Sweden played good enough defense for 120 minutes to deny the dominant Americans, and in the penalty shootout, three US players managed to waste their PKs. Rapinoe had a chance to win it and blew it, skying her attempt, and Sophia Smith also had a chance, banging it off the post. Naeher saved one and scored one, and nearly kept Sweden's winner out--it crept in by a millimeter.
Do you remember the promo ads aired by the networks? US players were trotted out to tell the world "Good luck" trying to oust them from the tournament. Well, cue the pratfall and laughter. I know the players didn't write those lines, but there is no way in the world I would have smirked arrogantly on camera and declared my team unbeatable. It was fitting that Rapinoe, who has made herself the center of attention for a decade, was the one who choked this one away. Her wry smile after her awful miss said it all. She doesn't really care, not the way the others do. I trust she won't be getting endorsements so much now.
Andonovski has to go. He's not the only issue, but he has not got the best out of these players. I don't understand how Alex Morgan always starts up top, for instance. She was a dud in every game.
I'll be getting more sleep now. I suppose I'll root for Australia from here on.
I never thought the US was that dominant this time anyhow. Just like UNC once dominated the women's college ranks, but does so no longer. Our era is over. The best of the rest of the world has caught up with us.
ReplyDeleteWe definitely looked stronger than #3 Sweden in this game. You're right: the global hierarchy is shifting. Brazil and Germany didn't even make it out of their groups.
ReplyDeleteEngland may be in trouble now. Red card problems.
Deletemany a match has been lost by the dominant team
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