They reason why they didn't make it was Japan! So what you're saying is that the difference between the US and Sweden/Germany is that you had the luck of not having to play Japan?
Of course not. We have the luck of not having to play Germany or Sweden, at least in the knockouts. We still have to beat Japan. That's Sunday. That's the way the World Cup works.
Um... so if you could choose whether your opponents in the final were Germany, Sweden, or Japan, would you seriously pick Japan? Just checking...
Well, you don't get to choose. You just beat who comes along. That's also how it works. Beat all comers. But I have no special fear of Japan, if that's what you mean. They are a special team. Fun to watch. So was France. So is any team with Marta. Both of those teams had their flaws so that they couldn't move on. So did Germany ( no finishing, bad center defence, no fire - youngsters wilted under the pressure of their own fans. ) and so did Sweden ( miserable goaltending, no finishing under pressure) Japan have never beaten the USA , including two matches just before the cup. Don't think they scored a goal in the recent matches, but I'd have to look that up to be sure. Could they beat the US? Sure. Will they? I'd rather be us.
The 4-5-1 formation came rigth after Abby's goal if you watch closely. A few times there after you can see Morgan alone sent by Abby/Rapinoe/etc.
I would much rather play Japan than either Sweden or Germany. 1) Japan's goalkeeper is not nearly as good as Germany's. 2) Speed. I know some claim Japan is really fast, but I think Sweden and Germany are faster. More importantly, both those teams look to pass into the corners and then cross the ball. Attacking our outside backs which is where our lack of speed is apparent. 3) Size. We have the physical advantage and thats important in both boxes. 4) Mentally we have the edge. Sweden and Germany know they can beat us. Japan only thinks they can at this point. 5) Past results. We stuff the middle against Japan forcing them to have limited shots on goal (I think only 3 in each of the last two). 6) I think HAO and Krieger are going to give Japan fits again in this match like they did in the second friendly. I don't think Japan can contain HAO because they lack the players that France and Brazil had on the outside. We beat them 2-0 twice and 2-1 once this year.
I know you didn't ask this of me, but I'll answer anyway. I'd pick Japan in a heartbeat. They might beat us, but I honestly think we match up better against them than the other two. First off, they play a very possession-oriented, midfield-focused game. We counter that with solid defense, speedy counterattacks, and athleticism. Germany lost to them because they couldn't put away their chances and had a defensive lapse in overtime. Sweden lost to them due to some really poor defense and goalkeeping. I highly doubt Solo will make errors comparable to those of the Swedish goalkeeper, and our defense has been solid since the early 2nd half of the North Korea game. We've also already beaten Japan 3 times this year (twice shortly before the WC). Sweden on the other hand has already beaten us twice this year. They'd come into the game with a ton of confidence, and they cruised through their first 4 games with really strong defense. Honestly, I think their lapses against Japan were something of a fluke (though a team less skilled than Japan may not have made them pay . . . the finish on that 3rd goal was just outstanding). Sweden would also probably have a much easier time neutralizing our offensive weapons. Playing Germany would have been a great spectacle for the final, but beating them in Germany would have been a difficult task, despite Germany's lackluster play in the first round. They also have similar strengths to us, which would have canceled out a lot of our advantages. I respect what Japan has done so far this tournament, and I think the final is pretty much a toss-up, but going both on past results and style of play (remember that we beat a somewhat similar team in Les Bleues), I'd take our chances with them. The group stage showed that they are not unbeatable.
Well, this is the USWN&A forum, so you'll find more American fans here. But there are lots of us who think that Japan has more than just a chance. Not me. Germany was the paper tiger this tourney and losing Prinze was (a) a devastating blow, and (b) evidence that the coach was not on the top of her game. Once Prinze was pulled the second time, she never played another minute and Grings couldn't step up to fill her shoes. And as has been pointed out elsewhere, did Sweden score a single goal on their own. They certainly gifted their goals by the US and the Aussies and the Japanese. True, but she hasn't made many mistakes this tournament. I dunno, Japan sure looked faster to me than Germany and Sweden. Japan attacks plenty down the wings, you are right in that they won't take it touchline and cross it in, but they will attack the corners. Vs Sweden, Miyama took four free kicks between the touchline and the end of the penalty box. True, it is our advantage. It hasn't hurt the Japanese yet being smaller. Japan is the team of destiny at this point in the tourney. They have their own unassaillable figurehead in Sawa, and they playing for an earthquake ravaged country. Abby and the girls may be playing for each other, but the Japanese are playing for their country. There are lots of reasons why the Japanese don't really care about the two losses, but when a team gets on a roll like the Japanese are right now, it doesn't matter what the previous results are. If you believe this, than you would have to concede that the US isn't very good because we only just got into the WWC. Nah. We're on a roll, the Japanese are on a roll. Previous games are meaningless. Japan handled Thunebro quite well, and I've been no less impressed with her than I have been with Krieger. I think you are right, O'Reilly may be the key to the US team. And for that, it will help if ARod can keep Kumagai in the center. If she can't and Kumagai is free to drift out to help Sameshima, well, we'll lose that edge.
