Still confident, I want to believe this was just another experiment and we just couldn’t recover/problem solved fast enough but for the most part we have the talent to win this whole thing.
Womens profesional soccer is getting strong worldwide. That’s something to be proud about. The US is a powerhouse, no question about that. But having a strong confederation will benefit the region. In the mens side Europe monopolize the game. As a mexican fan this was vibrant, but this doesnt mean we are at the top. As a soccer fan this was a great game, I enjoy every single second.
I disagree that the US is “ a powerhouse.” Other than the fact that we should be, and that you want us to be, what evidence do you have? We barely survive the first round of important tournaments and always lose the first game of the knockout round. We haven’t had a “signature” win in years. Mexico would have been a big win and we were outclassed. We are light years away from being a powerhouse.
@@theodoremorehouse6460 There have been 9 world cups (in a real global sport), the USWNT has won 4 editions, they have been second one time, and 3rd three times. That means they have been Top 3 in 8/9 editions. The last time they won was in 2019, that's not me, that's just facts. I also have to remark that I am a Mexican fan, not a US fan. But I do respect what the US has done for the game... Don't let patriotism speak for you.
@@prncesskarleigh The problem is that soccer in the USA isn't the national sport. You don't have kids playing soccer on street corners and from the age of 5. You don't have academies developing junior teams and producing very technical and talented players. If the NUSWT are going to evolve and stay competitive, they are going to have to change the kinds of players they bring through, and their junior coaching systems. How do you think the NUSWT would do in the Euros for example, probably the toughest regional football competition outside of the World Cup? The USA dominated for so long because it was one of the few fully professional laegues, where fitness and speed was usually the big deciding factor. But that has all changed now. Fitness levels are high everywhere. Relying on athleticism to rush at defenders and score isn't how the game is played by more technically proficient teams.
I feel like this game was begging for a Naomi Girma. Especially with the her ability to dribble through that first line of pressure and break down teams with her passing ability. I agree with you Sam width is needed hahahaha. I felt that because we were so narrow it allowed for Mexico to constantly have 2-3 players swarming the ball at all times and it made us predictable. I am excited to see what tactical changes we make however, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous.
Width is so important and helps create space. Mexico was very quick to the ball and without the width, we struggled to give ourselves any time on the ball. I also thought that we were just slow on the ball. We often received the ball and then looked up to see where to pass. We needed to play quicker and limit our touches on the ball. When we played one/two touches, we found quick combinations that found the gaps in their defense and brought the opportunities we had. Also, when we play quick, the other team will get tired when playing that type of press allowing more gaps to form. Mexico played a great game. They found the US's weakness (playing quickly) and forced mistakes in a usually solid backline. I am happy to see this! As the game gets better around the world, women can only continue to fight for equality.
As someone mentioned in another thread, maybe it’s a talent problem 🤔 Do we just not have the players with enough technical skills to play quickly? Our touches were awful IMO , so many heavy ones and we seemed to play frantically at times.
@justafan323 I wonder if it is talent or how we train. I definitely think overall the touches were awful yesterday but one bad game doesn't mean we aren't technical enough. I am going to be curious how these players grow over the next couple of years, especially the younger players. We have the Barcelona coach coming to coach in the NWSL and Bay FC building a strong team that looks like they want to change the style. This may begin to transition how we train and how our league plays. I do believe we need to pivot a bit. Other leagues are growing such as the Spanish League and the WSL. We saw how the Barcelona style we are so used to come into the women's game. I think we have the ability to make adjustments in the NWSL because we aren't attached to the MSL. I think the talent question will be answered on how our players respond this season with the Spirit and Bay FC. It will answer how players like Trinity and Andi play with (assuming) a different system and how a "super team" like Gotham responds playing against to a potentially different style. Then it will be about how we adjust to the changes and grow.
Mexico's infrastructure. .and overall the woman's national league ...its incredible they were pan american tournament champions last year winning the trophy....they are definitely growing in strength
What’s also interesting is the positiveness of most comments from smart, mature fans who objectively recognize the errors but also praise and credit the successes of the adversary, as that opens minds on proactive mental and strategic adjustments to match and beat a successful opponent. This is why the USW Soccer Team consistently flies so high. Hats off to the whole US Women’s National Team and to all these extraordinary fans. 👍🏼
I feel the same way about the width it was frustrating be there live and seeing them not use the width especially since Mexico was defending so well. It just felt like no one and nothing was connecting and the girls looked frustrated. It was stressing as a fan. :( But Mexico played so well and deserved that win.
Totally agree with your comments, especially about width. I coached for 17 years and one of my most frequent comments was touch paint. Our forwards are fast and very good 1 v 1. Getting Mal back will even make us more dangerous in space.
First off, Mexico has talent now. I have not seen players with this quality before. Width has been a problem for a while. Our wingers are primarily forwards that like to crash the box and look for goals, not Pinoe types who drift into open spaces. Fox and Dunn's tendencies to go middle doesn't help that and Rose used to be more active wide on your teams but now she tends to play more of a 10. This supports your thought that they are being told to play narrow. Playing narrow works w/ tiki taka but that's not how USWNT plays so this does not work.
That's always been the case. Lots of dual citizens on that team over the years. So that is not what's changed. MX has a league and academies developing talent now. @@johnrivers9393
Born in Mexico but raised in the United States, Love Mexico and the USA. that's the beauty that if one team loses I get Seconds 😂..yet I'll be brutally honest, This win brought me to realize I've been investing too many emotions on the wrong Mexican National team. I'm on board. WOMEN'S ⚽💯
Competition in CONCACAF is what’s needed and here it is. It’s great that MEX tested the US, but it was a classic low pressure game plan. The winning happened in transition similar to the way Japan beat Spain last summer. The MEX team was not the team we saw play ARG though. They got it together. We will see if they continue to play this way.
I love this kind of analysis, in Latin America is all about criticise and bitching between countries, a real shame this is completely neutral and objective, regards from Mexico City
Sam, thank you for your insightful breakdown of the USWNT. You have the perspective of someone who is currently on the team. Your passion is evident and you’re already one of the best in the business. Keep up the excellent work!
Completely agree with you on the width! I felt like they cut off their passing angles by playing so narrow, and the Mexico player are so quick that the shorter distance between passes aided in their transition defense. I also felt like they played so many passes back instead of attacking space - wanted to see them build centrally as I thought that was really where the few good chances were from.
You need to have some respect. It was just a win in a sport that’s all don’t let get to your head dude. Good win for Mexico. Mexico needs to do more in the younger generations we didn’t even qualify for the Olympics there is a lot more to get better.
He didn't show a lack of respect. He's acknowledging that the US are the Queen's of the Concacaf. Méxicans can celebrate a México win. @@hugovargas7411
As a Mexican-American who is a Mi Seleccion femenil fan, there was nothing disrespectful about this statement. Someone is just butthurt 😂 let us enjoy our win. Can’t always be the USA winning. Jeeze
This starting line-up was surprising, and I wondered how the combo would look. That it looked mostly disorganized and out of rythm is a symptom of the great game plan, cohesion, and pressure that Mexico brought to the pitch. I am so enjoying the development and evolution of this USWNT recently, and maybe this was the best game to try some new flavors in the salsa, so to speak. I think the US gains knowledge about so many aspects of the game from this loss. ¡Felicidades al equipo Mexicano! ¡Que gusto me dio al ver el tricolor de una forma ganadora!
I love watching our National team play win or lose. When I watched the game between the US and Mexico, it seemed like Mexico came out with the type of energy we are used to seeing from the women’s US team. I don’t know if they were flat or just confused abt the game plan. However you spin it, you have to give credit to the Mexican team for a game well played.
I feel like the width was present against Dominican Republic and Argentina. I appreciated your perspective that a narrow approach might be a specific tactic. Great analysis, Sam!
