man I thought that was in... Lilly is all over the field. I see her playing defense on the left, and suddenly she's putting in crosses from the right. Foudy's probably right... the US's best hope is to convert a set piece or two. Unless they finally get into an attacking rhythm.
I'm not a big fan of the lofty corner kicks beyond the goal. There already is a height advantage. Why not take some of the height off of them?
We're taking too many last minute slides and not able to get up and track the player fast enough. Of course, we're taking the last minute dive b/c ??? Ok, what just happened? Oh, replay. Right, Rampoine w/ the yellow.
Halftime. I give the edge in the run of play to North Korea. The US has looked dangerous on set pieces. The US looks slow and NK is showing themselves to be a better technical team with their runs, passes, and dribbling. The US is going to need to make some changes. North Korea is clogging everything and the US is having trouble in the midfield so the forwards are having trouble creating. NK is pressuring everything.
The USA looks a bit shaken. The three midfielders are not holding the ball. TOO MANY LONG BALLS. WE work so hard on winning the 50/50 ball, but it's immediately played high and long. I want to see more short passes through the mid. Change to a 343 first of all, play the ball around the wings, and immediately hit it back towards the middle and go for goal. I can't stress it enough, stop the long balls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Also, bad work on the set pieces. I can't believe we haven't converted one of those yet! Mix it up a little bit, play short, or even cross to the near post. It's all been back post to Abby. Come on. North Korea is smarter than that!
Time to see if Ryan is the sort of coach that can make changes at half and get improved results/play. Or if he's not able to adjust tactics/etc as the game progresses.
I'd like to see better control of the midfield and more possession. They haven't been able to string together too many passes. I really don't want them to be the team that has to resort to hoping for a set piece because they can't create anything during the run of play... but if so, they need to convert some of those corners. Exploit the height advantage. And I agree with Foudy. NK definitely has the edge.
Anyone think we might see these two teams again in the final? I don't remember ever seeing a women's game played at this fast a pace by both sides. Great stuff. JP still annoys the hell out of me though.
I figured NK would come out and play like this. Afterall, team USA is the team to beat. The fact that they are underdogs combined with the political overtones of the 2 countries, its no surprise NK is gunning for the US. Now I expect to see the US's poise and experience win the day. If the US can keep the NK numbers off the scorecard, the possibility that the US will put 1 or 3 up as NK tires out will become a greater possibility as time goes on.
I doubt this North Korean team will tire out this game. They know what's on the line. Especially with this home crowd behind them, they'll be up for this game for sure. When you're holding the USA 0-0, sheer adrenaline will keep you from tiring out during the game.
Guess we'll see about the final part, but I agree with you about the speed of play. Watched a lot of soccer lately and this is impressive.
Indeed. Welcome to the Group of Death. Re: Midfield. Honestly, I know the US likes to set their game and make people come to them but here, I think 3 in midfield puts us in a disadvantage. I'd like to see either Lilly or O'Rielly pushed back into the middle. It would help w/ posession.
I won't be surprised if North Korea win this match, they should be leading US at least 1-0 in this match. The States are just not playing fluently enought and thier counter attacks are too slow. JP saying a draw will be an upset was one of the stupidest comments i've seen on the forum.
I agree. After watching the Germany game yesterday again on tape. It was way slower than this game. Second half. GO USA!