was a brutal decision by Naeher. It was a pass back. Either go for the short pass to Sauerbrunn early, or if you are going to wait to draw everyone back, boot it up.
The worst thing to do is draw everyone back, and then meekly pass it up the middle to Sauerbrunn where there were two Spain players and no other US woman in sight.
she reminds me of what Allison was doing in his early games w/Liverpool, being too cute, making the precision passes to his covered backs when there was zero need. As you say, clear the traffic in front. Then she almost did it again by attempted clearance along the goal line.
However, Sauerbrun didn't play it well either.
I continue not to like Dunn's play in back. Move her to MF
Rapinoe needs to come out, she is doing enough to take advantage of this. Spain is also going down on all contact, but they've cleaned that up as they realized they weren't getting the calls they wantex
After this performance against a quality opponent and France being at home I'd think so. Maybe this is the tune up they needed, first time they've really been pressured defensively.
A clear penalty. Kick someone in the box with studs up. Clear as day honestly.
That call was right. It didn't look like a hard foul but the Spanish player missed the ball while trying to play it and got the American player with studs showing on the leg. Penalty all day long if it occurs in the box even if the contact wasn't enough to cause injury. VAR with a Champions League level ref looking at the replay confirmed the penalty
high spikes penalties all over in the WWC so far, so I guess it's consistent...maybe something they are emphasizing?
The VAR so far has been over the top in this competition, seems like they go to it almost too often and even some questionable decisions being made with VAR. For a big obvious call it's good to get it right, but on some of the borderline stuff I'd rather they let it go (like the offside on Cameroon goal vs Eng, how the team reacted aside - that seemed razor close to me).
high spikes penalties all over in the WWC so far, so I guess it's consistent...maybe something they are emphasizing?
The VAR so far has been over the top in this competition, seems like they go to it almost too often and even some questionable decisions being made with VAR. For a big obvious call it's good to get it right, but on some of the borderline stuff I'd rather they let it go (like the offside on Cameroon goal vs Eng, how the team reacted aside - that seemed razor close to me).
And rightfully so. Studs-open tackles are dangerous
high spikes penalties all over in the WWC so far, so I guess it's consistent...maybe something they are emphasizing?
The VAR so far has been over the top in this competition, seems like they go to it almost too often and even some questionable decisions being made with VAR. For a big obvious call it's good to get it right, but on some of the borderline stuff I'd rather they let it go (like the offside on Cameroon goal vs Eng, how the team reacted aside - that seemed razor close to me).
And rightfully so. Studs-open tackles are dangerous
Indeed that's a penalty 95% of the time in any league anywhere.
They were very good and unlucky not to have a third goal. What did you expect? Spain is quite good. I thought this was a better showing than France had. The France game will be epic.
RE: I don’t know how they rank against their peers... Â
They were very good and unlucky not to have a third goal. What did you expect? Spain is quite good. I thought this was a better showing than France had. The France game will be epic.
Spain is OK but not an elite team. They very easily could have lost today, so they were unconvincing. A better performance against France is required
that's a fairly young club. They actually controlled the middle of the pitch for extended periods of time.
The second penalty was soft, but it HAD to be called because the spikes were up. I (guess) that's why the review took so long. It's almost like they WANTED to overturn it, but they just couldn't.
The early/first penalty was earned and obvious, imo.
Also, any belief Spain was soft was answered today. They were brutal. Alex Morgan got mugged early and often - it was nuts there was never a card.
They were very good and unlucky not to have a third goal. What did you expect? Spain is quite good. I thought this was a better showing than France had. The France game will be epic.
Spain is OK but not an elite team. They very easily could have lost today, so they were unconvincing. A better performance against France is required
the dominated in possession, in passing, in shots... they didn't finish well and Spain was extremely physical. Frankly, I'm glad they had a tough match.
though Brazil is probably a better team than Spain (and I thought they got a bit of a raw call on the VAR goal called back). Brazil did miss a few close calls. That said, agreed US need to play their best game against France, who will be the toughest challenge so far by a bit for the USWNT.
that's a fairly young club. They actually controlled the middle of the pitch for extended periods of time.
The second penalty was soft, but it HAD to be called because the spikes were up. I (guess) that's why the review took so long. It's almost like they WANTED to overturn it, but they just couldn't.
The early/first penalty was earned and obvious, imo.
Also, any belief Spain was soft was answered today. They were brutal. Alex Morgan got mugged early and often - it was nuts there was never a card.
agree with what you say. the 1st pen was clear. the 2nd pen was obvious as well. misses ball, kicks player, studs up in the box, it must be called. Spain fought hard.
though Brazil is probably a better team than Spain (and I thought they got a bit of a raw call on the VAR goal called back). Brazil did miss a few close calls. That said, agreed US need to play their best game against France, who will be the toughest challenge so far by a bit for the USWNT.
France has look scattered since the second group game. They are a tough opponent but not sure they are much better than Sweden.
that's a fairly young club. They actually controlled the middle of the pitch for extended periods of time.
The second penalty was soft, but it HAD to be called because the spikes were up. I (guess) that's why the review took so long. It's almost like they WANTED to overturn it, but they just couldn't.
