So Japan are the World Cup champions.
They played simple, on the ground, in control of short passes from player to player.
But USA played well, and especially in the first 25 minutes, and created major problems for Japan with their movement.
The under pressure Japan needed an outlet, somebody to hold it up and to alleviate the pressure. At times it was easy possession for the US. Its fair to say that except for wasteful finishing the US could have been winning 3-0 at half time.
Throughout the 90, USA were on the verge of a win but in the end by not finishing their chances, the US players started to feel frustration and when that happens, you lose confidence. We all know the rest.
No complaints about USA. The US players carried the shirt with pride. They gave all they had. I can can question some performances or the quality of football at times. However, I do not question the US commitment or work rate.
The players have responded to Pia and how she has been calm and positive. She has not ranted after poor performances, she has shown passion she has been very focused on the job in hand. Passion attracts itself. This USA team is full of that. Their biggest victory maybe in bringing attention to the women’s game in the US.
