USWNT Must Not Look Past China in Women’s World Cup Quarterfinals

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: June 23, 2015

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For the fourth time in as many Women's World Cup matches, the United States did just enough on Monday night to secure the right result, this time a 2-0 victory over Colombia. So far, the survive-and-advance theme has served the U.S. well: Only three more wins are now required to claim a record third world title.

A highly anticipated confrontation awaits in the semifinals, regardless of the opponent, but the U.S. cannot afford to look ahead too soon. China will represent another difficult test, one that could be even more demanding based on the Americans' uninspiring form and two key casualties from the Colombia game.

First, the form. Once again, coach Jill Ellis' 4-4-2 formation failed to impress offensively against Colombia, despite the 2-0 final scoreline. Following a promising start to the match, the U.S. went into halftime frustrated. Attacks were largely ineffective due to poor linkup play between the midfield and forward lines. The pace was too slow, and Colombia's hardworking players were soon able to claim a foothold, ending the first half as the better side.

That all changed early in the second half when goalkeeper Catalina Perez drew a straight red card and conceded a penalty for fouling Alex Morgan along the edge of Colombia's box. Abby Wambach missed the ensuing spot kick, but with a numerical advantage for nearly the entire second half, the U.S. pulled out an all-but-inevitable victory.



Ellis will be pleased with the way her team eventually secured the win, and once again, the defense—led by center backs Becky Sauerbrunn and Julie Johnston—was outstanding. But the Americans' lethargic attacking will be a grave concern moving forward, starting in the next round against China.

"I think the frustrating part is we all want to to do well. We're still trying to find the rhythm, but these four matches are done," midfielder Carli Lloyd said, via Laura Vecsey at Fox Sp...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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