The early/first penalty was earned and obvious, imo.
Also, any belief Spain was soft was answered today. They were brutal. Alex Morgan got mugged early and often - it was nuts there was never a card.
agree with what you say. the 1st pen was clear. the 2nd pen was obvious as well. misses ball, kicks player, studs up in the box, it must be called. Spain fought hard.
Yeah, I mean to say that had the studs not been up, it would be a soft penalty. (just in my opinion).
that's a fairly young club. They actually controlled the middle of the pitch for extended periods of time.
The second penalty was soft, but it HAD to be called because the spikes were up. I (guess) that's why the review took so long. It's almost like they WANTED to overturn it, but they just couldn't.
The early/first penalty was earned and obvious, imo.
Also, any belief Spain was soft was answered today. They were brutal. Alex Morgan got mugged early and often - it was nuts there was never a card.
agree with what you say. the 1st pen was clear. the 2nd pen was obvious as well. misses ball, kicks player, studs up in the box, it must be called. Spain fought hard.
Yeah, I mean to say that had the studs not been up, it would be a soft penalty. (just in my opinion).
if the studs don't come up she probably doesn't make contact with her...
I always enjoy watching Heath-- she just has such great handles.
Ertz did a great job of playing through contact-- she possesses the ball and just breaks tackles. More YAC than her husband.
I am a biased fan of Sauerbrunn, and while she didn't play the ball crisply on the goal, she continues to be a rock.
But again, Mewis was the breakout player for me.
I actually think they need someone like Pugh in the next game, another creative attacking midfielder with good control against a France team that likes to control the ball
yeah I thought this was supposed to be the breakout Â
first half, possession was ~ 60% - 40% favor US; end of the match, it was 54% - 46%, which meant Spain won possession contest in 2H. At times it looked like role reversal, with the Spanish girls moving the ball crisply, really good shape, and the well timed ball into the box or wide to the flanks.
Fact is US did not score in the run of play and was reduced to playing long ball in the air for the last 50 minutes or so. This is a gritty, smart, and decently skilled Spanish side. US got nothing on its balls down the wings because Spanish shape was consistent and the marking was enough, and often superior.
Not a fan of the 2nd penalty even though I get why the call was upheld. I thought Lavelle sold it hard--and ultimately successfully--as much as there was a touch of cleats.
On the US side, I love Lavelle's pace and control in MF, creating space and openings; I don't think the forwards did enough to create runs for her possession, but part of that was Spain's discipline. She needs to get more shots on goal, she has a good, hard foot.
Most of the Spain attack focused on US left side, not messing much with O'Hara, quietly very effective. Dahlkamp and Sauerbrun and Dunn, eh. Spain got in Morgan's head and yes, ref probably let too much of that go. Heath flashed but tired late, losing possession a lot. Love the purple haired girl. Just no substitute for her experience, quality, and presence.
I get that studs up is going to get called, I've never been a fan of penalties that neither impact the play nor involve a fair amount of contact.
One goal in soccer often decides the outcome, and the ref decided that game.
that's the game. you can't commit fouls inside the box. the US didn't do that. It is a consequence of Spain's aggressive and sometimes reckless play. People are complaining they didn't get called for fouls but in fact fouls cost them the game. That call has to be made.
that call doesn't HAVE to be made. I've seen countless games where it isn't made.
I understand why the penalty was given, but the ref decided the match.
The contact, if there was any at all, was minimal and didn't impact the play, yet a goal was basically given.
The trickle down effect of penalties like that is it encourages flopping.
I don't know what game you saw where a spikes up contact to the leg after missing the ball inside the box doesn't get called. I seriously can't think of a situation where it doesn't get called. And the ref reviewed it. It's a foul. plain and simple. And because it happens inside the box it's a penalty. If the ref DOESN'T call it, she is deciding the match. This isn't hockey or basketball where a foul may not make a difference. In soccer a foul in the box is always a penalty, and that challenge was a foul. If you don't call it you are robbing the US of a penalty attempt.
I was more expecting the ref's hand extended, palm up, levitating it up and down....get off the ground
this is funny. you guys must think this is the NFL. It's not. It's not about how hard the contact was. You can't miss a challenge on the ball and make contact with spikes up. It doesn't matter how hard it is. It's a foul. And if it's a foul in the box it's a penalty. End of story. Sorry you don't like the rules but it has been this way forever.
really trying to say you haven't seen that call not made before??
There is not a single call in soccer that you can broadstroke as being called everytime or missed everytime, yet that's exactly what you're trying to say.
And you keep making it sound like there was a lot of contact - there wasn't even agreement among the announcers that there was contact at all.
really trying to say you haven't seen that call not made before??
There is not a single call in soccer that you can broadstroke as being called everytime or missed everytime, yet that's exactly what you're trying to say.
And you keep making it sound like there was a lot of contact - there wasn't even agreement among the announcers that there was contact at all.
