golden Boot, but that's on the basis of goals, and half of her goals were penalty finishes - and she won none of the penalties.  She put her freekick against France in a good spot, and tucked home the cross from Heath, but she also had little impact on defense, even on the forward pressure that the U.S. put on.  Today, she was pretty obviously babying her hamstring, and had little effect on the flow of the game other than finishing the PK.

In today's game, I would've taken van Veenendaal as the most outstanding player overall, followed by Ertz and Lavelle, and I would've taken Ertz for the Golden Ball overall - the U.S. gave up TWO goals in a tournament against the best teams in the world, and her disruption of other's teams' attacks was a big part of the reason.  Most of the chances other teams got were when one of her midfield partners or a wing back turned it over and/or got caught out of position, pulling Ertz wide and letting teams run against the centerbacks.

Valuing defense is tough - since 1970, the men's cup has had only one non-striker/attacking midfielder as a Golden Ball winner - Oliver Kahn in 2002.  Only a few have won Silver or Bronze.

Again, not downplaying the value of Rapinoe's finishing - you only have to look at the tough time the Lionesses (sorry, Yvonne) had with PKs throughout the tourney.  But as overall outstanding player?  Nope.

</vent>,

VG

I agree with your thoughts on Rapinoe, I thought she disappointing in about half the games, even Spain when she had 2 PK goals.  I think part of that is that I expect a lot from her, because she is a top 10 player in the world.  I honestly thought O'hara and Ertz had better tournaments.

[Farm93]

I have no problem with Megan as best player.

Alex scored most of her 6 goals against Thailand, so hard to claim she was more deserving of the tournament award.
BTW - Megan was not just the golden boot winner, she also was the USA's captain on the pitch so someone would need amazing contributions to bump out Megan.

Beyond goals and the armband, early in the final it was Megan's runs down the edge that exhausted the Netherlands back line.   Most of those services were hopelessly out of reach, but she was attacking them with enough credibility that the defenders had to run them down.  Then in the last 15 minutes of the first half and the majority of the second half the Dutch back line was just too tired to properly mark attacks by most of the USA attackers.   So Megan should get credit for softening that defense.

Megan was captain of the winning team, golden boot winner (even with others getting a number of meaningless goals against Thailand), scored go ahead goal in final, and was largely responsible for exhausting the opponent's back line early in the final.   That player will get the best player award for the tournament most of the time. 

Remember, the silver award went to England's Lucy Bronze.   No way she was more deserving than Megan.
Next up with the bronze award was Rose Lavelle.   Her goal in the final game was nice, but early in the tournament she struggled a touch in round robin play and two or her three goals were against Thailand.  Very hard to see how she gets the honor over Megan.

So given the available options....Megan, Lucy, Rose and Alex.   Megan is a rather easy choice.

O BTW - Like in many sports the best player awards are normally given to scorers.   Just the way it is.  Given the options Megan was the only choice.

[Farm93]

I have no problem with Megan as best player.

Alex scored most of her 6 goals against Thailand, so hard to claim she was more deserving of the tournament award.
BTW - Megan was not just the golden boot winner, she also was the USA's captain on the pitch so someone would need amazing contributions to bump out Megan.

Beyond goals and the armband, early in the final it was Megan's runs down the edge that exhausted the Netherlands back line.   Most of those services were hopelessly out of reach, but she was attacking them with enough credibility that the defenders had to run them down.  Then in the last 15 minutes of the first half and the majority of the second half the Dutch back line was just too tired to properly mark attacks by most of the USA attackers.   So Megan should get credit for softening that defense.

Megan was captain of the winning team, golden boot winner (even with others getting a number of meaningless goals against Thailand), scored go ahead goal in final, and was largely responsible for exhausting the opponent's back line early in the final.   That player will get the best player award for the tournament most of the time. 

