Pre Match Notes

The U.S. Women’s National Team

The U.S. Women’s National Team, and Germany’s Women’s National Team are both off to a great start, with the U.S. coming away with a win against Zambia, and Germany coming away with a win against Australia. The U.S. and Germany are now set to face one another in what could be an exciting and challenging match for both teams.

When it came to the U.S.’s match against Zambia, the U.S. would win 3-0, scoring all their goals in the first half. Some analysts were critical of the U.S.’s performance in the second half, because their was a drop in the U.S.’s intensity after Lindsey Horan, Trinity Rodman and Mallory Swanson were subbed out. The lack of intensity from the U.S. in the second half was likely intentional and to be expected. The U.S. had a 3-0 lead, and instead of exhausting the attacking players, Hayes and the team were more focused on control and game management. This is not something out of the ordinary in soccer.

There was good control from the U.S. against Zambia, as well as great connection and build up in the attack. This attacking line of Rodman, Swanson, Smith, and Horan plays really well together, and we’re likely to see that same connection in the match against Germany, provided that the U.S. can maintain a level of control in the midfield. The U.S. also needs to brush up on their finishing, as players (Rodman) would miss a few clear chances in front of goal.

Against Germany, goal scoring opportunities may not come easy for the U.S., especially with Ann-Katrin Berger starting in goal. However, the key to scoring against Germany is going to involve quick transitions in the midfield, in addition to quick services and touches into the box. With players like Rodman and Swanson, we are likely to see their pace in the attack, in addition to plenty of services from Rodman.

If the attack can connect and score early, like in their match against Zambia, the momentum will shift in the U.S.’s favor. It takes awhile for Germany to get their attack going. Most of Germany’s goals could come in the second half when the team starts to get more adjusted. The U.S. shouldn’t risk that, and should try to be aggressive right from the start.

Germany Women’s National Team

In regard to Germany, they’re going to face a lot of pressure and challenge in the midfield and backline. If Germany wants to be successful in this match, there needs to be a strong focus on controlling the midfield as much as possible. Germany cannot lose control of the midfield, especially when it comes to the U.S.’s counterattack and transitions. While Germany was able to cut off Australia in transition and stop their attack early-on, they may have a harder time shutting down the U.S. attack, due to the pace from players like Rodman and Swanson.

When it comes to Germany’s attack, it would be beneficial for Germany to try and score early on like they did against Australia, and try to maintain their momentum for the rest of the game. There needs to be good connection and support in the attack, especially in the box. If Germany can be more aggressive and apply more pressure to the U.S. backline, they will be able to force turnovers, create chances, and make attempts on goal. That pressure needs to be a collective effort though.

Sydney Lohmann, when she came on in the second half against Australia, was applying pressure to Australia’s backline. Perhaps starting Lohmann in the first half, will help the German attack when it comes to creating pressure, and encourage Lea Schüller, Klara Bühl, and Jule Brand to do so as well.

The German attack may face some resistance from the U.S. backline, since there has been significant improvement in the U.S.’s defending; however, as long as there’s good support in the attack, and Germany can get their crosses and services off quicker, they will be able to break through the U.S. backline. Finishing is also going to be important for this German side as well, since Germany, much like the U.S., may not have many chances to score.

Line Up Notes

Germany Women’s National Team

Starting Eleven: We have Ann-Katrin Berger in the goal. For defenders Kathrin Hendrich, Marina Hegering, Guilia Gwinn, and Felicitas Rauch. In the midfield and attack: Janina Minge, Alexandra Popp, Sjoeke Nüsken, Jule Brand, Klara Bühl, and Lea Schüller.

Sarai Linder is out due to injury and has been replaced but Felicitas Rauch. This starting eleven is identical to the one that we saw in the match against Australia. Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman, and Mallory Swanson are starting in the U.S. attack, and there are going to be questions on whether Germany’s defense will be able to keep up with the U.S. attack. Germany needs to make sure they have their wings covered, as Rodman will likely be attacking up the right wing. The defense also needs to close down any gaps and spaces in the box, as Swanson and Smith are likely to attack more centrally. It’s also where Horan would feed balls and touches into the box. Because of that clearances and recoveries need to be quicker.

As for Germany’s attack, we have Brand, Bühl, and Schüller. Brand did well when it came to the match against Australia. She had great pace and movement, and looked good with the ball at her feet. If Brand is going up against Naomi Girma, she may face some challenge and resistance from her. Girma has proved that she can keep up with the fastest forward, midfielder, or striker. Brand is no different to Girma, and while it is likely Brand can beat her in a footrace, her services and touches need to be quicker. It’s possible that the German attack can breakthrough the U.S. backline, but there needs to be good support and quick services in the attack in order for that to happen.

U.S. Women’s National Team

Starting Eleven: We have Alyssa Naeher in the goal. For defenders Emily Fox, Naomi Girma, Crystal Dunn, and Tierna Davidson. For midfielders Rose Lavelle, Lindsey Horan, and Sam Coffey. For forwards Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Swanson.

Substitutes: Korbin Albert, Casey Krueger, Lynn Williams Jenna Nighswonger, Emily Sonnett Casey Murphy, Croix Bethune

It’s great to see Smith starting. She had a knock in the match against Zambia and had to come off in the first half. Since Smith is starting, it appears as though it was not a serious injury. Smith, like Rodman, Swanson, and Lavelle will be essential when it comes to breaking through Germany’s backline. If the U.S. can maintain heavy pressure on the German backline, particularly on Marina Hegering and Kathrin Hendrich, they should be able to find openings more centrally. While crosses and services from the wings will work, the U.S. should try attacking more centrally, and locating areas and gaps in the box that Germany leaves open.