It is like you are being purposely argumentative
Sure sometimes it doesn't get called if the ref doesn't see it. Look there are a lot of calls in soccer that are open to discretion. The ref has an enormous amount of latitude because many of the rules are not that clear regarding challenges. The ref in soccer has more discretion than any other sport because of this. Sometimes if a player gets tripped from behind but if the challenger gets to the ball first, that can go uncalled. And then flagrancy matters, etc. That is totally up to the ref. But seriously I don't think that 2nd pen was such a circumstance. I think that is a slam dunk foul. Often ANY contact with studs up is called dangerous play and called a foul. And this was on a player on the ball inside the box. You just can't do that.
the broader point being made is that it was a very soft call.
That's actually not just the take on here, but also on the coverage of the match and follow-up analysis.
Was it the right call by the letter of the rule? Yes. But then again - so would a light grazing of the QB's helmet on a play where it doesn't impact anything.
the masters of absoluteness of black letter law, as if that defines the game of football...
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But seriously I don't think that 2nd pen was such a circumstance. I think that is a slam dunk foul. Often ANY contact with studs up is called dangerous play and called a foul. And this was on a player on the ball inside the box. You just can't do that.
If it was so slam dunk, why did it go to VAR? The point is that the call might have not been made, and then where are you? Where are you when there were numerous, maybe a dozen, clear fouls on Morgan et al. from behind that weren't called, even when it was clear she was being targeted?
Yes, you are right that the center in the game of soccer has significant discretion that can be and often is game altering. This was game altering. I haven't seen the post-game commentary on this, but Aly Wagner, who is a really good student of the game and real time observer, made the comment during the replays that she didn't see any movement of Lavelle's leg in response to the touch. She saw the position of the cleats, she didn't say slam dunk penalty. She was in doubt AFTER seeing the replays. I take her all day long over your absolute BS nonsense. I still maintain Lavelle did a great job of selling it. Good for her; if not for her, US might have had to go to extra time/penalties.
You cite black letter law in the absence of the context and the contest.
the masters of absoluteness of black letter law, as if that defines the game of football...
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But seriously I don't think that 2nd pen was such a circumstance. I think that is a slam dunk foul. Often ANY contact with studs up is called dangerous play and called a foul. And this was on a player on the ball inside the box. You just can't do that.
If it was so slam dunk, why did it go to VAR? The point is that the call might have not been made, and then where are you? Where are you when there were numerous, maybe a dozen, clear fouls on Morgan et al. from behind that weren't called, even when it was clear she was being targeted?
Yes, you are right that the center in the game of soccer has significant discretion that can be and often is game altering. This was game altering. I haven't seen the post-game commentary on this, but Aly Wagner, who is a really good student of the game and real time observer, made the comment during the replays that she didn't see any movement of Lavelle's leg in response to the touch. She saw the position of the cleats, she didn't say slam dunk penalty. She was in doubt AFTER seeing the replays. I take her all day long over your absolute BS nonsense. I still maintain Lavelle did a great job of selling it. Good for her; if not for her, US might have had to go to extra time/penalties.
You cite black letter law in the absence of the context and the contest.
it was hard to tell if there was contact. that's why the review, i think.
aside from the the apparent touch by her boot, this was not a foul that affected Lavelle's effort in the PA, imo. There were a lot of heebie jeebies in that stadium hinging on that call being upheld
The call was correct, and she didn’t sell anything. I’ll was a soft... Â
call , only in that it was a light touch, but at full speed that’s all it takes. And by the letter of the rule, it was a foul. And Spain should have been called for multiple yellows. 20+ fouls on them. Nothing to apologize for for the US when Spain mugged it up like that.
Correction. 17 fouls called on Spain, vs 5 on... Â
impressed by Dalkemper, Lavelle and Heath and Naeher.
Morgan did a lit of dirty work. Ditto Ertz and Mewis and OReilly
Penalty kicks aside, was not impressed by Rapinoe ( gunner who misses too often and not a very smart player). But the US is playing with fire by putting Dunn in at back (like the player but not in that position).
To me Lloyd had a game 4 years ago but is often offsides and her selfish and dopey game really holds back the team. Scavenger goals.
Man, it was hot. I was impressed with the players' fitness. It was a rough game, as noted, Spain played very physical, constantly banging Morgan and Rapinoe. Ref called 17 fouls on Spain and could have called a lot more. We could not really tell whether the 2nd penalty kick was deserving as they don't show replays much in the stadium (very frustrating).
Lavelle and Mewis played well in midfield and had some good attacking runs, but they failed to unlock the last line of the defense and connect with the forwards, who you could see were getting frustrated.
Crowd was I'd say about 90% American and it was a good atmosphere all around, despite the heat.
RE: Just got back from seeing the game in person Â
In comment 14481539 jdf said:
[quote...]Lavelle and Mewis played well in midfield and had some good attacking runs, but they failed to unlock the last line of the defense and connect with the forwards, who you could see were getting frustrated....[/quote]Making me jealous, man. (: The line I clipped from your post echoes this from mine above, which I was thinking of even before seeing yours:
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On the US side, I love Lavelle's pace and control in MF, creating space and openings; I don't think the forwards did enough to create runs for her possession, but part of that was Spain's discipline. She needs to get more shots on goal, she has a good, hard foot.