Silly answer and not germane to the discussion at hand. The OP stated that the US matched up well against Japan, so I asked how well Germany & Sweden matched up against Japan & how the US is better than Sweden & Germany. If you don't know enough, then don't bother answering. The US making it to the final tells us little about how they will fare better against Japan than Germany or Sweden did.
I've never noticed Cliveworshipper didn't know enough...in fact quite the opposite....Clive does have a sense of humor On the lighter side from San Diego Union today: "No dirt? How boring" According to San Diego comedy writer Alex Kaseberg: " The U.S. women's soccer team has captivated American sports fans, but I don't understand why. They are so boring: no lockouts, no steroid trials, no sex scandals, no infighting, no DUIs. Just gutsy, selfless teamwork. Yawn."
Then he/she should show it. I'd like analysis and a remark which gets the original discussion offtrack is annoying, regardless of whether its an attempt at humor.
I don't think I've read a single post of your that added ANYTHING constructive to the discussion, so I don't believe you're one to talk about showing your soccer knowledge. Clive at least has a sense of humor. You should try to obtain one. Or double up on your dose of Midol.
I should know better than to come to BS for soccer analysis. Shame on me for coming here again and again.
Don't underestimate Kaihori. She may have started this tournament as a "weak link" but she has grown in confidence greatly, especially in the last two matches. She gave up only one goal combined against Germany and Sweden in over 200 minutes of soccer! The one goal against her was nearly a perfect shot.
In any other situation, home & home, best 2 of 3, etc., the USA wins hands down. In one game anything can happen. Thank goodness they play these games on the field instead of in BS forums! I know a man cannot hold his breath for 90 minutes, but I'm going to try. Go USA!
In addition to the two friendlies, they also played in March at the Algarve cup. All three games were similar. For the three games, the US has has enjoyed a 46-23 advantage in shots, a 25-9 advantage in shots on goal, and a 6-1 goal differential. Japan has has more possession in the midfield in each game, but rarely threatened the US goal. So, unless Japan has managed to take a quantum leap in ability to penetrate the penalty area during the two weeks since their 2-0 loss to England, I do not see how they outscore the US. May 18, 2011 Scoring Summary: 1 2 F USA 1 1 2 JPN 0 0 0 Statistical Summary: USA / JPN Shots: 15 / 8 Shots on Goal: 9 / 3 Saves: 3 / 6 Corner Kicks: 10 / 4 Fouls: 7 / 6 Offside: 4 / 6 May 14, 2011 Scoring Summary: 1 2 F USA 2 0 2 JPN 0 0 0 Statistical Summary: USA / JPN Shots: 15 / 9 Shots on Goal: 9 / 3 Saves: 3 / 7 Corner Kicks: 5 / 4 Fouls: 8 / 12 Offside: 0 / 4 March 2, 2011 AlGarve Cup Scoring Summary: 1 2 F USA 2 0 2 JPN 1 0 1 Statistical Summary: USA / JPN Shots: 16 / 6 Shots on Goal: 7 / 3 Saves: 2 / 5 Corner Kicks: 2 / 3 Fouls: 7 / 5 Offside: 5 / 10
Well after watching several of the games,,,there is no doubt that Japan and Sweden were the best quality soccer teams in the WC, but like some have mentioned Sweden's GK is really bad and she showed it again today vs France....but moving on the big final. I think it will go down to PK's. Japan are the better team when it comes to actually playing soccer, but The US is the strongest physically fit team in the WC and has picked up momentum at just the right time. If it comes down to PKs, the worlds current best keeper will pull it out for the US. It will be in SOLOS hands!
I am also wondering if AROD and Boxx get benched...and Morgan finally gets a much deserved start and the reborn rapinoe gets a start.
I doubt it. Rapinoe & Morgan have been very effective as subs. Very effective. We may see them a bit earlier, but they'll come in from the bench, IMO.
I don't feel Morgan's speed will be as big a factor as a starter and prefer her off the bench as well. The line-up I prefer would be: [LINEUP-4-4-2]Bach, Cheney, Rapinoe, Lindsey, Boxx, HAO, LePeilbet, Sauerbrunn, Rampone, Krieger, Hope[/LINEUP-4-4-2] Subs would depend on tactical situations but I'd like to see Morgan for Rapinoe and move Cheney back to LM, Morgan up top. Lloyd for Boxx or Lindsey to shore up the midfield if we're leading, and then leave one sub just in case of extra time. imo. I know we won't see anything like that, but I think moving Cheney to her natural position in favor of ARod is crucial. Also Lloyd doesn't work enough off the ball to merit a start, especially when Lindsey's distribution is so good. What I think we'll see is the standard line-up we've seen all tournament, minus Sauerbrunn for Buehler. I think Becky will keep her spot after last match's performance.
I really don't think Pia is going to change the lineup that got the team here. Whether or not we think certain players are better or worse than other players. (and my computer gave me a blue screen last night so I'm on a borrowed machine and won't be able to post much for the next couple of days... luckily everything was backed up. Back up your stuff kids.)