Remember, the silver award went to England's Lucy Bronze.   No way she was more deserving than Megan.
Next up with the bronze award was Rose Lavelle.   Her goal in the final game was nice, but early in the tournament she struggled a touch in round robin play and two or her three goals were against Thailand.  Very hard to see how she gets the honor over Megan.

So given the available options....Megan, Lucy, Rose and Alex.   Megan is a rather easy choice.

O BTW - Like in many sports the best player awards are normally given to scorers.   Just the way it is.  Given the options Megan was the only choice.

[Mick]

Great run by the USWN TEAM, and I do mean team, in the tournament.  The team's fitness and physicality was truly impressive.  As was their depth and across the board excellence.  Hoping that Kelley recovers quickly.  And that this result will add something to the pressure for better payouts for the women for national team duty.

That said, one major gripe.  

Megan Rapinoe, for as great a finisher as she is, was in no way the best player in the tournament.  She won the Golden Boot, but that's on the basis of goals, and half of her goals were penalty finishes - and she won none of the penalties.  She put her freekick against France in a good spot, and tucked home the cross from Heath, but she also had little impact on defense, even on the forward pressure that the U.S. put on.  Today, she was pretty obviously babying her hamstring, and had little effect on the flow of the game other than finishing the PK.

In today's game, I would've taken van Veenendaal as the most outstanding player overall, followed by Ertz and Lavelle, and I would've taken Ertz for the Golden Ball overall - the U.S. gave up TWO goals in a tournament against the best teams in the world, and her disruption of other's teams' attacks was a big part of the reason.  Most of the chances other teams got were when one of her midfield partners or a wing back turned it over and/or got caught out of position, pulling Ertz wide and letting teams run against the centerbacks.

Valuing defense is tough - since 1970, the men's cup has had only one non-striker/attacking midfielder as a Golden Ball winner - Oliver Kahn in 2002.  Only a few have won Silver or Bronze.

Again, not downplaying the value of Rapinoe's finishing - you only have to look at the tough time the Lionesses (sorry, Yvonne) had with PKs throughout the tourney.  But as overall outstanding player?  Nope.

</vent>,

VG

Have to agree on Ertz.  Best on the team, IMHO, for this World Cup.  But no one values lockdown defense when handing out awards, in any sport.  Look at the Hiesman trophy.  Only about 15 defensive players have even finished in the top five in voting...ever.

[Mick]

Great run by the USWN TEAM, and I do mean team, in the tournament.  The team's fitness and physicality was truly impressive.  As was their depth and across the board excellence.  Hoping that Kelley recovers quickly.  And that this result will add something to the pressure for better payouts for the women for national team duty.

That said, one major gripe.  

Megan Rapinoe, for as great a finisher as she is, was in no way the best player in the tournament.  She won the Golden Boot, but that's on the basis of goals, and half of her goals were penalty finishes - and she won none of the penalties.  She put her freekick against France in a good spot, and tucked home the cross from Heath, but she also had little impact on defense, even on the forward pressure that the U.S. put on.  Today, she was pretty obviously babying her hamstring, and had little effect on the flow of the game other than finishing the PK.

In today's game, I would've taken van Veenendaal as the most outstanding player overall, followed by Ertz and Lavelle, and I would've taken Ertz for the Golden Ball overall - the U.S. gave up TWO goals in a tournament against the best teams in the world, and her disruption of other's teams' attacks was a big part of the reason.  Most of the chances other teams got were when one of her midfield partners or a wing back turned it over and/or got caught out of position, pulling Ertz wide and letting teams run against the centerbacks.

Valuing defense is tough - since 1970, the men's cup has had only one non-striker/attacking midfielder as a Golden Ball winner - Oliver Kahn in 2002.  Only a few have won Silver or Bronze.

Again, not downplaying the value of Rapinoe's finishing - you only have to look at the tough time the Lionesses (sorry, Yvonne) had with PKs throughout the tourney.  But as overall outstanding player?  Nope.

</vent>,

VG

Have to agree on Ertz.  Best on the team, IMHO, for this World Cup.  But no one values lockdown defense when handing out awards, in any sport.  Look at the Hiesman trophy.  Only about 15 defensive players have even finished in the top five in voting...ever.