Agree that Mewis was in the mix.
What struck me, though, in thinking about the match, is that I cannot remember one run through or by Spain's backline that threatened: it was all Heath one-on-one ('til she tired) or long balls on the wings trying to spring Tobin or Rapinoe wide, with no real success. Ertz as central MF didn't generate much and Morgan was a non-factor. A tactical victory for Jorge Vilda, agree with your take.
Dunn is athletic but doesn't read play well and has a knack of holding the ball too long, finding trouble. I don't know if Kreider can play the left side, but her pinpoint balls deep to the mf's and forwards, in the middle of the pitch, against Sweden could have been useful today.
RE: RE: Just got back from seeing the game in person Â
On the US side, I love Lavelle's pace and control in MF, creating space and openings; I don't think the forwards did enough to create runs for her possession, but part of that was Spain's discipline. She needs to get more shots on goal, she has a good, hard foot.
Agree that Mewis was in the mix.
What struck me, though, in thinking about the match, is that I cannot remember one run through or by Spain's backline that threatened: it was all Heath one-on-one ('til she tired) or long balls on the wings trying to spring Tobin or Rapinoe wide, with no real success. Ertz as central MF didn't generate much and Morgan was a non-factor. A tactical victory for Jorge Vilda, agree with your take.
Yep, agreed. I don't know if it was the forwards at fault or the mid-fielders, but they didn't seem to be on the same page. Hope they can work on that in time for the next game. And we do have to give credit to the Spanish defenders, who played well, if a bit cynically at times. I can imagine the French may decide to emulate that, especially Reynaud who seems to be a beast in the back.
I also thought Rapinoe held onto the ball too long sometimes, but she and Heath were still having more success down the wings, whereas Morgan was really bottled up in the middle.
Anyway, it was a great experience seeing it live, especially for my daughter, who plays competitive soccer. Hope this inspires her. We're heading to Amsterdam tomorrow. Should be fun to watch the Dutch game there!
the French are going to attack Dunn relentlessly and test Sauerbrunn in the middle via LeSommer (who has a better deep shot than anyone the US has faced). So much so that Krieger may be an answer or Ertz a deep mid
I think Mewis, Horan and Ertz are going to take away France's usual advantage in the middle via Henry. If we win it will be based on those three and Lavelle in the mid field
that might get imitated was keeping minimal space and tight mid spacing between their mid and back line...that forced the US wide and made it hard for the wings to pass into middle runs ( Morgan, etc)
also seemed like they were fouling Morgan nonstop Â
Man, it was hot. I was impressed with the players' fitness. It was a rough game, as noted, Spain played very physical, constantly banging Morgan and Rapinoe. Ref called 17 fouls on Spain and could have called a lot more. We could not really tell whether the 2nd penalty kick was deserving as they don't show replays much in the stadium (very frustrating).
Lavelle and Mewis played well in midfield and had some good attacking runs, but they failed to unlock the last line of the defense and connect with the forwards, who you could see were getting frustrated.
Crowd was I'd say about 90% American and it was a good atmosphere all around, despite the heat.
that is awesome that you got to experience the game live with your daughter. That memory will last a lifetime.
When I was in Amsterdam we visited the stadium of Ajax, but unfortunately they were not playing at home that week.
RE: also seemed like they were fouling Morgan nonstop Â
which made it tougher for her to get into a rhythm
I have always thought FIFA was lacking in enforcing the rules and protecting its stars. Cheapshots and blatant physical contact meant to injury superior players should be aggressively purged. Whether it was Rinaldo, Messi, Hamm or Morgan, FIFA needs it's officials to card players that are only on the pitch to be goons. When you allow inferior teams to continually(as a tactic not incidental) foul in order to disrupt a game, the team needs to be issued a warning and then continued bad play needs to issued cards to the offending players.
I am fairly new to the game, enjoy it and the skill of the players but it kills me to see the rolling on the ground, fake writhing in pain nonsense and the cheapshots that go unpenalized(a South American specialty).
If you are promoting the "beautiful game" then keep it a beautiful game and protect those players that make it beautiful.
LaVelle and Mewis played very good games yesterday Â
Even though Rapinoe scored 2 penalty kicks she did not play well. Heath actually links up better with Morgan so far in this tournament.
The back line will need to be at their best against a very good French team playing at home.
Give Spain credit for taking Morgan out of the game(they got away with some fouls that should have been yellow cards). Morgan is going to get the same tough treatment from France.
I have been very impressed with Rose LaVelle so far in the tournament.She has made some nice attacking runs and passes to the forwards and has been dangerous in the middle by the box on some of her shots. Mo Brien will not see the pitch unless LaVelle gets injured.
Naeher better be at the top of her game against France.
England and France have also become top 10 teams this decade.
Women’s player development in those 4 countries has been a major commitment of the top club teams in those countries.
Germany, Sweden and Norway have always been top world teams no change with those countries.
Side note: I thought Japan deserved a better result this afternoon versus Clockwork Orange.
It has been a wide open World Cup. Some very competitive games in the knockout round. Quarterfinal games should also be fun to watch.