In regard to the U.S.’s backline and defense, Girma and Davidson has been doing well. They need to watch out for Jule Brand, and try to get the ball off her as soon as possible. Felicitas Rauch and Klara Bühl are likely to cause some problems when it comes to their crosses. Lea Schüller and Alex Popp (while she’s likely to be playing more in the midfield) are ever-present threats in the box, and because of them, the U.S. will also be needing to be careful when it comes to defending against Germany’s set pieces and corner kicks.

When it comes to the midfield, the midfield battle between the U.S. and Germany will be something to keep an eye on in this match. It’s likely to go in the U.S.’s favor when it comes to possession and control, but Germany has been good on the counter. It’s something the U.S. needs to watch out for, and something Germany may need to do more of, if they find themselves with less possession.

First Half Notes

Germany

Germany 1-3

Goal Scorers for Germany: Gwinn (1).

Gwinn would score from outside the box.

It’s not looking good for Germany at all, especially in regard to their defense. The U.S. is breaking through their backline without much issue. Germany keeps leaving too much open space in their box. In one play, Rodman would be coming up the right wing and three or four German players would move over to where she is. While Rodman is a dangerous attacking threat, Germany is leaving their left wing open, and leaving players like Swanson and Smith unmarked.

Germany’s backline could not keep up with U.S. attack. Hendrich was getting out paced, Rauch was failing to mark Rodman, and the team was struggling to recover possession after rebounds. Germany’s defense has always been a problem for this team, and unfortunately, it’s still very clear that there hasn’t been much work done in regard to the team’s defending

As for Germany’s attack, they were successful at getting forward a few times in this half, but it’s not enough. There’s not enough control or movement in the midfield, there isn’t enough connection in the attack. The attack needs to be more confident and aggressive going into this second half. They need to get on the ball more and start creating more workable plays and chances.

Can Germany make a comeback in the second half? Yes, they have made dramatic comebacks in the past; however, they have to regain control of this game first and foremost, and start playing with more intensity and urgency.

USWNT

USWNT 3-1.

Goal Scorers for the U.S.: Smith (2), Swanson (1).

Smith would score off a cross from Rodman. Smith’s attempt from outside would force a save from Berger. Swanson would score on the rebound. Smith would make a cross that would bounce off the post and go into the goal, making it 3-1 for the U.S.

The U.S. was outstanding in this half. They’re playing a lot better than expected. The U.S. is maintaining possession and control, and it’s surprising how much control the U.S. had in this half. While a midfield battle between the U.S. and Germany was expected, the U.S.’s presence in the midfield can be described as dominant and commanding.

On top of that, the U.S. attack with Swanson, Rodman, and Smith, was amazing to see. Their chemistry and connection in the attack was on point. The U.S. has been breaking through Germany’s backline with ease. A little too easily, but as pointed out previously, Germany hasn’t been able to hold off the U.S. attack that well.

Going into the second half, the U.S. needs to be more cautious defensively. Usually, this is where Germany can and has made comebacks in the past. The U.S. needs to maintain control, and despite having a two point lead, they still can’t let their guard down.

Second Half and Closing Notes

USWNT Wins 4-1.

Goal Scorers for the U.S.: Smith (2), Swanson (1), Williams (1).

Williams, after subbing on for Smith, would score off a cross from Swanson.

Goal Scorers for Germany: Gwinn (1).

USWNT

This was a great performance from the U.S. There was great control and possession, the team did well getting their attack forward, and it was great to see that chemistry in the attack between Rodman, Swanson, and Smith. The attack was ruthless and the team was able to break through Germany’s defense and create many good chances.

Some analysts and commentators may be critical of the U.S.’s performance in this second half. It appeared as though the U.S. was allowing Germany to get on the ball more, and allowing them into the U.S.’s defensive third. There also didn’t appear to be much intensity and urgency from the U.S. in the second half. Much like in the match against Zambia, the U.S. had a good lead, and the team appeared to be going for control and game management. However, the U.S. was still picking their chances to make runs and create plays. The U.S., while comfortable, was still in complete control even though it may not have looked like it.

Germany

When it comes to Germany in this half, they were able to get forward; the U.S. was allowing them more possession. However, whatever momentum Germany had in this game was killed in the first half. There wasn’t much intensity or urgency from the attack. They created some good chances, but those crosses and services still weren’t substantial enough. Due to the lack of connection in the attack, there much to build off of. Much like the first half, it still wasn’t enough. The attack was getting shut down, and there appeared to be a lack of connection and cohesion between the team.

Unfortunately, what really damaged this Germany team was their backline and defense. The backline posed no challenge to the U.S. attack. The U.S. was able to get behind them, and run through their defense without issue. Germany’s defending ability has always been a problem. It was like that leading up to the World Cup last year, it was like that in the World Cup, and it’s 100 percent clear, that nothing has been done to fix or improve the team’s defending.

Leading up to the Olympics, many fans were questioning the goalkeeping ability of Merle Frohms, the team’s previous starting goalkeeper. Now, with Ann-Katrin Berger starting in goal, and having a good season with Gotham FC, it’s apparent: If Germany’s backline and defense cannot protect their goalkeeper