You’re absolutely correct about the width. The Mexico midfield was able to stay so compact and on top of that there was so much space between our forwards and midfielders we couldn’t keep the ball. We also had a hard time completing passes in the final third and it felt like we were in a frenzy even in the beginning of the game.
And that's what better technical teams do. That's why the US is now regularly losing to other top ten ranked teams. They've all become fully professional setups. You only have to look at how mens soccer fails to match the best in the world to understand that.
You are totally right about playing wider. Williams was playing somewhat wider but Trin and Soph needed to be a lot wider. They can really get around players one on one. Also I think this was a relatively slow team against a faster Mexico team. Girma was a big loss but I imagine Twyla was trying to manage her minutes. Your comments are great and so refreshing.
I found the lineup decisions very strange. Our 3 most impressive players in the first two games were Midge, Moultrie & Shaw. And yet they didn’t start, nor were they the first subs off the bench when it was clear the team was struggling? Also, why did we play our slowest center back pairing in Abby and Becky against our quickest group stage opponent? It’s good for us to remember that most of these players are still in preseason, I think that was a big part of some of the disconnect we saw. But even more of a reason to go with the players with a hot hand.
Great to hear your thoughts Sam. It is so nice having you on this platform and TWG podcast. Awesome. You are missed on the field but keep offering great commentary that is much needed. It is interesting that this starting XI was the most similar to the WC lineup, and this result feels so similar to the WC. Second in group stage, great against under-resourced teams, struggling against better competition the team maybe doesn't expect to be so good. In this game the US looked slow, disconnected and out-hussled. It seems like they have a game plan, but when it doesn't work they aren't able to adjust on the field. In the first half it felt like they had no midfield, weren't able to comfortably advance the ball, and then got easily rattled. Yet things didn't seem to change much even after the halftime adjustments. I was a little confused about the lineup. I feel like the best players so far in the tournament (Shaw, Moultrie, Purce) should of started the game. Smith is amazing in the NWSL but has not been able to perform in the international game. I also think Trinity should be an energy sub off the bench in the last third to late game - I feel like she has great bursts of energy but can fizzle or be sporadic through a full 90. Unfortunately Sauerbrunn played probably her worst game ever. She has been so amazing for this team and has done so much (on and off the field). She is a great, great player and deserves much praise. But this wasn't her day and it really hurt. It makes me wonder if she won't be able to compete as a starter anymore - her time may be up. And I hate to say that because she has been so solid. But ultimately I'd like to see this team just play the youth. It feels like stale energy is killing this team. If the team is going to struggle in this transition, I'd rather see the youth learn how to lose so they can start learning how to win internationally. I want to see fresh energy. And given the opportunity, Shaw, Moultrie, Purce, Girma, Nighswonger have shown up. It would have been nice to see how they competed against this Mexico team. I love your thoughts on the width. To me it has felt like they aren't able to control the ball in the middle. I'd love to see Lavelle as more of a holding midfielder rather than pushed up. She does better to control the ball in the middle, help us transition to attacking. And I'd like to see more tactical emphasis in the middle. It seems lacking. Finally, Girma was extremely missed. IMO she is their best player. I hope she does not have an injury and we get to see her soon. I think this team needs to play youth, with speed, hunger and the ability to be flexible on the field. We seem too attached to game plans that don't work because we are getting put in a spin cycle of opponents bringing their youth, speed and hunger. USWNT almost seems in shock (thinking of this game and v. Portugal for last WC group stage game). Mexico looked great this game. I also think we are still struggling with identity post-Wambach/Rapinoe era. They each were very special players - extremely effecient and clutch and that is rare. We just don't have anyone like that anymore to bail us out and it is showing. Much respect for everyone on the field. They are working hard. I hope things click soon for USWNT. I'll keep supporting.
That game makes me very nervous. It was a mess. Sloppy. So many turnovers. Not used to seeing Becky make such a huge mistake. Refs blew a bunch of calls. That line up is not the one!! They seemed to collapse under the press!! Still have faith in this team. 🇺🇸
Sam, great to have you still involved in the game! You are spot on, width is important. Especially with the speed we have with some of the younger players on the team, forwards and defenders. I do believe this tournament it is a great test. There have been so many friendlies with lower ranked teams, it is so important to have quality opposition to really test the team. So needed to get a good gauge on players and positions that are "up for grabs". I do expect great things from this team. So much promise.
I hope when Mal Swanson comes back she’s able to play a role that helps with the pace of the game. The forwards need that width & ability to create space in the continuation throughout the final third. Well said Sam, we move!
Sam is 100% right about wanting width. Manchester City (men) play with the same box in midfield that we had but the difference is that their wingers are as far wide as possible at all times to make the field as big as possible. Our shape was wrong and made it easier for Mexico to close down players because we made the field smaller.
Look they started Williams on the left and Rodman on the right and jagainst DR Williams was useless out wide. Rodman has the skills but but not sure if she is good enough in terms of providing service out wide. The other ongoing issues us the midfield this is the same thing we saw at the WC can’t possess and control the center of the field
Thank you Sam, we love your ability to analyze and critic in a postive fashion, and your expert analysis from your own experience is invaluable. Miss you on the pitch!
I'm an Arsenal fan - men and women, and found your thoughts on Emily Fox very interesting. At Arsenal, there is a lot of variety in the way she plays, and i think she is fantastic at it. I love watching her. But it takes awhile to develop relationships and understanding. At the international level, I think this would be more difficult because players spend less time together, but I think it will improve the team. I hope the USWNT sticks with these tactics.
Good analysis. Yes width is needed, it was missing in the World Cup and missing now. This is part of the learning process, but most importantly the team needs to build chemistry. Mexico was ready for the game and did a fantastic job defending. At the end of the game this is a win for women’s soccer.
great analysis, sam! i think this is a great opportunity to test how the team can turn around and adjust under a tight schedule, like the one we'll have at the olympics
Mexico played great and deserved the W. I agree we played too narrow - made it easier on the Mexican back line (particularly when we used the 1v1 against the outside defenders to set up most of the scoring v the DR). Wondering if this was an experimental lineup given we were already through to the knockouts and there's an upcoming need to trim the roster to 18 for the Olympics...
Loved your imput Sam! Mexico executed their plan and deserved to win. It’s their second win ever against us and I see why that is big news for them after 16 loses. But, I could care less about our opponents at this point. This tournament is about the National Team trying out new things/players/schemes in order to turn the page from a wasteful 6 years. I thought we were finally taking some tactical chances and injecting some new ideas in the previous games. Then, last night it felt like the coaching staff regressed back to the WC. WHY?? Our best 11 is a mix of older and new players. I thought we established that earlier in this tournament. Haters of the national team are always going to overreact when the US loose which is a testament to their status. “tHey’ll Never wIn aNother WC.” The team isn’t going anywhere. They will retool. They have the personnel to make the adjustments. We literally just witnessed it a few days ago.
Appreciate the comments on the outside backs. I think the role of the outside back has continued to evolve like we’re seeing with Emily Fox at Arsenal. I agree with your comments that there’s always a give-and-take with a fullback transitioning to a wing back or additional midfielder. Over the years, the US women’s team has had more traditional fullbacks. I think Emma Hayes will add new depth to the outside backs that will complement more width and fluid transitions.
What an excellent, humble, realistic, objective, mature, thoughtful and unbiased analysis. Being aware of these facts make it easier for a Team adjustment and an imminent successful comeback from this team of outstanding athletes. 👍🏼
Totally agree on the width because we have SUCH speed on those wings. This loss shocked me to the core. Seemed like nobody really felt comfortable with what we were doing? But I know they were upset and ticked off - Rose’s face said it all. Thanks for everything Sam!!!