If USA wins this will be this best WC win in my opinion because of the improvement in women’s soccer worldwide.
RE: Spain and Italy will be powerful teams in 4 years Â
England and France have also become top 10 teams this decade.
Women’s player development in those 4 countries has been a major commitment of the top club teams in those countries.
Germany, Sweden and Norway have always been top world teams no change with those countries....It has been a wide open World Cup. Some very competitive games in the knockout round. Quarterfinal games should also be fun to watch.
If USA wins this will be this best WC win in my opinion because of the improvement in women’s soccer worldwide.
Informed and accurate. England coached by Phil Neville, former ManU and Everton back and France by Corinne Diacre, former French national team player. Gotta love it. Sweden looks very sturdy.
But let's not dismiss the Americas entirely. Brasil v France on Sunday was a fantastic match, best of the tournament so far. Brasil came in heavy underdogs, out of form, but they took a WC19 co-favorite to two extra times. Both teams pressed forward throughout, aggressive, physical match, there was no concession from either team for the full 120 minutes. And this was a Brasil with Marta, Formiga and even Cristiane past their primes, young, vibrant players on the pitch with them.
As a football fan, it is SO much more satisfying watching the USWNT vs their competitors than watching USMNT. Such a long way to go on that side. wtf?
That growth was evident in March, when 60,739 spectators watched Atlético Madrid Femenino host Paños and Barcelona Femení — the largest crowd ever to watch women’s soccer in Spain, and the biggest ever to attend a women’s club match anywhere.
When ~60,000 turn out to watch a women's club match in Spain, one of the most male-dominant cultures on the planet, that's sign of change.
I didn't love the hand ball call in the Japan-Netherlands match Â
I think even if her arm were straight down at her side, the ball would have hit her arm. I know FIFA could not care less about what I think, but calls like that ruin an otherwise exciting match for me.
Defenders have to get some leeway in their arm movements. It's natural for arms to flare out a little bit in order to generate stability or rotational force. Just look at every offensive player any time they make a cut or wind up to kick the ball. I am actually surprised more offensive players don't try to James Harden the situation and try to kick the ball into defenders' arms while in the box.
I also reiterate my belief that the one who drew the foul should take the PK.
The worst thing to do is draw everyone back, and then meekly pass it up the middle to Sauerbrunn where there were two Spain players and no other US woman in sight.
There is some serious talent on this team. Would love to see more opportunities for Heath on the wing.
However, Sauerbrun didn't play it well either.
I continue not to like Dunn's play in back. Move her to MF
#3 for the US is doing a lot of good work in the midfield. She is very fast.
The Spanish are basically living off counterattacks, trying to exploit the fact that it looks like the US is playing a pretty high line at the back.
Soft? Not at all. Quick feet, quick ball movement. I underestimated this team.
Agreed. I would not have called that. Can't they review that call?
Right...pretty atrocious.
In his words. BRUTAL. In all capital letters......
It was a scrape if that.
That call was right. It didn't look like a hard foul but the Spanish player missed the ball while trying to play it and got the American player with studs showing on the leg. Penalty all day long if it occurs in the box even if the contact wasn't enough to cause injury. VAR with a Champions League level ref looking at the replay confirmed the penalty
The VAR so far has been over the top in this competition, seems like they go to it almost too often and even some questionable decisions being made with VAR. For a big obvious call it's good to get it right, but on some of the borderline stuff I'd rather they let it go (like the offside on Cameroon goal vs Eng, how the team reacted aside - that seemed razor close to me).
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A clear penalty. Kick someone in the box with studs up. Clear as day honestly.
It was a scrape if that.
If your studs/spikes are showing and you even clip an opposing player with them it is a foul
The VAR so far has been over the top in this competition, seems like they go to it almost too often and even some questionable decisions being made with VAR. For a big obvious call it's good to get it right, but on some of the borderline stuff I'd rather they let it go (like the offside on Cameroon goal vs Eng, how the team reacted aside - that seemed razor close to me).
And rightfully so. Studs-open tackles are dangerous
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high spikes penalties all over in the WWC so far, so I guess it's consistent...maybe something they are emphasizing?
The VAR so far has been over the top in this competition, seems like they go to it almost too often and even some questionable decisions being made with VAR. For a big obvious call it's good to get it right, but on some of the borderline stuff I'd rather they let it go (like the offside on Cameroon goal vs Eng, how the team reacted aside - that seemed razor close to me).
And rightfully so. Studs-open tackles are dangerous
Indeed that's a penalty 95% of the time in any league anywhere.
They were very good and unlucky not to have a third goal. What did you expect? Spain is quite good. I thought this was a better showing than France had. The France game will be epic.
So impressed by Heath.
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but a win is a win
They were very good and unlucky not to have a third goal. What did you expect? Spain is quite good. I thought this was a better showing than France had. The France game will be epic.
Spain is OK but not an elite team. They very easily could have lost today, so they were unconvincing. A better performance against France is required
The second penalty was soft, but it HAD to be called because the spikes were up. I (guess) that's why the review took so long. It's almost like they WANTED to overturn it, but they just couldn't.
