The US women’s soccer team, which has dominated the sport for decades, suffered a shocking defeat to Sweden in the round of 16 at the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. The loss marked the earliest exit ever for the four-time champions, who had won the previous two editions of the tournament in 2015 and 2019.
What went wrong for the USWNT?
The US women’s national team (USWNT) entered the World Cup as the top-ranked team in the world, but failed to live up to the expectations. The team struggled to find its rhythm and creativity in the group stage, where it only managed to win one game against Vietnam and drew with Netherlands and Portugal. The team also lacked a clinical finisher, as none of its star forwards scored a goal in the tournament. Alex Morgan, who has 110 international goals to her name, missed a penalty in the opener and was largely ineffective in the subsequent games. Megan Rapinoe, who won the Golden Ball and the Golden Boot in 2019, also failed to make an impact and missed a crucial penalty in the shootout against Sweden.
The USWNT also faced a tough opponent in Sweden, who had beaten them in the quarterfinals of the 2016 Olympics and finished third in the 2019 World Cup. Sweden played with confidence and discipline, keeping a tight defensive shape and exploiting the USWNT’s weaknesses on the counterattack. Sweden’s goalkeeper Zecira Musovic was outstanding, making several saves to deny the Americans. Sweden converted all five of their penalties in the shootout, while Rose Lavelle and Rapinoe missed theirs for the USWNT.
How will the USWNT bounce back?
The USWNT’s early exit from the World Cup has raised questions about the future of the team and its coach Vlatko Andonovski, who took over from Jill Ellis in 2019. Andonovski has been criticized for his roster selection, tactics and reliance on veteran players. Some fans and pundits have called for a generational change, as many of the USWNT’s stars are in their 30s and nearing the end of their careers. The team will have to regroup and rebuild ahead of the next major tournament, the Paris Olympics in 2024.
The USWNT still has a talented pool of players to choose from, including some promising young stars who have shown their potential at the World Cup. Trinity Rodman, who is only 19 years old and the daughter of NBA legend Dennis Rodman, scored two goals in her debut against Vietnam and impressed with her speed and skill. Catarina Macario, who was born in Brazil but became a US citizen in 2020, also made her World Cup debut and showed her versatility and vision. Other players who could play a bigger role in the future include Tierna Davidson, Emily Fox, Midge Purce and Mallory Pugh.
The USWNT also has a strong legacy and culture to draw from, as well as a loyal fan base that supports them through thick and thin. The team has faced adversity before and bounced back stronger, such as after losing to Japan in the 2011 World Cup final and winning it four years later. The team has also been a leader in fighting for social justice and gender equality, inspiring millions of people around the world. The USWNT will not give up on its quest to remain at the top of women’s soccer, but it will have to adapt and evolve to keep up with the growing competition.
What does this mean for women’s soccer?
The USWNT’s exit from the World Cup is not only a setback for them, but also a sign of how much women’s soccer has grown and improved globally. The World Cup has showcased the diversity and quality of teams from different continents and regions, with many players born or raised in different countries representing their national teams. The tournament has also seen some surprising results and thrilling games, such as Jamaica’s historic win over Brazil, Colombia’s stunning comeback against Germany, Morocco’s debut appearance and Sweden’s upset over the USWNT.
The World Cup has also attracted more attention and interest from fans, media and sponsors, who have recognized the value and potential of women’s soccer. The tournament has been broadcasted to more than 200 countries and territories, reaching an estimated audience of over one billion people. The tournament has also generated more revenue and investment for FIFA and its member associations, who have pledged to increase their support for women’s soccer development. The World Cup has also created more opportunities and exposure for women soccer players, who have showcased their talent and passion on the world stage.
The Women’s World Cup is not only a sporting event, but also a cultural phenomenon that celebrates women’s empowerment and diversity. The tournament has inspired many girls and boys to play soccer and pursue their dreams. The tournament has also challenged stereotypes and prejudices about women’s abilities and roles in society. The tournament has also fostered a sense of solidarity and camaraderie among women soccer players and fans, who have shared their stories and experiences with each other. The Women’s World Cup is more than just a game, it is a movement.