I agree Sam. There was a tactical decay and individual lack of performance. I was at the stadium and can tell the crowd cheered for US. Maybe it got to their heads but I did see the lack of umph from U.S.I believe the fans trust they will recover and reevaluate. Width could be entertained for the next game, to create a playable attack. I can see it. Move forward U.S.
I'm a basketball girl, so naturally it makes sense to "spread the floor" to allow for more opportunities both from distance and inside. I know soccer doesn't work the same way, but intuitively it seems like getting good width is something that should be a priority.
Great analysis, Sam. Love what you are doing. Agree, agree, agree regarding width. Disagree, though, on this being a positive in any way for this team. This feels like rock bottom. At the World Cup, we were never drastically outplayed. Didn’t lose a game, gave up a single goal. We were played off the pitch last night by a team that didn’t qualify for WC. It was closer to 4-0 than it was 2-1. Lord knows, I’m not wanting to go back to Vlatko ball, but it shows just how much work is ahead for Emma and the team.
Sam, I appreciate you and your commentary on the games. I loved Snacks and was so sad when it ended. But, here you are! And I'm sooo excited to follow along this year as the NWSL etc gets up and running. I'm excited to see what this new version of our USWNT can do and how Emma brings about change. I'm disappointed about last night's outcome, and I realize it's a challenging situation with the two coaches. I just see this CONCACAF as a learning experience before we head into the Olympics. Lastly, as a boomer, yes - bring back width! Thanks Sam!
Hey Sam! This was a great recap and I’ve been loving the podcast. One suggestion - pls don’t be afraid of going “off script”! Trust yourself and your thoughts, we are excited to hear from you and love it when you sound less scripted / aren’t reading from a page. Thanks for all your work on this!
Great commentary, Sam. Seems like the team is just not comfortable with one another and that reduces their confidence and ability to execute the game plan. There has been so much of a tendency to want to be done with our veterans when the new players, while incredibly talented, have not proven their abilities to be consistent contributors at this level of international competition. In my opinion starting on this team should be earned, not given. In the pre-Vlatko era, we had our starters and any prospective newbies had to earn their place in limited minutes late in the game. That allowed the starters to understand each other's game and build comfort and pressured the new players to earn every minute they got on the field. Alex Morgan for example earned her starting role after time as a "super sub" where she created huge impact despite limited time. 2019 World Cup was a great example of this in watching the connection between Morgan-Rapinoe-Press-Heath. Those players were so comfortable working with each other. Similar in the midfield with Sam-Rose-Lindsay-Julie. With constantly revolving line-ups they don't get a chance to form those connections.
Glad someone finally said it! They don't make them like they used to anymore! No hard work ethic to earn a spot but rather entitlement & cocky behavior from these youngsters. I miss the 2019 lineup, especially the connection from the front line. Most importantly, seeing Press on the field. They need different players with different mentalities who are willing to put in the work & not expect everything handed to them
I totally agree with your point about the revolving line-ups preventing them from forming connections with each other on the field. There isn’t much time for this team to gel. This is the same problem they never solved under Vladko.
argie POV here: I was watching the game with my sister and we did not understand the substitutions. Smith was EVERYWHERE and SO hungry. We said jokingly "well if they're going to play without her energy they might as well sub out Fox and Lavelle". So that was kinda crazy. Besides the game was extremely intense and the ones who were subbed in couldn't handle that pace nor the heat. I agree with the lack of width. I see Barcelona's style of play could suit this roster. The speed and how tecnical these players are can be surreal at times. PS: Body language means a lot to me and the USWNT looked lost and out of sync for most part of the second half. Never seen Sonnett making the faces she was making. She looked SO uncomfortable at times.
Hard disagree on smith. She was playing too soft and her IQ isn’t where it needs to be. She can’t take on 4 defenders like she can on in the NWSL. She needs to be stronger on the ball. She will be easily grazed and she falls because she expects the calls (NWSL gives them usually and Horan does the same). She needs to realize that she can also assist and give off passes and build up. However, her team also needs to get up there with her. I think she needs to be benched temporarily and observe more and learn from Morgan and the coaches. I’m actually a huge fan of Smith and the Thorns. So this isn’t out of pettiness. She just needs to mature in that way which a lot of players need to do at that age.
Morgan and the coaches have nothing to teach - except how to foul and be dirty players. Your analysis is fair - and you are absolutely correct that the players need to be better coached , from better coaches. @@ahazzy2314
I was surprised that Becky Sauerbrunn wasn't subbed out at the half for Naomi Girma. She was clearly beaten twice on fast breaks, one resulting in a score. The USWNT became tentative up the field, possibly due to concern about a exposed back line. I understand the starting lineup - you had Dunn, Dahlkemper, and Sauerbrunn from the 2019 WWC championship team. But it clearly wasn't working by the time it was 0-1. Perhaps the halftime subs that were made were pre-programmed as a scrimmage experiment. Nonetheless, we squandered a chance to adapt when there was plenty of time to recover.
Width is not an antiquated idea. It always makes sense to stretch the field as much as you can vertically and horizontally. The more space you make the defense cover and worry about, you’ll inevitably have a greater quantity and quality of attacking chances
Sam, this is awesome! Thank you. Our whole family watches every video you post! Could you please talk a little slower and maybe add a bit more content also to each video? Some more behind the scenes? We love your insights! Thank you!!!
World football/soccer has changed a lot in the last couple of years. It’s actually really exciting having more competition and seeing other countries thrive in the game (vs USA domination). I think now Spain has a bit of that role but it does seem like the quality overall has just improved - which is fantastic. Mexico earned this win and those goals were fantastic! And much respect to Alex Morgan stepping up as the “face” of that loss (especially as a late addition to the squad), owning up to the mistakes, while being humble about it. Regroup and go again, but I’m glad this Gold Cup has been more exciting than I first expected it.
The real shocking part is that it has taken so long for Mexico to be ..el número 1 de la concacaf... Vamos Mexico!!! Ya basta de dejarmos. Reclamemos de nuevo nuestra passion que llevamos en la sangre y demostrar a todo el mundo de que estamos hechos!! 🇲🇽❤💪
Three main factors went into the result. 1 Mexico played well. Aye, hats off to Mexico; they earned it. 2. The U.S. was disjointed. 3. The coaching reminded me of Vlatko. Why were the two strongest offensive players on the bench until the final minutes? Also, why keep using players who never perform? Yes, I agree with the width thing.
I didn't understand why there weren't any direct passes from the back. In the previous game, Davidson and Girma created some great initial passes that put the forwards in great positions. The width was evident there and we scored goals in the attacking third. We just got stuck in the middle, with what seemed like sloppy turnovers (though of course, Mexico was pressing on the 1v1s). And how long do some players hold onto the ball when three opposing players are converging? One or two touches and quick passing needs to be implemented.
Agree strongly about the width. And the passes seemed blind and Mexico picked them off a lot. Putting shaw and purse was a good idea. They are the future.
I'm not overly concerned. We should be looking at this year as a rebuilding year. No we still don't like to have losses, but it'll bring to the front our weaknesses. Not always a bad thing!
I am Mexican, but I have been a follower of the United States women's team since 2011. That year I was impressed with the style of play of that team. I am sure that the American team will not give up and will have a good performance in the quarterfinals. Let's go, let's go, let's go United States. 🇺🇲👏🏆⚽
One of Vladko's problems was that he kept playing different people so that there wasn't cohesion. The same seems to be continuing in this tournament and you can't blame him.
100% agree about not utilizing the width. It left us vulnerable and Mexico capitalized on all the space they were given. Hoping Naomi it able to get back on the pitch.