The early/first penalty was earned and obvious, imo.
Also, any belief Spain was soft was answered today. They were brutal. Alex Morgan got mugged early and often - it was nuts there was never a card.
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In comment 14481263 dpinzow said:
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but a win is a win
They were very good and unlucky not to have a third goal. What did you expect? Spain is quite good. I thought this was a better showing than France had. The France game will be epic.
Spain is OK but not an elite team. They very easily could have lost today, so they were unconvincing. A better performance against France is required
the dominated in possession, in passing, in shots... they didn't finish well and Spain was extremely physical. Frankly, I'm glad they had a tough match.
The second penalty was soft, but it HAD to be called because the spikes were up. I (guess) that's why the review took so long. It's almost like they WANTED to overturn it, but they just couldn't.
The early/first penalty was earned and obvious, imo.
Also, any belief Spain was soft was answered today. They were brutal. Alex Morgan got mugged early and often - it was nuts there was never a card.
agree with what you say. the 1st pen was clear. the 2nd pen was obvious as well. misses ball, kicks player, studs up in the box, it must be called. Spain fought hard.
France has look scattered since the second group game. They are a tough opponent but not sure they are much better than Sweden.
One change that I would love to see implemented if I were king for a day is that the player who was fouled has to take the penalty kick.
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that's a fairly young club. They actually controlled the middle of the pitch for extended periods of time.
The second penalty was soft, but it HAD to be called because the spikes were up. I (guess) that's why the review took so long. It's almost like they WANTED to overturn it, but they just couldn't.
The early/first penalty was earned and obvious, imo.
Also, any belief Spain was soft was answered today. They were brutal. Alex Morgan got mugged early and often - it was nuts there was never a card.
agree with what you say. the 1st pen was clear. the 2nd pen was obvious as well. misses ball, kicks player, studs up in the box, it must be called. Spain fought hard.
Yeah, I mean to say that had the studs not been up, it would be a soft penalty. (just in my opinion).
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In comment 14481279 islander1 said:
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that's a fairly young club. They actually controlled the middle of the pitch for extended periods of time.
The second penalty was soft, but it HAD to be called because the spikes were up. I (guess) that's why the review took so long. It's almost like they WANTED to overturn it, but they just couldn't.
The early/first penalty was earned and obvious, imo.
Also, any belief Spain was soft was answered today. They were brutal. Alex Morgan got mugged early and often - it was nuts there was never a card.
agree with what you say. the 1st pen was clear. the 2nd pen was obvious as well. misses ball, kicks player, studs up in the box, it must be called. Spain fought hard.
Yeah, I mean to say that had the studs not been up, it would be a soft penalty. (just in my opinion).
if the studs don't come up she probably doesn't make contact with her...
I always enjoy watching Heath-- she just has such great handles.
Ertz did a great job of playing through contact-- she possesses the ball and just breaks tackles. More YAC than her husband.
I am a biased fan of Sauerbrunn, and while she didn't play the ball crisply on the goal, she continues to be a rock.
But again, Mewis was the breakout player for me.
I always enjoy watching Heath-- she just has such great handles.
Ertz did a great job of playing through contact-- she possesses the ball and just breaks tackles. More YAC than her husband.
I am a biased fan of Sauerbrunn, and while she didn't play the ball crisply on the goal, she continues to be a rock.
But again, Mewis was the breakout player for me.
I actually think they need someone like Pugh in the next game, another creative attacking midfielder with good control against a France team that likes to control the ball
Fact is US did not score in the run of play and was reduced to playing long ball in the air for the last 50 minutes or so. This is a gritty, smart, and decently skilled Spanish side. US got nothing on its balls down the wings because Spanish shape was consistent and the marking was enough, and often superior.
Not a fan of the 2nd penalty even though I get why the call was upheld. I thought Lavelle sold it hard--and ultimately successfully--as much as there was a touch of cleats.
On the US side, I love Lavelle's pace and control in MF, creating space and openings; I don't think the forwards did enough to create runs for her possession, but part of that was Spain's discipline. She needs to get more shots on goal, she has a good, hard foot.
Most of the Spain attack focused on US left side, not messing much with O'Hara, quietly very effective. Dahlkamp and Sauerbrun and Dunn, eh. Spain got in Morgan's head and yes, ref probably let too much of that go. Heath flashed but tired late, losing possession a lot. Love the purple haired girl. Just no substitute for her experience, quality, and presence.
One goal in soccer often decides the outcome, and the ref decided that game.
One goal in soccer often decides the outcome, and the ref decided that game.
that's the game. you can't commit fouls inside the box. the US didn't do that. It is a consequence of Spain's aggressive and sometimes reckless play. People are complaining they didn't get called for fouls but in fact fouls cost them the game. That call has to be made.
I understand why the penalty was given, but the ref decided the match.
The contact, if there was any at all, was minimal and didn't impact the play, yet a goal was basically given.
The trickle down effect of penalties like that is it encourages flopping.
I understand why the penalty was given, but the ref decided the match.
The contact, if there was any at all, was minimal and didn't impact the play, yet a goal was basically given.
