The Dutch backline was indeed iffy at times. Bloodworth was great against Australia, but she wasn't good today. Hopefully, it was just an off day for her, Miedema, and van de Sanden today.
All but 2 UEFA teams were in the top 2 pots, and only 5 teams in the top two pots weren't UEFA, so seeing UEFA teams lose isn't expected. With the way the groups were drawn, the only UEFA-vs-not-UEFA losses that were expected based on ranking were: --Italy/Australia --Italy/Brazil --Scotland/Japan --Netherlands/Canada --Sweden/USA Only one of those five expected UEFA losses was on the first matchday for each group, and it was Italy (surprisingly, to most people) upsetting Australia. So I'd say just hold tight, though with the respective forms of the teams in the other four matches, we may not see such a loss until the knockout round. The draw was even more kinder to UEFA teams than it usually is.
I believe the question was will there ever be a game UEFA doesn't win. I pointed out three games that weren't won by a UEFA team.
Sure, but a UEFA team is obviously not going to win a match that doesn't feature a UEFA team. I think it's safe to assume that footyfan933 isn't talking about those matches, but I suppose the question could have been phrased better.
It is Van der Gragt that is my worry: If she is the last back and a counter occurs, she can get caught out. She has qualities, for sure, but she is not quick and not especially fast. Teams that go forward and try to score are always going to be vulnerable to counters, and we saw that a couple of times in the first half. Van Veenendaal made an excellent save on the Rosie White drive from distance.
Agreed, and there was that play where one of the New Zealand subs got by her too easily. I was just taken aback by how off form Bloodworth looked, and the crossbar effort that seemed to set the mood for the commentators to elevate New Zealand over the Netherlands came off of her giveaway.
They’re all retired professional soccer players, coaches, and professional journalists. Who were you hoping for?
Martin Tyler!!!! Even the NBC #1 team of Arlo White, Graham Les Seaux, and Lee Dixon are far superior to those I've heard. The English have retired players and coaches and they do a far superior job.
I mean yeah, I love them too, but a) contracts, and b) the thing that makes them great is their experience with the league and their knowledge of the players...the same reason they chose these announcers, who’ve played the women’s game and know the players.
A lot of US announcers think they're the entertainment. If you think the soccer announcers talk too much, listen to the tennis announcers.
I almost only watch the ladies play and I can't hear them because of the noise the ladies make with each ball they hit.
One of the things which I don't like about US announcers, in addition to over analyzing, is that they don't shut up. We can see what is happening. That is why I like the English/Brits, much less talking.