[ColoradoTree]

The USWNT draws Australia 0-0 and they're through in second place. It was an organized, defensive match where the US did not look eager to attack--and apparently, that was by design. Obviously Vlatko wants goals, but he apparently told the team to focus on their defensive responsibilities and not concede a goal, and they obviously took that to heart. 

Not looking to score isn't really this team's M.O., but Vlatko seems pleased they were able to execute a game plan. 

O'Hara had a lovely cross for a Morgan header that looked good, but her elbow was just offside, so it was disallowed. Our defense played well, at least, and Tierna Davidson is making Vlatko's decisions on who to start at center back very difficult. 

But something isn't right in the midfield. And that's gotta get fixed if we're going to advance. 

We probably would've been better off losing this match, to be honest, in terms of advancement. Great Britain (Australia's knockout round opponent) looks fine, but Netherlands (ours) is cranking on all cylinders. Granted, they've got weaker opponents in China and Zambia in their group, but they're scoring goals in bunches. On the other hand, backing into the knockout round with a loss doesn't exactly instill confidence in the players. I would've liked a more concerted offensive effort today, precisely because the cost of losing was minimal, but as we're about to play an offensive machine, perhaps a game of learning to stay home and defend better was just what the doctor ordered.

The two best teams in the tournament coming in, a rematch of the last World Cup final, and it happens in a quarterfinal. That's what happens when you sleepwalk through a match against a top 5 team in Sweden, though.

[ColoradoTree]

The USWNT draws Australia 0-0 and they're through in second place. It was an organized, defensive match where the US did not look eager to attack--and apparently, that was by design. Obviously Vlatko wants goals, but he apparently told the team to focus on their defensive responsibilities and not concede a goal, and they obviously took that to heart. 

Not looking to score isn't really this team's M.O., but Vlatko seems pleased they were able to execute a game plan. 

O'Hara had a lovely cross for a Morgan header that looked good, but her elbow was just offside, so it was disallowed. Our defense played well, at least, and Tierna Davidson is making Vlatko's decisions on who to start at center back very difficult. 

But something isn't right in the midfield. And that's gotta get fixed if we're going to advance. 

We probably would've been better off losing this match, to be honest, in terms of advancement. Great Britain (Australia's knockout round opponent) looks fine, but Netherlands (ours) is cranking on all cylinders. Granted, they've got weaker opponents in China and Zambia in their group, but they're scoring goals in bunches. On the other hand, backing into the knockout round with a loss doesn't exactly instill confidence in the players. I would've liked a more concerted offensive effort today, precisely because the cost of losing was minimal, but as we're about to play an offensive machine, perhaps a game of learning to stay home and defend better was just what the doctor ordered.

The two best teams in the tournament coming in, a rematch of the last World Cup final, and it happens in a quarterfinal. That's what happens when you sleepwalk through a match against a top 5 team in Sweden, though.