The trickle down effect of penalties like that is it encourages flopping.
I don't know what game you saw where a spikes up contact to the leg after missing the ball inside the box doesn't get called. I seriously can't think of a situation where it doesn't get called. And the ref reviewed it. It's a foul. plain and simple. And because it happens inside the box it's a penalty. If the ref DOESN'T call it, she is deciding the match. This isn't hockey or basketball where a foul may not make a difference. In soccer a foul in the box is always a penalty, and that challenge was a foul. If you don't call it you are robbing the US of a penalty attempt.
this is funny. you guys must think this is the NFL. It's not. It's not about how hard the contact was. You can't miss a challenge on the ball and make contact with spikes up. It doesn't matter how hard it is. It's a foul. And if it's a foul in the box it's a penalty. End of story. Sorry you don't like the rules but it has been this way forever.
There is not a single call in soccer that you can broadstroke as being called everytime or missed everytime, yet that's exactly what you're trying to say.
And you keep making it sound like there was a lot of contact - there wasn't even agreement among the announcers that there was contact at all.
It is like you are being purposely argumentative
There is not a single call in soccer that you can broadstroke as being called everytime or missed everytime, yet that's exactly what you're trying to say.
And you keep making it sound like there was a lot of contact - there wasn't even agreement among the announcers that there was contact at all.
It is like you are being purposely argumentative
Sure sometimes it doesn't get called if the ref doesn't see it. Look there are a lot of calls in soccer that are open to discretion. The ref has an enormous amount of latitude because many of the rules are not that clear regarding challenges. The ref in soccer has more discretion than any other sport because of this. Sometimes if a player gets tripped from behind but if the challenger gets to the ball first, that can go uncalled. And then flagrancy matters, etc. That is totally up to the ref. But seriously I don't think that 2nd pen was such a circumstance. I think that is a slam dunk foul. Often ANY contact with studs up is called dangerous play and called a foul. And this was on a player on the ball inside the box. You just can't do that.
That's actually not just the take on here, but also on the coverage of the match and follow-up analysis.
Was it the right call by the letter of the rule? Yes. But then again - so would a light grazing of the QB's helmet on a play where it doesn't impact anything.
Yes, you are right that the center in the game of soccer has significant discretion that can be and often is game altering. This was game altering. I haven't seen the post-game commentary on this, but Aly Wagner, who is a really good student of the game and real time observer, made the comment during the replays that she didn't see any movement of Lavelle's leg in response to the touch. She saw the position of the cleats, she didn't say slam dunk penalty. She was in doubt AFTER seeing the replays. I take her all day long over your absolute BS nonsense. I still maintain Lavelle did a great job of selling it. Good for her; if not for her, US might have had to go to extra time/penalties.
You cite black letter law in the absence of the context and the contest.
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But seriously I don't think that 2nd pen was such a circumstance. I think that is a slam dunk foul. Often ANY contact with studs up is called dangerous play and called a foul. And this was on a player on the ball inside the box. You just can't do that.
If it was so slam dunk, why did it go to VAR? The point is that the call might have not been made, and then where are you? Where are you when there were numerous, maybe a dozen, clear fouls on Morgan et al. from behind that weren't called, even when it was clear she was being targeted?
Yes, you are right that the center in the game of soccer has significant discretion that can be and often is game altering. This was game altering. I haven't seen the post-game commentary on this, but Aly Wagner, who is a really good student of the game and real time observer, made the comment during the replays that she didn't see any movement of Lavelle's leg in response to the touch. She saw the position of the cleats, she didn't say slam dunk penalty. She was in doubt AFTER seeing the replays. I take her all day long over your absolute BS nonsense. I still maintain Lavelle did a great job of selling it. Good for her; if not for her, US might have had to go to extra time/penalties.
You cite black letter law in the absence of the context and the contest.
it was hard to tell if there was contact. that's why the review, i think.
Morgan did a lit of dirty work. Ditto Ertz and Mewis and OReilly
Penalty kicks aside, was not impressed by Rapinoe ( gunner who misses too often and not a very smart player). But the US is playing with fire by putting Dunn in at back (like the player but not in that position).
To me Lloyd had a game 4 years ago but is often offsides and her selfish and dopey game really holds back the team. Scavenger goals.
Lavelle and Mewis played well in midfield and had some good attacking runs, but they failed to unlock the last line of the defense and connect with the forwards, who you could see were getting frustrated.
Crowd was I'd say about 90% American and it was a good atmosphere all around, despite the heat.
[quote...]Lavelle and Mewis played well in midfield and had some good attacking runs, but they failed to unlock the last line of the defense and connect with the forwards, who you could see were getting frustrated....[/quote]Making me jealous, man. (: The line I clipped from your post echoes this from mine above, which I was thinking of even before seeing yours:
What struck me, though, in thinking about the match, is that I cannot remember one run through or by Spain's backline that threatened: it was all Heath one-on-one ('til she tired) or long balls on the wings trying to spring Tobin or Rapinoe wide, with no real success. Ertz as central MF didn't generate much and Morgan was a non-factor. A tactical victory for Jorge Vilda, agree with your take.