YES to the width. They make the field so much smaller and it compacts the 20 field plays into the smaller area. Thats why so many passes are being picked off
Gosh, I could not agree more about the width. Especially with Mexico's game plan, they were sprinting around to create pressure- I thought if the US could make the field as big as possible and pass around, Mexico would start to get tired and get discouraged. But the US shrunk the field and made it easier for them to create turnovers and maintain high pressure almost all game. Could some of the US game plan be due to the short breaks between games? Trying to shrink the field so we are less tired? Or was it to avoid Mexico from controlling the midfield?
I really agree about width. This team had plenty of that the previous games. Moultrie and Williams scored from crosses from right wing. Morgan scored from a cross. Shaw scored from a cross. So why didn’t they do that? Maybe they were trying to practice something else?
I am a noob when it comes to watching football, but I do think your width comment makes sense. Why would one not want to separate the defenders as much as possible, especially when you have the explosive power of folks like Purce, and Rodman that have the ability to blow past defenders and turn the corner? Thanks so much for providing your insight!!
I never see ex-Nats players talk about this, but of the Mexican squad yesterday 10 of them played college ball in the US, 10 were born in the US, and 3 played on USWNT UTeams. Those are a bunch of spurned women with axes to grind. Maybe you can talk about this? The trash talking last night must have been phenomenal.
As a Mexican I had to write in English to comment on the following. Although Mexico managed to defeat the United States, for us it was something historic because we had already gone 14 years without defeating them, obviously it is logical that we get excited because we know that being united is the greatest power In women's soccer, she is a 4-time world champion, but this has already started in the quarterfinals and it is now where the real challenge begins for the Mexican girls after being left without the World Cup or the Olympics due to the terrible performance they had in the 2022 qualifiers. Alexa Morgan is A great player, I already know what it means to lift the World Cup.
As a relatively new fan of soccer, I can't say whether or not playing to width is "old fashioned". It feels like a valid strategy, which is the best I could say to your question. And also, even if is, or is becoming, an old fashioned play style, it never hurts to have those in the toolkit to be able to bring out and problem solve. Sometimes it's the older plays that are most successful because the opponent isn't expecting it.
I was lucky enough to see both Mexican National Team players Greta Espinoza (played at AWC) and Mexican Goal Keeper Esthephany Barreras Torres play here in Yuma, Az previously on local teams. Which brings up an interesting point that the U.S. scouting system missed these two young ladies and was beat by players they could have scouted. The USA Womens National Team scouting system has become just as bad as the Mens National team now and its blatantly obvious they ignore Latino talent on both the mens and womens sides.
The width thing is dependent on the tactics trying to be implemented. Now, the new in fashion thing is to have your wingers now occupy the half space instead of the flanks. However, as defenses adjust to that the flanks open up again. This is where tactical fluidity comes into play.
Hi Sam - I really appreciate what you are doing here. Your interviews are great, and your analysis is terrific. After watching the game against Mexico, I was immediately looking forward to your thoughts. One suggestion I have is to say more. For example, your discussion about the lack of width was interesting, especially your thoughts around being old fashioned about this topic. I really want to know more about this. If lack of width is going out of style (news to me), what is the reasoning behind this? If we aren't going to use width, I think that suggests a need for more technical players and less of an emphasis on speed? IF that is the case, we don't have the right players. Rodman, Purce, etc. can certainly beat players off the dribble but I'm not sure about them in tight spaces. Anyway, more explanation on topics like the above would be welcome. Keep up the GREAT work
Excellent analysis as always Sam. I tHought the issue was how to solve Mexico’s press. It looked like the game vs Sweden in the last Olympics. There has to be a counter to pressure. In other sports pressure can result in an easy score the other way. Is it really that simple to spread the defense wider and hope to tire them out?
It seems like the US did not scout Mexico. They play a style of the Spanish game. Their speed and passing was top notch. Some width may have slowed them down but it would be better to intercept them before they get going. We need to match speed with speed. Put Midge in sooner. Keep the pressure on.
You're not old fashioned. Now I, on the other hand, am 74, and been involved in football for only 40 years, and scream encouragement from the touchline at my local NWSL team's games, am old fashioned. I absolutely love using the whole field. (When I played our home field was 99 x 100, so yeah I understand width!)
The U.S. has about a 25 year lead in women's soccer, possibly 30 or more years on Mexico, central, south america, and the rest of the world except some european countries. The U.S. Women's soccer program began back in the 70s. Fortunately for Mexico, there is a professional soccer league, and it's getting a lot of support. That powerhouse title is about to end!
It has been since the last Olympics that the U.S. have gone on a downward spiral from which I don't' know what it will take to recover from. The talent is there so , perhaps a good Coach is the starting point. I really hope so.
I went back and looked at the stats. The US passing % was 78%. I thought the midfielders played horrible. We have some of the best midfielders in the world but no one was getting to open spots to create good targets. Width is needed but the midfielders need to capitalize on that and make late runs. Also, the US has great speed. Play direct and let Purce, Smith, Morgan and Rodman run after the ball. Mexico played well, were physical and went nose to nose with the US. They played fearlessly! I hope the USWNT watches this game and realize they were challenged physically, tactically and emotionally and they didn't step up.
Moving full backs into centre midfield to create overloads only really came in in the 2022-23 season with a back 4 with a centre back taking a full back's place. It gives a 3-2-4-1 formation in possession and 4-1-4-1 out of possession. With 2 wide players holding their width, the 2 attacking midfielders could make late runs into the box or help their winger with the 2 holding midfielders picking up any loose balls around the edges. The forward wide players have to hold their width with their support coming from the attacking midfielder on their side. Man City started it, now Arsenal and Liverpool have joined. It really helps having left footed wingers on the right and right footed on the left who come short instead of running in behind, eg Mahrez, Salah, Saka on the right or Grealish, Luiz, Martinelli on the left
on a scale of confident to I'm so scared rn, how are you feeling?
Glad we lost early if we were gonna lose. We looked so good the first 2 games, so I'm sure Twila will have us recovering well going into knockouts.
The most likely quarters match-up is Colombia and this USWNT is unlikely to do something.
The team definitely needed a kick in the shorts and being humbled in that match will spur the resolve and determination needed for this tourney.
Still confident, I want to believe this was just another experiment and we just couldn’t recover/problem solved fast enough but for the most part we have the talent to win this whole thing.
Glad it happened now and not later in the knockouts, but now we know this starting lineup ain’t it !
Womens profesional soccer is getting strong worldwide. That’s something to be proud about. The US is a powerhouse, no question about that. But having a strong confederation will benefit the region. In the mens side Europe monopolize the game. As a mexican fan this was vibrant, but this doesnt mean we are at the top. As a soccer fan this was a great game, I enjoy every single second.
The world has gotten better, but we should be asking, "why hasn't the USWNT?" We have talent, it's our approach that has changed.
The USWNT is in decline and it is accelerating
I disagree that the US is “ a powerhouse.” Other than the fact that we should be, and that you want us to be, what evidence do you have? We barely survive the first round of important tournaments and always lose the first game of the knockout round. We haven’t had a “signature” win in years. Mexico would have been a big win and we were outclassed. We are light years away from being a powerhouse.
@@theodoremorehouse6460 There have been 9 world cups (in a real global sport), the USWNT has won 4 editions, they have been second one time, and 3rd three times. That means they have been Top 3 in 8/9 editions. The last time they won was in 2019, that's not me, that's just facts.
I also have to remark that I am a Mexican fan, not a US fan. But I do respect what the US has done for the game... Don't let patriotism speak for you.
@@prncesskarleigh The problem is that soccer in the USA isn't the national sport. You don't have kids playing soccer on street corners and from the age of 5. You don't have academies developing junior teams and producing very technical and talented players. If the NUSWT are going to evolve and stay competitive, they are going to have to change the kinds of players they bring through, and their junior coaching systems. How do you think the NUSWT would do in the Euros for example, probably the toughest regional football competition outside of the World Cup? The USA dominated for so long because it was one of the few fully professional laegues, where fitness and speed was usually the big deciding factor. But that has all changed now. Fitness levels are high everywhere. Relying on athleticism to rush at defenders and score isn't how the game is played by more technically proficient teams.
