Good read from the US pov. https://www.goal.com/en/news/not-af...e-games-uswnt-stop/140wjzkkl8t8j11bw6tf6z522e 'We are not afraid of America!' - After 21 goals in three games, can the USWNT stop the free-scoring Netherlands? Ameé Ruszkai Women's Football Correspondent Last Updated11 minutes ago 18:00Jul 28, 2021 .... But the Netherlands have by no means had a flawless route to the knockout stages, even if they come into the last eight in a better place than their opponents. They have conceded eight goals in three games, with some very sloppy and avoidable ones among them. Goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal, named the best in her position at the World Cup two years ago, has not been in the same form so far, with the defence showing signs of being prone to error. In fact, only the eliminated duo of China and Zambia, who they beat 8-2 and 10-3, respectively, in the group stage, have made more errors leading to goals in the tournament so far. Part of that also comes from the absence of Sherida Spitse. The 31-year-old suffered an injury on the eve of the Games which ruled her out of the squad, and the Netherlands have lacked bite in midfield as a result. The defensive responsibility she would assume has instead fallen on more attack-minded midfielders, with Jackie Groenen and Jill Roord not necessarily having bad tournaments, but they are limited slightly by the need for more reserved mindsets in their own performance.
I think Groenen has been a strong DM for the Dutch. Roord is really not that kind of player. I don't think Spitse would have helped out all that much as the defensive problems are with the back line and keeper. van Veenendaal is really not very good these days.
Yeah. Van Venendaal is miles away from her form in the WC2019 final against the USA. Who knows this will trigger a turnaround for her.
Let's hope so. I think the Dutch can score against the US but I don't know if the defense can hold up. It's too bad that they meet in the quarter final.
I don't think Netherlands will win. Of the last 48 USA games they lost only one. Furthermore, Netherlands is a loser country in general. So far the whole Olympic team excels in fourth places and second places. When it comes to silver medals and fourth places we are fourth in both tables.
USA are only slight favourites on betting sites https://www.flashscore.com/match/jmUpVGnA/#odds-comparison/1x2-odds/full-time
Yes, I think this is how it ends up. US can also bring fresh players in for the second half. US MF is just too strong for the Dutch. van de Sanden has lost the speed she once had. Beerensteyn has to come in for the 2nd half.
Defense is also really bad and error prone. Cannot protect a lead. Not sure about how good Wiegman really is either. Her team selection and substitutions are often very predictable; experts say tactical substitutions aren't her strong point. She sticks with the usual players, even if they are not in form or past their best. Remember: she is also one who got there by virtue of being a (in the women's game) legendary former player. The first player above 100 caps, played together with Mia Hamm etc.
If I look at other team sports Netherlands is good in, then you see regularly non-players as successful manager there. Or lower level players becoming a coach.
Don't know the staff of the women's team, but one thing I noticed about FDB his staff is it had not a sports psychologist on it. Former internationals turning into coaches are prone to rejecting these and parrot influential sections of the media.
Yes, someone needed to channel Ronald Koeman who remains the only consistent penalty taker in Dutch history. Still full credit to the Dutch Lionesses. they had the US on the ropes and put fear into their eyes. We always know how things turn out when matches go to penalties.