Dunn is athletic but doesn't read play well and has a knack of holding the ball too long, finding trouble. I don't know if Kreider can play the left side, but her pinpoint balls deep to the mf's and forwards, in the middle of the pitch, against Sweden could have been useful today.
On the US side, I love Lavelle's pace and control in MF, creating space and openings; I don't think the forwards did enough to create runs for her possession, but part of that was Spain's discipline. She needs to get more shots on goal, she has a good, hard foot.
Agree that Mewis was in the mix.
What struck me, though, in thinking about the match, is that I cannot remember one run through or by Spain's backline that threatened: it was all Heath one-on-one ('til she tired) or long balls on the wings trying to spring Tobin or Rapinoe wide, with no real success. Ertz as central MF didn't generate much and Morgan was a non-factor. A tactical victory for Jorge Vilda, agree with your take.
Yep, agreed. I don't know if it was the forwards at fault or the mid-fielders, but they didn't seem to be on the same page. Hope they can work on that in time for the next game. And we do have to give credit to the Spanish defenders, who played well, if a bit cynically at times. I can imagine the French may decide to emulate that, especially Reynaud who seems to be a beast in the back.
I also thought Rapinoe held onto the ball too long sometimes, but she and Heath were still having more success down the wings, whereas Morgan was really bottled up in the middle.
Anyway, it was a great experience seeing it live, especially for my daughter, who plays competitive soccer. Hope this inspires her. We're heading to Amsterdam tomorrow. Should be fun to watch the Dutch game there!
I think Mewis, Horan and Ertz are going to take away France's usual advantage in the middle via Henry. If we win it will be based on those three and Lavelle in the mid field
Lavelle and Mewis played well in midfield and had some good attacking runs, but they failed to unlock the last line of the defense and connect with the forwards, who you could see were getting frustrated.
Crowd was I'd say about 90% American and it was a good atmosphere all around, despite the heat.
that is awesome that you got to experience the game live with your daughter. That memory will last a lifetime.
When I was in Amsterdam we visited the stadium of Ajax, but unfortunately they were not playing at home that week.
I have always thought FIFA was lacking in enforcing the rules and protecting its stars. Cheapshots and blatant physical contact meant to injury superior players should be aggressively purged. Whether it was Rinaldo, Messi, Hamm or Morgan, FIFA needs it's officials to card players that are only on the pitch to be goons. When you allow inferior teams to continually(as a tactic not incidental) foul in order to disrupt a game, the team needs to be issued a warning and then continued bad play needs to issued cards to the offending players.
I am fairly new to the game, enjoy it and the skill of the players but it kills me to see the rolling on the ground, fake writhing in pain nonsense and the cheapshots that go unpenalized(a South American specialty).
If you are promoting the "beautiful game" then keep it a beautiful game and protect those players that make it beautiful.
The back line will need to be at their best against a very good French team playing at home.
Give Spain credit for taking Morgan out of the game(they got away with some fouls that should have been yellow cards). Morgan is going to get the same tough treatment from France.
I have been very impressed with Rose LaVelle so far in the tournament.She has made some nice attacking runs and passes to the forwards and has been dangerous in the middle by the box on some of her shots. Mo Brien will not see the pitch unless LaVelle gets injured.
Naeher better be at the top of her game against France.
Women’s player development in those 4 countries has been a major commitment of the top club teams in those countries.
Germany, Sweden and Norway have always been top world teams no change with those countries.
Side note: I thought Japan deserved a better result this afternoon versus Clockwork Orange.
It has been a wide open World Cup. Some very competitive games in the knockout round. Quarterfinal games should also be fun to watch.
If USA wins this will be this best WC win in my opinion because of the improvement in women’s soccer worldwide.
Women’s player development in those 4 countries has been a major commitment of the top club teams in those countries.
Germany, Sweden and Norway have always been top world teams no change with those countries....It has been a wide open World Cup. Some very competitive games in the knockout round. Quarterfinal games should also be fun to watch.
If USA wins this will be this best WC win in my opinion because of the improvement in women’s soccer worldwide.
But let's not dismiss the Americas entirely. Brasil v France on Sunday was a fantastic match, best of the tournament so far. Brasil came in heavy underdogs, out of form, but they took a WC19 co-favorite to two extra times. Both teams pressed forward throughout, aggressive, physical match, there was no concession from either team for the full 120 minutes. And this was a Brasil with Marta, Formiga and even Cristiane past their primes, young, vibrant players on the pitch with them.
As a football fan, it is SO much more satisfying watching the USWNT vs their competitors than watching USMNT. Such a long way to go on that side. wtf?
Story on Spains's investment in women's soccerhttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/23/sports/womens-world-cup-spain.html
Defenders have to get some leeway in their arm movements. It's natural for arms to flare out a little bit in order to generate stability or rotational force. Just look at every offensive player any time they make a cut or wind up to kick the ball. I am actually surprised more offensive players don't try to James Harden the situation and try to kick the ball into defenders' arms while in the box.
I also reiterate my belief that the one who drew the foul should take the PK.