Make no mistake, this was a poor performance from the United States. It was a game where they lacked any sort of intensity. They were severely lacked any of the zip and vigour that has become their trademark in winning consecutive World Cups in 2015 and 2019. They looked utterly toothless in attack, which is a staggering notion when you consider the relative embarrassment of riches at their disposal.
Portugal were the better side throughout the contest, and were a matter of centimetres away from eliminating the US, as Ana Capeta smacked a low drive against the foot of the post, deep into second half injury time. Had the effort been any further to the left, the World Champions would have been on the next flight home.
Portugal was this close 😬 pic.twitter.com/UMIZnAqyib
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 1, 2023
Sub-standard USWNT
The US just looked… Nervy. Lacklustre. Devoid of ideas. They looked every inch a team that doesn’t believe in head coach Vlatko Andonovski’s vision. They were visibly frustrated as they toiled through to a 0-0 draw against a team ranked 21st in the world.
Despite their sub-standard performance, the US still created enough chances to win the game. They had an XG of 2.69 from 11 total efforts at goal. The US’ XG number is a little disingenuous, with 1.10 of that score coming courtesy of Lynn Williams‘ miriad of missed opportunities, the worst of which can be seen below.
Another big chance for the @USWNT! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/KZvHLzxoY9
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 1, 2023
Andonovski under pressure?
Andonovski has to be feeling the pressure now. Following on from uninspiring performance in the Olympics, where they succumbed to Canada in the semi-finals after barely scraping past The Netherlands in the quarter-finals. They were less than stellar in winning the CONCACAF Women’s Championship. Canada probably provide the sternest test in that particular competition, but they ran the US close in the final at Estadio BBVA (Guadalupe, Mexico), as the US won 1-0 in a barely deserved triumph.
There can’t be any excuses for Andonovski. He has, arguably, the most talented roster in the competition. The States finished this game with Alex Morgan, Trinity Rodman, Megan Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle all on the pitch. Yet, a Portugal side with no real stars, with Benfica’s Jessica Silva probably the most notable piece.
That’s no slight on Francisco Neto’s side, who continue to go from strength to strength. They have showed, time and again in this tournament, as they did against the US, that they’re far greater than the sun of their parts. They dominated possession with 56% of the play, they had more passes (420-293), more attacks (entries into the final third, 103-96) and had a greater pass success rate (70%-62%) according to FlashScore.
Unfortunate Portugal
The scenes of utter devastation for Portugal at the end of the game, spoke volumes. They didn’t deserve to exit the tournament. It’s difficult to argue that the US deserved to advance. It’d be a weak argument anyway.
It’s also difficult to make a convincing argument for Vlatko Andonovski’s continued tenure in charge of the USWNT. Performances have been sub par for some time, with the US never really looking convincing, even in their matches against so-called inferior opposition. They won consecutive games against Brazil, Canada & Japan at SheBelieves, but laboured to wins over The Republic of Ireland and Wales in their World Cup warm-ups.
The US live to fight another day as, for only the second time in their history, they finish second in the group. Sweden likely await in the round of 16, where the US will be without Rose Lavelle, after her 2nd booking of the tournament. Fresh off of a 5-0 battering of Italy, and having taken a commanding position in Group G, it’s hard to see the US progressing unless their performances drastically improve.
Over to you, Vlatko.
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