Despite Victory over Australia, USWNT Midfield Issues Remain a Worry

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: June 9, 2015

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The result was all that mattered Monday as the United States began the Women's World Cup with a 3-1 victory over Australia in Winnipeg. But despite taking all three points and opening up a crucial lead atop Group D, the Americans will have concerns about their first performance in the "group of death," chief among those being an imbalance in the midfield.

For the first 20 minutes of the match at Investors Group Field, Australia was plainly the better and more dangerous team. The Matildas started the match at a high pace and put the U.S. under considerable pressure with quick, confident passing and sharp, incisive movements. Coach Alen Stajcic's side exploited an overabundance of space left open in the American midfield, creating multiple chances that could have put the game away early.

It didn't work out that way, of course, due in large part to controversial goalkeeper Hope Solo's fine work between the posts. In addition, Megan Rapinoe turned in a game-changing performance, scoring two goals (though, admittedly, the first was fortunate) and setting up the third. Even so, there is reason for the U.S. to be concerned. While Australia was unable to take full advantage of the Americans' vulnerability in midfield, elite teams like Germany and France could do so later in the tournament.



The issues began in central midfield but were not limited to that section of the pitch. In the middle, coach Jill Ellis handed starting berths to Carli Lloyd and Lauren Holiday, both of whom are seasoned internationals. But although both are strong players, neither is primarily defensive-minded in her approach to the game. Naturally, that can create gaps between central midfield and the back four, as we saw against Australia.

Frustrating as it was to watch, it's not a new problem. For anyone who has watched the U.S. women's team in the past year, Monday's midfield issues came as no surprise. That included the players.
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Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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