USWNT shows vulnerabilities vs. Spain, faces biggest test next in France
In Spain’s pre-match conference, Mapi Leon sent a convincing message to the press: “They are the favorites, but we’re going to give our lives, we’re going to leave our skin so they won’t win the match. We know they’re better, but that doesn’t mean we won’t fight until the end.”
Spain didn’t need a motivational speech to understand the magnitude of the game against the United States. It set a precedent to her successors and to a league that is growing rapdily, supported by immense clubs. La Furia Roja played the match as Mapi Leon announced. In the script, Spain wasn’t such a physical team, but they abandoned the suppositions and turned into a squad that didn’t grant an inch, and gave the ball management.
The USWNT didn’t find the clarity of their previous games. For the first time in the World Cup, they faced a rival with a higher level of rigorousness that exposed severe deficiencies. Alex Morgan was isolated, Tobin Heath lost her verticality, Rose Lavelle didn’t interact with the ball and Alyssa Naeher’s overconfidence gave up a goal.
Spain was dragging the world champions into its game. The Europeans looked comfortable holding their defensive line with intensity and order. However, Megan Rapinoe brought light to the American squad. She had the temper to convert two penalties after foolish mistakes by Spanish players. Rapinoe had the intelligence to slow the game down and generate splendid football. Her maturity and leadership helped the team to find its way against a rival that gave everything on the pitch.
Jill Ellis needs to address the vulnerabilities that Spain exposed. The USWNT has a deep roster, with enough variations to change the momentum of the game. Although Monday was not that day, the best team in the world suffered under the intensity and desire of a rival that evolved in the last four years, but didn’t appear in the top 10 in the FIFA rankings. Coach Ellis received an urgent call of attention before her team’s next — and toughest — match of the tournament, a Friday date with host France.
Follow Luis on Twitter: @LFulloa.
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