Two-time World Cup champion Carli Lloyd labeled the recent performance of the U.S. women’s team as “unstimulating”, “dull”, and “overly obvious”.
Vlatko Andonovski, the USA team’s manager, defended his squad and claimed it was “absurd” for anyone to doubt his team’s mindset.
After a less-than-impressive display at the World Cup by the U.S. team, reactions swiftly ensued.
The U.S. team narrowly advanced to the final 16 following a 0-0 tie with Portugal, barely evading a tremendous upset in Auckland.
In the final added minute, a pass was lobbed over the U.S. defense.
Portuguese substitute Ana Capeta struck a swift shot past Alyssa Naeher, but to the relief of the numerous American supporters in New Zealand’s national stadium, the ball struck the post instead of landing in the goal.
The U.S., a long-standing top-ranked team worldwide, were just a few inches away from a premature exit at the group stage.
“The real star of the match was the post,” remarked Lloyd, who was instrumental in the U.S.’s World Cup victories in 2015 and 2019. “They’re fortunate they aren’t packing their bags.”
Despite the struggles, they progress to the last 16 as the second-place finishers in Group E with five points, which is their lowest tally in their nine World Cup participations.
Following a 1-1 stalemate with the Netherlands in Wellington the previous week, this was another uncoordinated display that resulted in more queries than solutions.
The Stars and Stripes are noticeably off the mark from the form that previously clinched them successive World Cups.
“We must improve,” conceded Andonovski afterwards.
The U.S. team has five days to regroup and find solutions after two subpar performances by their own lofty standards.
Even the 3-0 victory against the World Cup newcomers, Vietnam, was riddled with missed chances before they had to rally to claim a draw against the Netherlands.
Against Portugal on Tuesday, they created 17 opportunities, but only six were on target.
They failed to score in a World Cup match for the first time since a goalless draw with Sweden in 2015.
Andonovski kept the same initial lineup for the first two matches but decided to introduce two changes against Portugal.
Rose Lavelle, who recently recovered from a knee injury, started after providing the crucial assist in the previous match.
Forward Lynn Williams also debuted in this World Cup as Savannah DeMelo and Trinity Rodman were left out.
However, the USA team was unable to break through a resolute Portuguese defense.
During her interview with Fox Sports, Lloyd didn’t mince her words about the performance.
“It was bland today. They don’t look in shape,” she noted. “They’re playing as individuals, and their tactics can be easily read.
“What’s their direction?” she questioned, drawing a line between confidence and arrogance.
When Lloyd’s remarks were brought up in Andonovski’s post-match press conference, he responded, “This team wanted to win more than anything.
“To question their determination and competitive spirit is madness.
“We’re not pleased with our performance, but we’ve qualified for the next round and we move on.
“In the future, we have to find these crucial moments and ensure we’re in sync.”
The U.S. team will face their next opponent this weekend, likely Sweden, who recently trounced Italy with five goals.
Having previously drawn with the Netherlands, this is only the second time the USA has consecutively failed to win at the World Cup.
“Sweden is a strong team,” said defender Crystal Dunn. “We’ll be as ready as we can to face them.”
Lavelle, who scored in the 2019 final, will miss the next match due to a second yellow card.
“Losing Rose for the next game is a blow,” Dunn admitted.
Forward Alex Morgan called for a significant improvement if the USA wants to reach the quarter-finals.
“We should have navigated our problems better and capitalized on the opportunities we had,” she stated following the Portugal match.
As the U.S. team prepares to head to Australia for their next match, Morgan was asked if they plan to return to New Zealand.
The victors of Sunday’s game will return to Eden Park for a quarter-final match on August 11th.
“That’s the plan,” replied Morgan. “Our aim is to reach the final, which means coming back to New Zealand.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Women’s World Cup 2023
What was the result of the USA vs Portugal match in the Women’s World Cup 2023?
The USA and Portugal had a 0-0 draw in the Women’s World Cup 2023 match.
How did the USA team progress in the World Cup 2023?
The USA team advanced to the last 16 as runners-up in Group E with five points, their lowest tally in their nine World Cup participations.
Who was responsible for the USA’s near miss during the Portugal match?
Portugal substitute Ana Capeta struck a swift shot past Alyssa Naeher, the USA’s goalkeeper. However, the ball hit the post, sparing the USA from defeat.
What are the criticisms regarding the USA’s performance in the Women’s World Cup 2023?
The team’s performance has been called “uninspiring”, “dull”, and “overly obvious”. They are also criticized for playing as individuals and their tactics being too predictable.
What changes were made to the USA lineup for the match against Portugal?
Rose Lavelle, who had recently recovered from a knee injury, started the match. Forward Lynn Williams also made her World Cup debut, as Savannah DeMelo and Trinity Rodman were left out.
Who might the USA team face in their next match at the World Cup 2023?
The USA is likely to face Sweden, who recently put five past Italy in their most recent match.
Who will miss the next match for the USA and why?
Rose Lavelle will miss the next match after receiving a second yellow card in the tournament.
More about Women’s World Cup 2023
- Women’s World Cup 2023 fixtures and results
- USA Women’s National Soccer Team updates
- Vlatko Andonovski’s coaching profile
- Carli Lloyd’s career highlights
- Sweden Women’s National Soccer Team latest news
8 comments
Disappointing, sure, but let’s not forget we’re still in the game! Go USA!
Carli’s comments are spot on! The team needs a fresh approach. Can’t keep being so predictable.
seriously, where’s the team that won back-to-back World Cups?! Need to find that form again quick.
If it is Sweden next, we gotta pull our socks up, else it ain’t gonna be pretty.
That was too close a call! The post was definitely MVP. Heart nearly stopped.
Dunno bout u guys but I think Andonovski needs to shake up the tactics a bit…just saying
rose out for the next match… not good 🙁
Wow, the US team barely made it through. They really need to step up their game for the next round.