USWNT Escape Group E by Finest Margin

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“To question the mentality of this team, to question the willingness to win, to compete... I think it's insane.”

Vlatko Andonovski hit back at criticism from Carli Lloyd and the FOX commentary crew following a 0-0 draw with Portugal. More below.

I. The US escape Group E by finest margin; with Sweden waiting, how long can they last? 🇺🇸

If the US hoped to make a statement in their final test of Group E, well, they certainly made one. Though it wasn’t the confidence-inducing statement they aimed for, and it won’t do much to avoid the Swedes, who likely await them next in the knockout.

Despite entering as favorites against World Cup debutantes on Tuesday evening in Auckland, the US proceeded to draw Portugal 0-0 in haphazard fashion, against a team with a better plan and clear execution of it.

As the second half started so did a fire-alarm, shrouding Eden Park in the most appropriate sound imaginable for this World Cup. Were that alarm to have words, what would it say? Perhaps that this incoherent collection of undeniable talent can still rival the best of anyone. But in a years-long pattern coalescing toward catastrophe: together they have no plan, no direction, no identity, and no sign yet that they’ll turn that around.

Once again (as it was against the Netherlands) the US conceded possession to the opposing team as they were out possessed and outnumbered in the midfield. But unlike Japan or Australia (both of whom just stunned their opponents while holding far less of the ball) the US seemed unclear on how to go about being truly lethal in similar fashion.

They did outshoot Portugal (registering 17 shots to Portugal’s six) and created a few dangerous opportunities, which is also a theme carried forward from their 1-1 meeting with the Netherlands. But as they greet the formidable tests to come in the knockouts, conjuring a larger set of half-chances while looking like disorganized chaos may not be enough.

For weeks, we the observing public, composed of fans and writers and everyone else, imagined the long-injured Rose Lavelle would arrive to salvage hope. And while her second half apparition against the Dutch turned that tide, she collected a second yellow card against Portugal, nixing her from the next fight. As the US prepare to play (presumably) Sweden. Let that alarm ring louder.

II. Lauren James helps England find their goals in 6-1 statement victory over China 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

England’s Lionesses entered the World Cup in search of goals that hadn’t arrived in their past three tests (Australia, Portugal, Canada).

Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich) sliced a decisive penalty past Haiti in their opening affair, ending the wait.

But it wasn’t until Lauren James (Chelsea) claimed a starting spot in their second clash that England found a goal from open play. Replacing Lauren Hemp as they met Denmark, James took all of six minutes to make a clear statement: if England needs goals, they’ll come from her.

That sentiment accelerated as England met their final test of Group D, a meeting with The Steel Roses in a group where theoretically, anything could still happen.

James stepped into the moment, playing as near perfect a game as you could ask of her, securing an astounding two goals (a stunning first-timer in the 41st minute and an even more stunning first-timer in the 65th) alongside three assists.

She was not alone in her convincing endeavors, though while involved in five of England’s six goals, her contribution stands out. And with a move into the “10” position amid a change in formation, her creative acumen was desperately needed as well.

England’s long-time creative conductor, Keira Walsh (Barcelona), was absent with knee injury tragically accrued in that 1-0 defeat of Denmark. In her absence, questions have swirled above Sarina Weigman’s camp regarding their ability to contend without her.

While Walsh remains a one of a kind talent, perhaps Lauren James as much as anyone has arrived to say: they’ve got the depth to fight on without her.

III. Coming up: Groups F & G Final Tests

Brazil vs Jamaica 🇧🇷🇯🇲(6 a.m. EST, FOX, Peacock, Telemundo)

Jamaica has a chance of making their first-ever knockout round appearance with a draw or a win over Brazil. But a highly-skilled Brazilian side will be looking for blood after losing to France, entering the match in third place. The aura of Marta’s last World Cup propels them. But Bunny Shaw’s return from a red may propel the Reggae Girlz from the other side, creating what is sure to be an exciting match, and one that decides who escapes Group G.

Before the clash, Marta spoke tearfully to the press about the evolution of the game she’s overseen over the course of six World Cups, saying: “I had no idols because there was no one we could watch back then”.

France vs Panama 🇫🇷🇵🇦 (6 a.m. EST, FS1, Peacock, Universo)

Entering the tournament as presumed contenders, Les Bleues were held to a 0-0 stalemate by an impressive Reggae Girlz showing, before taking hold of the group with a 2-1 win against Brazil. They meet their final match with fate near-assured, though if Concacaf debutantes Panama manage to defeat them, interesting tie-breaking scenarios could ensue.

Argentina vs Sweden 🇦🇷🇸🇪 (3 a.m. EST, FOX, Peacock, Telemundo)

Ah, Sweden, the team nearly confirmed to face the USWNT next. Sitting atop their group by a wide margin, Sweden seems unlikely to struggle in their final match with Argentina. However unlikely, if Argentina win, a chance remains they’d progress to the knockout round. The shadow of Sophia Braun’s banger against South Africa could perhaps come again.

South Africa vs Italy 🇿🇦🇮🇹 (3 a.m. EST, FS1, Peacock, Universo)

Banyana Banyana entered the tournament at odds with their federation, but despite that have pulled out two commendable performances. While they ultimately lost to Sweden and drew Argentina, they’ve shown a clear ability to capitalize in attack, scoring first in both of their group stage games. This test will be interesting to observe, as presumed favorites Italy could indeed be overcome by South Africa, making history for the latter side.

IV. News and Notes

1. From Tamerra Griffin at The Athletic: Nigeria are more than just “underdogs”. This is where they belong.

2. Ireland’s first World Cup ended on a slightly sour note as tensions emerged between manager Vera Pauw (among the managers implicated in NWSL’s recent reckoning with various kinds of abuse) and captain Katie McCabe. The conflict flared over substitutions in their 0-0 draw with Nigeria Monday night.

3. From The Washington Post: ‘FIFA invested in women and girls. Can it protect them?’ Molly Hensley-Clancy on repeated mishandling of sexual abuse violations by FIFA.

USWNT Collection with the GFOPs at Homage ⭐️🇺🇸👕