I miss you on the team, loving all your context. Mexico was super dangerous, they outplayed us at the end of the day.
I feel like this game was begging for a Naomi Girma. Especially with the her ability to dribble through that first line of pressure and break down teams with her passing ability. I agree with you Sam width is needed hahahaha. I felt that because we were so narrow it allowed for Mexico to constantly have 2-3 players swarming the ball at all times and it made us predictable. I am excited to see what tactical changes we make however, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous.
Width is so important and helps create space. Mexico was very quick to the ball and without the width, we struggled to give ourselves any time on the ball. I also thought that we were just slow on the ball. We often received the ball and then looked up to see where to pass. We needed to play quicker and limit our touches on the ball. When we played one/two touches, we found quick combinations that found the gaps in their defense and brought the opportunities we had. Also, when we play quick, the other team will get tired when playing that type of press allowing more gaps to form. Mexico played a great game. They found the US's weakness (playing quickly) and forced mistakes in a usually solid backline. I am happy to see this! As the game gets better around the world, women can only continue to fight for equality.
As someone mentioned in another thread, maybe it’s a talent problem 🤔 Do we just not have the players with enough technical skills to play quickly? Our touches were awful IMO , so many heavy ones and we seemed to play frantically at times.
@justafan323 I wonder if it is talent or how we train. I definitely think overall the touches were awful yesterday but one bad game doesn't mean we aren't technical enough. I am going to be curious how these players grow over the next couple of years, especially the younger players. We have the Barcelona coach coming to coach in the NWSL and Bay FC building a strong team that looks like they want to change the style. This may begin to transition how we train and how our league plays. I do believe we need to pivot a bit. Other leagues are growing such as the Spanish League and the WSL. We saw how the Barcelona style we are so used to come into the women's game. I think we have the ability to make adjustments in the NWSL because we aren't attached to the MSL. I think the talent question will be answered on how our players respond this season with the Spirit and Bay FC. It will answer how players like Trinity and Andi play with (assuming) a different system and how a "super team" like Gotham responds playing against to a potentially different style. Then it will be about how we adjust to the changes and grow.
Mexico's infrastructure. .and overall the woman's national league ...its incredible they were pan american tournament champions last year winning the trophy....they are definitely growing in strength
What’s also interesting is the positiveness of most comments from smart, mature fans who objectively recognize the errors but also praise and credit the successes of the adversary, as that opens minds on proactive mental and strategic adjustments to match and beat a successful opponent. This is why the USW Soccer Team consistently flies so high. Hats off to the whole US Women’s National Team and to all these extraordinary fans. 👍🏼
Best commentary from a great professional. Thank you Sam I miss you on the field.
I feel the same way about the width it was frustrating be there live and seeing them not use the width especially since Mexico was defending so well. It just felt like no one and nothing was connecting and the girls looked frustrated. It was stressing as a fan. :( But Mexico played so well and deserved that win.
Totally agree with your comments, especially about width. I coached for 17 years and one of my most frequent comments was touch paint. Our forwards are fast and very good 1 v 1. Getting Mal back will even make us more dangerous in space.
“I'm also trying to be sane and rational about this.” I LOL'd because YES. This is so needed in the world of sports commentary in general haha
First off, Mexico has talent now. I have not seen players with this quality before. Width has been a problem for a while. Our wingers are primarily forwards that like to crash the box and look for goals, not Pinoe types who drift into open spaces. Fox and Dunn's tendencies to go middle doesn't help that and Rose used to be more active wide on your teams but now she tends to play more of a 10. This supports your thought that they are being told to play narrow. Playing narrow works w/ tiki taka but that's not how USWNT plays so this does not work.
Since the birth of Mexico's professional women's league in 2017, they have made a lot of progress
Mexico’s roster has a large number of US born players.
It’s true that some of the current players for MEX were simply ignored by US Soccer. I suspect that will stop happening when Emma is in charge.
That's always been the case. Lots of dual citizens on that team over the years. So that is not what's changed. MX has a league and academies developing talent now. @@johnrivers9393
What is tiki take exactly? I’ve never understood
Born in Mexico but raised in the United States,
Love Mexico and the USA. that's the beauty that if one team loses I get Seconds 😂..yet
I'll be brutally honest, This win brought me to realize I've been investing too many emotions on the wrong Mexican National team.
I'm on board.
WOMEN'S ⚽💯
The "men's team" is
Full of #Divas !.
Not me. lol I'm 4th generation Mexican-American and I only support El Tri. :)
Competition in CONCACAF is what’s needed and here it is. It’s great that MEX tested the US, but it was a classic low pressure game plan. The winning happened in transition similar to the way Japan beat Spain last summer. The MEX team was not the team we saw play ARG though. They got it together. We will see if they continue to play this way.
I love this kind of analysis, in Latin America is all about criticise and bitching between countries, a real shame this is completely neutral and objective, regards from Mexico City
Sam, thank you for your insightful breakdown of the USWNT. You have the perspective of someone who is currently on the team. Your passion is evident and you’re already one of the best in the business. Keep up the excellent work!
Completely agree with you on the width! I felt like they cut off their passing angles by playing so narrow, and the Mexico player are so quick that the shorter distance between passes aided in their transition defense. I also felt like they played so many passes back instead of attacking space - wanted to see them build centrally as I thought that was really where the few good chances were from.
As a Mexico fan, It felt great defeating the Queens of CONCACAF!!
You need to have some respect. It was just a win in a sport that’s all don’t let get to your head dude. Good win for Mexico. Mexico needs to do more in the younger generations we didn’t even qualify for the Olympics there is a lot more to get better.
As an American, you deserved the win!
He didn't show a lack of respect. He's acknowledging that the US are the Queen's of the Concacaf. Méxicans can celebrate a México win. @@hugovargas7411
That's right! Viva Mexico!!
As a Mexican-American who is a Mi Seleccion femenil fan, there was nothing disrespectful about this statement. Someone is just butthurt 😂 let us enjoy our win. Can’t always be the USA winning. Jeeze
Sam! Your analysis was the only one i wanted to hear. I was at the game last night. It was heartbreaking. Love your show. Thank you!!
This starting line-up was surprising, and I wondered how the combo would look. That it looked mostly disorganized and out of rythm is a symptom of the great game plan, cohesion, and pressure that Mexico brought to the pitch. I am so enjoying the development and evolution of this USWNT recently, and maybe this was the best game to try some new flavors in the salsa, so to speak. I think the US gains knowledge about so many aspects of the game from this loss. ¡Felicidades al equipo Mexicano! ¡Que gusto me dio al ver el tricolor de una forma ganadora!
I love watching our National team play win or lose. When I watched the game between the US and Mexico, it seemed like Mexico came out with the type of energy we are used to seeing from the women’s US team. I don’t know if they were flat or just confused abt the game plan. However you spin it, you have to give credit to the Mexican team for a game well played.
I feel like the width was present against Dominican Republic and Argentina. I appreciated your perspective that a narrow approach might be a specific tactic. Great analysis, Sam!
You’re absolutely correct about the width. The Mexico midfield was able to stay so compact and on top of that there was so much space between our forwards and midfielders we couldn’t keep the ball. We also had a hard time completing passes in the final third and it felt like we were in a frenzy even in the beginning of the game.
And that's what better technical teams do. That's why the US is now regularly losing to other top ten ranked teams. They've all become fully professional setups. You only have to look at how mens soccer fails to match the best in the world to understand that.
We don't have Sam Mewis to switch point of attack like you did so well in 2019. Midfield just played smaller and smaller into pressure.
and with you on the width
Was looking forward to your analysis, and it was great as usual. Thanks for being sane and rational.
