Buehler was pretty much the weakest spot of USWNT at that time, she didn't mark Sawa well in the ET and made quite a few mistakes. Sauerbrunn played in the semi and was very good. I really think that Pia should have continued to use Sauerbrunn in the final. USWNT could have won the cup at that time.
Based on play you are correct, but the emotion Buehler showed coming out on the field after we won on PK's against Brazil and Pia's dislike of change likely stopped that move.
U should have started this thread four years ago. Ive always thought Sundhages loyalty to her fav players cost her the cup. Mostly that revolves around Morgan's limited role but U could make a good case for Sauerbrunn.
Yeah, i think a lot of us voiced this concerned and most of us where calling for Becky to start and Rachel to sit before the tournament started. Becky has always been a better defender than Buehler.
A lot has been made of the odd roster decisions by Ellis but it wasnt that different under Sundhage. Not only do u have the cases for Morgan and Sauerbrunn not being ready (except in the WC with the title on the line and both were ready and shined) but what was up with Heather Mitts? Now I liked Mitts and thought she always played well when given the chance, but what was going thru Sundhage's mind? Mitts was the back-up to Krieger, but when Kriegs tore up her knee at CONCACAF did Mitts get moved to #1? No, LePeilbet got moved to the right and O'Hara got on the job training on the left. Now whether u think the team was better with LePeilbet/O'Hara or Mitts/LePeilbet, u have to ask the question...what the hell is Mitts doing as the #2 right back if the head coach doesnt believe she can do the job if #1 goes down? Yet there was Mitts, still the #2 right back on the Olympic roster.
Was bringing Mitts any different than bringing HAO, Chalupny this time around? It seems pretty consistent for the USWNT. They hold on to players, bring them around with no intention of using them. It's a waste of the chance for development and puts a lot of emphasis on supposed team dynamics.
If I have to rank my top players of this tournament, Becky would have to be at the top. If not #1 then #2. She was on point as a defender. I get that JJ played well for her first WC, but she made some errors and Becky was there to clean them up. I was surprised that she wasn't nominated for any of the awards.
yea, very different. Mitts was injured leading up and during the tournament. It's similar to Boxx this tournament, not HAO or Chupa.