[yvonne]

Apropos of pretty much nothing in this thread.... 

If you're into buying uniforms and jerseys, the USWNT's uniform is really sweet. I saw it at the Nike outlet. You can't see this on TV, but in palest gray on the back of the shirt are the names of each state.

[yvonne]

Apropos of pretty much nothing in this thread.... 

If you're into buying uniforms and jerseys, the USWNT's uniform is really sweet. I saw it at the Nike outlet. You can't see this on TV, but in palest gray on the back of the shirt are the names of each state.

[cardcrimson]

Apropos of pretty much nothing in this thread.... 

If you're into buying uniforms and jerseys, the USWNT's uniform is really sweet. I saw it at the Nike outlet. You can't see this on TV, but in palest gray on the back of the shirt are the names of each state.

Is there an American flag on the jerseys as well?

[cardcrimson]

Apropos of pretty much nothing in this thread.... 

If you're into buying uniforms and jerseys, the USWNT's uniform is really sweet. I saw it at the Nike outlet. You can't see this on TV, but in palest gray on the back of the shirt are the names of each state.

Is there an American flag on the jerseys as well?

[BostonCard]

https://www.military.com/flag-day/us-flag-code.html

Not that anyone pays attention to it any more, but the US flag code states the following:

No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.

BC

[BostonCard]

https://www.military.com/flag-day/us-flag-code.html

Not that anyone pays attention to it any more, but the US flag code states the following:

No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.

BC

[ColoradoTree]

Apropos of pretty much nothing in this thread.... 

If you're into buying uniforms and jerseys, the USWNT's uniform is really sweet. I saw it at the Nike outlet. You can't see this on TV, but in palest gray on the back of the shirt are the names of each state.

Is there an American flag on the jerseys as well?

I don't believe so. They have stars-and-stripes motifs, but not the flag itself.

[ColoradoTree]

Apropos of pretty much nothing in this thread.... 

If you're into buying uniforms and jerseys, the USWNT's uniform is really sweet. I saw it at the Nike outlet. You can't see this on TV, but in palest gray on the back of the shirt are the names of each state.

Is there an American flag on the jerseys as well?

I don't believe so. They have stars-and-stripes motifs, but not the flag itself.

[CTcard]

https://www.military.com/flag-day/us-flag-code.html

Not that anyone pays attention to it any more, but the US flag code states the following:

No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.

BC

Interesting.

Mostly I think I have seen the Army, Navy and Air Force football teams following the rule broadly - with lots of patches but not flag uniforms.

The "no part of the flag" phrase is rather tricky to interpret. Would the shoulders or helmets on these uniforms be a "part of the flag"?




I think that is fine because the idea was to be a version of the original naval jack, which copied the Gadsden Don't Tread on Me phrase and snake, though otherwise looked completely different. That is therefore not the flag of the country, but there is a "part" there.




I've not seen the academies with this kind of monstrosity, which would certainly qualify as not paying attention anymore.

[CTcard]

https://www.military.com/flag-day/us-flag-code.html

Not that anyone pays attention to it any more, but the US flag code states the following:

No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.

BC

Interesting.

Mostly I think I have seen the Army, Navy and Air Force football teams following the rule broadly - with lots of patches but not flag uniforms.

The "no part of the flag" phrase is rather tricky to interpret. Would the shoulders or helmets on these uniforms be a "part of the flag"?




I think that is fine because the idea was to be a version of the original naval jack, which copied the Gadsden Don't Tread on Me phrase and snake, though otherwise looked completely different. That is therefore not the flag of the country, but there is a "part" there.




I've not seen the academies with this kind of monstrosity, which would certainly qualify as not paying attention anymore.

[yvonne]

The US soccer federation adopts a flag motif in its logo/federation badge.

[yvonne]

The US soccer federation adopts a flag motif in its logo/federation badge.