You are totally right about playing wider. Williams was playing somewhat wider but Trin and Soph needed to be a lot wider. They can really get around players one on one. Also I think this was a relatively slow team against a faster Mexico team. Girma was a big loss but I imagine Twyla was trying to manage her minutes. Your comments are great and so refreshing.
I found the lineup decisions very strange. Our 3 most impressive players in the first two games were Midge, Moultrie & Shaw. And yet they didn’t start, nor were they the first subs off the bench when it was clear the team was struggling?
Also, why did we play our slowest center back pairing in Abby and Becky against our quickest group stage opponent?
It’s good for us to remember that most of these players are still in preseason, I think that was a big part of some of the disconnect we saw. But even more of a reason to go with the players with a hot hand.
Great to hear your thoughts Sam. It is so nice having you on this platform and TWG podcast. Awesome. You are missed on the field but keep offering great commentary that is much needed. It is interesting that this starting XI was the most similar to the WC lineup, and this result feels so similar to the WC. Second in group stage, great against under-resourced teams, struggling against better competition the team maybe doesn't expect to be so good. In this game the US looked slow, disconnected and out-hussled. It seems like they have a game plan, but when it doesn't work they aren't able to adjust on the field. In the first half it felt like they had no midfield, weren't able to comfortably advance the ball, and then got easily rattled. Yet things didn't seem to change much even after the halftime adjustments. I was a little confused about the lineup. I feel like the best players so far in the tournament (Shaw, Moultrie, Purce) should of started the game. Smith is amazing in the NWSL but has not been able to perform in the international game. I also think Trinity should be an energy sub off the bench in the last third to late game - I feel like she has great bursts of energy but can fizzle or be sporadic through a full 90. Unfortunately Sauerbrunn played probably her worst game ever. She has been so amazing for this team and has done so much (on and off the field). She is a great, great player and deserves much praise. But this wasn't her day and it really hurt. It makes me wonder if she won't be able to compete as a starter anymore - her time may be up. And I hate to say that because she has been so solid. But ultimately I'd like to see this team just play the youth. It feels like stale energy is killing this team. If the team is going to struggle in this transition, I'd rather see the youth learn how to lose so they can start learning how to win internationally. I want to see fresh energy. And given the opportunity, Shaw, Moultrie, Purce, Girma, Nighswonger have shown up. It would have been nice to see how they competed against this Mexico team. I love your thoughts on the width. To me it has felt like they aren't able to control the ball in the middle. I'd love to see Lavelle as more of a holding midfielder rather than pushed up. She does better to control the ball in the middle, help us transition to attacking. And I'd like to see more tactical emphasis in the middle. It seems lacking. Finally, Girma was extremely missed. IMO she is their best player. I hope she does not have an injury and we get to see her soon. I think this team needs to play youth, with speed, hunger and the ability to be flexible on the field. We seem too attached to game plans that don't work because we are getting put in a spin cycle of opponents bringing their youth, speed and hunger. USWNT almost seems in shock (thinking of this game and v. Portugal for last WC group stage game). Mexico looked great this game. I also think we are still struggling with identity post-Wambach/Rapinoe era. They each were very special players - extremely effecient and clutch and that is rare. We just don't have anyone like that anymore to bail us out and it is showing. Much respect for everyone on the field. They are working hard. I hope things click soon for USWNT. I'll keep supporting.
That game makes me very nervous. It was a mess. Sloppy. So many turnovers. Not used to seeing Becky make such a huge mistake. Refs blew a bunch of calls. That line up is not the one!! They seemed to collapse under the press!! Still have faith in this team. 🇺🇸
As it should against a good opponent because the outcome is very unpredictable.
Sam, great to have you still involved in the game! You are spot on, width is important. Especially with the speed we have with some of the younger players on the team, forwards and defenders. I do believe this tournament it is a great test. There have been so many friendlies with lower ranked teams, it is so important to have quality opposition to really test the team. So needed to get a good gauge on players and positions that are "up for grabs". I do expect great things from this team. So much promise.
I hope when Mal Swanson comes back she’s able to play a role that helps with the pace of the game. The forwards need that width & ability to create space in the continuation throughout the final third. Well said Sam, we move!
I'm glad that north america is growing,,usa,, mexico and caneda 🎉🎉🎉
Sam is 100% right about wanting width. Manchester City (men) play with the same box in midfield that we had but the difference is that their wingers are as far wide as possible at all times to make the field as big as possible. Our shape was wrong and made it easier for Mexico to close down players because we made the field smaller.
Look they started Williams on the left and Rodman on the right and jagainst DR Williams was useless out wide. Rodman has the skills but but not sure if she is good enough in terms of providing service out wide. The other ongoing issues us the midfield this is the same thing we saw at the WC can’t possess and control the center of the field
Great point
but when your tired, it’s harder to stay wide
Yup and people always wonder why Grealish hugs the touchline. It’s good tactics.
Thank you Sam, we love your ability to analyze and critic in a postive fashion, and your expert analysis from your own experience is invaluable. Miss you on the pitch!
I'm an Arsenal fan - men and women, and found your thoughts on Emily Fox very interesting. At Arsenal, there is a lot of variety in the way she plays, and i think she is fantastic at it. I love watching her. But it takes awhile to develop relationships and understanding. At the international level, I think this would be more difficult because players spend less time together, but I think it will improve the team. I hope the USWNT sticks with these tactics.
Good analysis. Yes width is needed, it was missing in the World Cup and missing now. This is part of the learning process, but most importantly the team needs to build chemistry. Mexico was ready for the game and did a fantastic job defending. At the end of the game this is a win for women’s soccer.
Sammy, I love your show. Having an insider’s voice allows us to stay optimistic. Winning all the time is unrealistic.
great analysis, sam! i think this is a great opportunity to test how the team can turn around and adjust under a tight schedule, like the one we'll have at the olympics
Mexico played great and deserved the W. I agree we played too narrow - made it easier on the Mexican back line (particularly when we used the 1v1 against the outside defenders to set up most of the scoring v the DR). Wondering if this was an experimental lineup given we were already through to the knockouts and there's an upcoming need to trim the roster to 18 for the Olympics...
Loved your imput Sam! Mexico executed their plan and deserved to win.
It’s their second win ever against us and I see why that is big news for them after 16 loses. But, I could care less about our opponents at this point. This tournament is about the National Team trying out new things/players/schemes in order to turn the page from a wasteful 6 years.
I thought we were finally taking some tactical chances and injecting some new ideas in the previous games. Then, last night it felt like the coaching staff regressed back to the WC. WHY??
Our best 11 is a mix of older and new players. I thought we established that earlier in this tournament.
Haters of the national team are always going to overreact when the US loose which is a testament to their status. “tHey’ll Never wIn aNother WC.” The team isn’t going anywhere. They will retool. They have the personnel to make the adjustments. We literally just witnessed it a few days ago.
Appreciate the comments on the outside backs. I think the role of the outside back has continued to evolve like we’re seeing with Emily Fox at Arsenal. I agree with your comments that there’s always a give-and-take with a fullback transitioning to a wing back or additional midfielder. Over the years, the US women’s team has had more traditional fullbacks. I think Emma Hayes will add new depth to the outside backs that will complement more width and fluid transitions.
What an excellent, humble, realistic, objective, mature, thoughtful and unbiased analysis. Being aware of these facts make it easier for a Team adjustment and an imminent successful comeback from this team of outstanding athletes. 👍🏼
Totally agree on the width because we have SUCH speed on those wings. This loss shocked me to the core. Seemed like nobody really felt comfortable with what we were doing? But I know they were upset and ticked off - Rose’s face said it all. Thanks for everything Sam!!!
