Pre Match Notes

After defeating Germany in the Olympic Semifinals, the U.S. Women’s National Team are on track to win some Olympic hardware. If the U.S. wants to win gold, they must defeat Brazil. Brazil, in their semifinal meeting with Spain, shocked many fans by grabbing a 4-2 win against the World Cup Champions. This result was definitely unexpected as many people believed Spain was likely to move onto the Olympic Final. Spain would end up playing Germany in the bronze medal match, and would lose 1-0 to Germany.

Brazil still isn’t a team the U.S. should underestimate. Brazil didn’t have the easy path in the Olympics. They would lose two of their group stage matches against Japan and Spain, and would come in third in their group. Brazil would make it to best third place team and move onto the knockout stages, where they would play France in the quarterfinals. Brazil would come away with a 1-0 win, and move onto the semifinals. In their semifinal against Spain, Brazil was able to expose multiple defending errors in the Spanish backline, and despite Spain grabbing two goals in extra time, Brazil would go on to win in the end. Against the U.S. this determined Brazil side is likely going to put up a strong fight.

Read about the USWNT vs Brazil CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup Final here

When it comes to the U.S. the team needs to watch out for Brazil’s counterattack and transitions. With players like Adriana, Marta, and Angelina in the midfield and attack, Brazil is extremely dangerous and quick in transition. This is where Sam Coffey and Lindsey Horan are needing to maintain a level of control and recover possession as soon as possible. There has been a lot of criticism when it comes to Horan wanting to get forward with the attack, instead of playing centrally where she’s needed.

Often, at her club Olympique Lyon, Horan is able to get forward with the attack, as the Lyon team has good midfield support from players like Damaris Egurrola, Daniëlle van de Donk, Sara Däbritz, and Dzsenifer Marozsán. However, the USWNT is not Olympique Lyon, and Horan needs to play centrally, help control the midfield with Coffey, and connect with the attack. If there isn’t enough support or control in the midfield, the U.S. will be overwhelmed, and unable to keep up with Brazil’s attack. It will be like the match against Japan, where the U.S. was overwhelmed by Japan in the midfield, due to a lack of support and control

The U.S. attack will be able to get forward. Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Swanson have been doing well all tournament. They may face some challenge from the Brazil backline, but as long as the U.S. can maintain their attack, they should eventually be able to breakthrough the backline and create chances.

There also needs to be good awareness in the U.S. backline as Brazil will likely be applying pressure there as well. With a handful of dangerous attacking players on the Brazil squad, the U.S. needs to mark players, defend their wings and recover possession.

Line Up Notes

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

Substitutes: Casey Murphy, Casey Krueger, Jenna Nighswonger, Emily Sonnett, Jaedyn Shaw, Rose Lavelle, Lynn Williams.

The line up is all right, but unless Lavelle is dealing with a minor injury or some discomfort, it’s hard to understand why Hayes would start Albert over Lavelle. Maybe she’s thinking starting Albert alongside Horan and Coffey will provide more control and stability in the midfield. It should, however the question is whether Horan and Albert will be able to keep up with Brazil in transition? On the other hand, Coffey should do well. Again, Brazil is a team that can thrive and move quickly in the midfield, if given the chance. Control is something this U.S. team needs to focus on, on top of good movement in the midfield and attack, and good connection in the attack.

First Half Notes

USWNT 0-0

This may be harder than expected. Brazil looks like the better side in this first half. Brazil was able to get forward, create many dangerous chances, and make attempts on goal. Brazil would even score in the first half but it would be ruled offside. There have been a few mistakes in the U.S. backline where the defenders were leaving players wide open. Sometimes it would even be the same attacker (Ludmila da Silva). The U.S. backline is facing a lot of heavy pressure from Brazil, but as seen in Brazil’s match against Spain, it’s to be expected. There needs to be better awareness from the defenders, in addition to quicker transitions once the U.S. recovers possession. The U.S. was able to get forward a few times in this half, however, they’re not creating enough chances.

The midfield battle between Brazil and the U.S. is almost even; however, it appears as though, Brazil has been better in transition, able to move, and create multiple long balls and passes in and around the U.S. penalty area.

Going into the second half, the U.S. needs to get forward more. Putting in Lavelle (if she’s uninjured) could help the midfield in terms of pace and movement, in addition to being able to connect more with the attack. On top of regaining control, the U.S. has to create more chances, and there needs to be more support in the attack.

Second Half and Closing Notes

USWNT Wins 1-0 and wins the gold.

Brazil takes home silver, and Germany takes home the bronze.

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

Albert would play the ball up to Swanson. Swanson would race past the Brazil backline and score the winning goal.

This was a great performance from the U.S. The second half was a lot better than the first. There was better control and movement in the midfield, and better build up plays. The U.S. had more luck with long passes, and were able to breakthrough Brazil’s backline. This was due to the Brazilian backline moving higher up the field. Brazil would increase their pressure and intensity in the final remaining minutes (and in the 10 minutes of additional time), nevertheless, the U.S. backline and Naeher were able to hold off the Brazilian attack until the final whistle.

Overall, the U.S.’s Olympic run was great. Swanson, Smith and Rodman looked amazing in the attack. The three of them connected well, and it was great to see their chemistry taking shape throughout the Olympics. Coffey was solid in the midfield when it came to both offensive and defensive play. As for the U.S. backline, that has been very strong as well. For the past two years, the defense used to be an area of concern. It was great to see a strong defending effort from this U.S. backline. Girma, Fox, Dunn, Davidson and Sonnett did exceptionally well. Head Coach Emma Hayes has done a great job preparing this U.S. team for the Olympics, and hopefully, we’ll see the USWNT continue to win and succeed.