I agree Sam. There was a tactical decay and individual lack of performance. I was at the stadium and can tell the crowd cheered for US. Maybe it got to their heads but I did see the lack of umph from U.S.I believe the fans trust they will recover and reevaluate. Width could be entertained for the next game, to create a playable attack. I can see it. Move forward U.S.
At any point in the game, it seemed tat Mex had more players working hard than we did
I'm a basketball girl, so naturally it makes sense to "spread the floor" to allow for more opportunities both from distance and inside. I know soccer doesn't work the same way, but intuitively it seems like getting good width is something that should be a priority.
Pelayo was awesome for Mexico!❤️
Bienvenida la rivalidad deportiva de Concacaf entre México y US ahora en mujeres, saludos!
As Mexican, I was thrilled about Mexico winning, Viva Mexico!!
Great analysis, Sam. Love what you are doing. Agree, agree, agree regarding width. Disagree, though, on this being a positive in any way for this team. This feels like rock bottom. At the World Cup, we were never drastically outplayed. Didn’t lose a game, gave up a single goal. We were played off the pitch last night by a team that didn’t qualify for WC. It was closer to 4-0 than it was 2-1. Lord knows, I’m not wanting to go back to Vlatko ball, but it shows just how much work is ahead for Emma and the team.
Sam, I appreciate you and your commentary on the games. I loved Snacks and was so sad when it ended. But, here you are! And I'm sooo excited to follow along this year as the NWSL etc gets up and running. I'm excited to see what this new version of our USWNT can do and how Emma brings about change. I'm disappointed about last night's outcome, and I realize it's a challenging situation with the two coaches. I just see this CONCACAF as a learning experience before we head into the Olympics. Lastly, as a boomer, yes - bring back width! Thanks Sam!
Hey Sam! This was a great recap and I’ve been loving the podcast. One suggestion - pls don’t be afraid of going “off script”! Trust yourself and your thoughts, we are excited to hear from you and love it when you sound less scripted / aren’t reading from a page. Thanks for all your work on this!
Great commentary, Sam. Seems like the team is just not comfortable with one another and that reduces their confidence and ability to execute the game plan. There has been so much of a tendency to want to be done with our veterans when the new players, while incredibly talented, have not proven their abilities to be consistent contributors at this level of international competition. In my opinion starting on this team should be earned, not given. In the pre-Vlatko era, we had our starters and any prospective newbies had to earn their place in limited minutes late in the game. That allowed the starters to understand each other's game and build comfort and pressured the new players to earn every minute they got on the field. Alex Morgan for example earned her starting role after time as a "super sub" where she created huge impact despite limited time. 2019 World Cup was a great example of this in watching the connection between Morgan-Rapinoe-Press-Heath. Those players were so comfortable working with each other. Similar in the midfield with Sam-Rose-Lindsay-Julie. With constantly revolving line-ups they don't get a chance to form those connections.
Glad someone finally said it! They don't make them like they used to anymore! No hard work ethic to earn a spot but rather entitlement & cocky behavior from these youngsters. I miss the 2019 lineup, especially the connection from the front line. Most importantly, seeing Press on the field. They need different players with different mentalities who are willing to put in the work & not expect everything handed to them
I totally agree with your point about the revolving line-ups preventing them from forming connections with each other on the field. There isn’t much time for this team to gel. This is the same problem they never solved under Vladko.
argie POV here:
I was watching the game with my sister and we did not understand the substitutions. Smith was EVERYWHERE and SO hungry. We said jokingly "well if they're going to play without her energy they might as well sub out Fox and Lavelle". So that was kinda crazy.
Besides the game was extremely intense and the ones who were subbed in couldn't handle that pace nor the heat.
I agree with the lack of width. I see Barcelona's style of play could suit this roster. The speed and how tecnical these players are can be surreal at times.
PS: Body language means a lot to me and the USWNT looked lost and out of sync for most part of the second half. Never seen Sonnett making the faces she was making. She looked SO uncomfortable at times.
And yes: I know Dunn has that polyvalence but she gives it away too much as a left back.
imo Nighswonger could be the key factor for this team.
Hard disagree on smith. She was playing too soft and her IQ isn’t where it needs to be. She can’t take on 4 defenders like she can on in the NWSL. She needs to be stronger on the ball. She will be easily grazed and she falls because she expects the calls (NWSL gives them usually and Horan does the same). She needs to realize that she can also assist and give off passes and build up. However, her team also needs to get up there with her. I think she needs to be benched temporarily and observe more and learn from Morgan and the coaches. I’m actually a huge fan of Smith and the Thorns. So this isn’t out of pettiness. She just needs to mature in that way which a lot of players need to do at that age.
Morgan and the coaches have nothing to teach - except how to foul and be dirty players. Your analysis is fair - and you are absolutely correct that the players need to be better coached , from better coaches. @@ahazzy2314
I was surprised that Becky Sauerbrunn wasn't subbed out at the half for Naomi Girma. She was clearly beaten twice on fast breaks, one resulting in a score. The USWNT became tentative up the field, possibly due to concern about a exposed back line. I understand the starting lineup - you had Dunn, Dahlkemper, and Sauerbrunn from the 2019 WWC championship team. But it clearly wasn't working by the time it was 0-1. Perhaps the halftime subs that were made were pre-programmed as a scrimmage experiment. Nonetheless, we squandered a chance to adapt when there was plenty of time to recover.
Width is not an antiquated idea. It always makes sense to stretch the field as much as you can vertically and horizontally. The more space you make the defense cover and worry about, you’ll inevitably have a greater quantity and quality of attacking chances
The US women’s national team overlooks and disregards the US born Mexican descent players. That’s great for Mexico! Keep doing that🤙🏼😂
Sam, this is awesome! Thank you. Our whole family watches every video you post! Could you please talk a little slower and maybe add a bit more content also to each video? Some more behind the scenes? We love your insights! Thank you!!!
World football/soccer has changed a lot in the last couple of years. It’s actually really exciting having more competition and seeing other countries thrive in the game (vs USA domination). I think now Spain has a bit of that role but it does seem like the quality overall has just improved - which is fantastic. Mexico earned this win and those goals were fantastic! And much respect to Alex Morgan stepping up as the “face” of that loss (especially as a late addition to the squad), owning up to the mistakes, while being humble about it. Regroup and go again, but I’m glad this Gold Cup has been more exciting than I first expected it.
The real shocking part is that it has taken so long for Mexico to be ..el número 1 de la concacaf...
Vamos Mexico!!!
Ya basta de dejarmos.
Reclamemos de nuevo nuestra passion que llevamos en la sangre y demostrar a todo el mundo de que estamos hechos!! 🇲🇽❤💪
The mexican team to US team: "Hasta la vista Baby !" 👋
Three main factors went into the result. 1 Mexico played well. Aye, hats off to Mexico; they earned it. 2. The U.S. was disjointed. 3. The coaching reminded me of Vlatko. Why were the two strongest offensive players on the bench until the final minutes? Also, why keep using players who never perform?
Yes, I agree with the width thing.
I didn't understand why there weren't any direct passes from the back. In the previous game, Davidson and Girma created some great initial passes that put the forwards in great positions. The width was evident there and we scored goals in the attacking third. We just got stuck in the middle, with what seemed like sloppy turnovers (though of course, Mexico was pressing on the 1v1s). And how long do some players hold onto the ball when three opposing players are converging? One or two touches and quick passing needs to be implemented.
Go Mexico!!!! gorgeous goals
Agree strongly about the width. And the passes seemed blind and Mexico picked them off a lot. Putting shaw and purse was a good idea. They are the future.
I'm not overly concerned. We should be looking at this year as a rebuilding year. No we still don't like to have losses, but it'll bring to the front our weaknesses. Not always a bad thing!
I am Mexican, but I have been a follower of the United States women's team since 2011. That year I was impressed with the style of play of that team.
I am sure that the American team will not give up and will have a good performance in the quarterfinals. Let's go, let's go, let's go United States. 🇺🇲👏🏆⚽
One of Vladko's problems was that he kept playing different people so that there wasn't cohesion. The same seems to be continuing in this tournament and you can't blame him.
Absolutely too much musical chairs
100% agree about not utilizing the width. It left us vulnerable and Mexico capitalized on all the space they were given. Hoping Naomi it able to get back on the pitch.
Definitely agree w you Sammy on the width thing!
Commentators DURING the game agree with you on the width thing.
YES to the width. They make the field so much smaller and it compacts the 20 field plays into the smaller area. Thats why so many passes are being picked off
Thanks. I appreciate that insight. Can’t wait to see some results
Gosh, I could not agree more about the width. Especially with Mexico's game plan, they were sprinting around to create pressure- I thought if the US could make the field as big as possible and pass around, Mexico would start to get tired and get discouraged. But the US shrunk the field and made it easier for them to create turnovers and maintain high pressure almost all game.
Could some of the US game plan be due to the short breaks between games? Trying to shrink the field so we are less tired? Or was it to avoid Mexico from controlling the midfield?
I really agree about width. This team had plenty of that the previous games. Moultrie and Williams scored from crosses from right wing. Morgan scored from a cross. Shaw scored from a cross. So why didn’t they do that? Maybe they were trying to practice something else?
I am a noob when it comes to watching football, but I do think your width comment makes sense. Why would one not want to separate the defenders as much as possible, especially when you have the explosive power of folks like Purce, and Rodman that have the ability to blow past defenders and turn the corner? Thanks so much for providing your insight!!
I never see ex-Nats players talk about this, but of the Mexican squad yesterday 10 of them played college ball in the US, 10 were born in the US, and 3 played on USWNT UTeams. Those are a bunch of spurned women with axes to grind. Maybe you can talk about this? The trash talking last night must have been phenomenal.
Exactly. I want this answer too!
You know you’re the best , it was just a game , the competition is not over yet .
Very good review, fair and balance
As a Mexican I had to write in English to comment on the following. Although Mexico managed to defeat the United States, for us it was something historic because we had already gone 14 years without defeating them, obviously it is logical that we get excited because we know that being united is the greatest power In women's soccer, she is a 4-time world champion, but this has already started in the quarterfinals and it is now where the real challenge begins for the Mexican girls after being left without the World Cup or the Olympics due to the terrible performance they had in the 2022 qualifiers. Alexa Morgan is A great player, I already know what it means to lift the World Cup.
As a relatively new fan of soccer, I can't say whether or not playing to width is "old fashioned". It feels like a valid strategy, which is the best I could say to your question. And also, even if is, or is becoming, an old fashioned play style, it never hurts to have those in the toolkit to be able to bring out and problem solve. Sometimes it's the older plays that are most successful because the opponent isn't expecting it.
Can’t wait to see what Emma hayes have in store for the squad
I’d love to hear more about how the USWNT trains to handle the high press. We couldn’t get away from them and were swarmed.
Totally agree about the width and switching the point of attack faster! Not old fashioned!
I was lucky enough to see both Mexican National Team players Greta Espinoza (played at AWC) and Mexican Goal Keeper Esthephany Barreras Torres play here in Yuma, Az previously on local teams. Which brings up an interesting point that the U.S. scouting system missed these two young ladies and was beat by players they could have scouted. The USA Womens National Team scouting system has become just as bad as the Mens National team now and its blatantly obvious they ignore Latino talent on both the mens and womens sides.
Yes! Finally the comment I was looking for!
EL TEMPETAMENTO MEXICANO CUANDO ESTA ORIENTADO COMO ES DEBIDO; INSUPERABLE!
The width thing is dependent on the tactics trying to be implemented. Now, the new in fashion thing is to have your wingers now occupy the half space instead of the flanks. However, as defenses adjust to that the flanks open up again. This is where tactical fluidity comes into play.
Mexico has sharpen their talent now, they are able to go head to head with USA, USA now has competition and can't set back and lack.
So happy for Mexico! I hope this winning trend for Mexico continues.
Loved Sam on the field (will she be back?) and am very impressed with her as a commentator. Lifted my spirits after a disappointing game.
Hi Sam - I really appreciate what you are doing here. Your interviews are great, and your analysis is terrific. After watching the game against Mexico, I was immediately looking forward to your thoughts.
One suggestion I have is to say more. For example, your discussion about the lack of width was interesting, especially your thoughts around being old fashioned about this topic. I really want to know more about this. If lack of width is going out of style (news to me), what is the reasoning behind this? If we aren't going to use width, I think that suggests a need for more technical players and less of an emphasis on speed? IF that is the case, we don't have the right players. Rodman, Purce, etc. can certainly beat players off the dribble but I'm not sure about them in tight spaces.
Anyway, more explanation on topics like the above would be welcome. Keep up the GREAT work
Excellent analysis as always Sam. I tHought the issue was how to solve Mexico’s press. It looked like the game vs Sweden in the last Olympics. There has to be a counter to pressure. In other sports pressure can result in an easy score the other way. Is it really that simple to spread the defense wider and hope to tire them out?
It seems like the US did not scout Mexico. They play a style of the Spanish game. Their speed and passing was top notch. Some width may have slowed them down but it would be better to intercept them before they get going. We need to match speed with speed. Put Midge in sooner. Keep the pressure on.
You're not old fashioned. Now I, on the other hand, am 74, and been involved in football for only 40 years, and scream encouragement from the touchline at my local NWSL team's games, am old fashioned. I absolutely love using the whole field. (When I played our home field was 99 x 100, so yeah I understand width!)
I’d love to see you coaching somewhere. Your knowledge is amazing.
The U.S. has about a 25 year lead in women's soccer, possibly 30 or more years on Mexico, central, south america, and the rest of the world except some european countries. The U.S. Women's soccer program began back in the 70s. Fortunately for Mexico, there is a professional soccer league, and it's getting a lot of support. That powerhouse title is about to end!
It has been since the last Olympics that the U.S. have gone on a downward spiral from which I don't' know what it will take to recover from. The talent is there so , perhaps a good Coach is the starting point. I really hope so.
I went back and looked at the stats. The US passing % was 78%. I thought the midfielders played horrible. We have some of the best midfielders in the world but no one was getting to open spots to create good targets. Width is needed but the midfielders need to capitalize on that and make late runs. Also, the US has great speed. Play direct and let Purce, Smith, Morgan and Rodman run after the ball. Mexico played well, were physical and went nose to nose with the US. They played fearlessly! I hope the USWNT watches this game and realize they were challenged physically, tactically and emotionally and they didn't step up.
How did you get to the "we have some of the best midfielders in the world" conclusion?
Harper's Bazaar, Fox and Friends or the New Yorker?
@@mlsarchitect you might disagree but you went straight to demeaning. Doesn't deserve a response beyond that.
@@pilots85
We're equal then,
your presumption didn't deserve consideration.
Moving full backs into centre midfield to create overloads only really came in in the 2022-23 season with a back 4 with a centre back taking a full back's place. It gives a 3-2-4-1 formation in possession and 4-1-4-1 out of possession. With 2 wide players holding their width, the 2 attacking midfielders could make late runs into the box or help their winger with the 2 holding midfielders picking up any loose balls around the edges. The forward wide players have to hold their width with their support coming from the attacking midfielder on their side. Man City started it, now Arsenal and Liverpool have joined. It really helps having left footed wingers on the right and right footed on the left who come short instead of running in behind, eg Mahrez, Salah, Saka on the right or Grealish, Luiz, Martinelli on the left
Womens soccer is getting a lot more interesting now. Good game!