The U.S. scored three early goals but failed to produce despite superior talent in nearly every position and playing with a one-man advantage for 57 minutes, a problem that has plagued the team since Olympic camp began a few weeks ago.
In two Tune up And in Thursday’s games, all against weaker opponents, the U.S. team had a huge advantage in shots (70-13), shots on goal (26-4) and corner kicks (24-5), yet was narrowly outscored (4-0).
Hayes and his players say they would be worried if they didn’t create chances, and the common refrain is “the goals will come.”
Except for the first 25 minutes on Thursday, everyone is still waiting.
“I’m happy we had some quality chances,” captain Lindsey Horan said, “but we know we have to get better. We know we need to put more chances in the back of the net.”
Alex Morgan’s poor performance over the past two years has led to the veteran forward Dropped from the Olympic teamHer replacement striker, Sophia Smith, He scored against Mexico on June 13.Three days later, The U.S. outplayed Costa Rica but failed to score..
and winger Mallory Swanson (2 goals). Trinity Rodman Both of Thursday’s goals were superb finishes from excellent build-up plays, with Horan providing two assists and Smith providing another.
But Germany, who opened with a 3-0 win over Australia, won’t have as many chances in Marseille as they will on Sunday. A lack of a big win over Zambia could affect their final standings. If the U.S. and Germany finish in a draw, Germany would be in good position to win the group on goal difference with a win over Zambia on Wednesday, and the U.S. would face a tougher test in Australia.
But second place might be the lucky winner. The winner of Group B will travel to Paris to face the runner-up of Group C (probably Brazil or Japan), while the runner-up of Group B will stay in Marseille to face the runner-up of Group A (probably Colombia or Canada).
Hayes blamed Zambia’s goal-scoring woes on Thursday on playing with a small number of men after Pauline Zulu’s red card. It seems counterintuitive, but Hayes explained: “When you play against an opponent who’s down to 10 men, [players] And then it goes down [in the formation]And then they start doing something different, and you start doing something different. So this is really the mindfulness part for us.”
Another issue was how the U.S. team handled the ample opportunities they had inside the penalty area. The goalkeeper, crossbar, post and goal-line clearances all prevented some shots from being fired, but the U.S. just couldn’t finish them. Many of the shots were belly button high and didn’t require quick reactions from the keeper, while others were just way off target.
Thursday’s performance was eerily similar. 2023 World Cup opening match against Vietnam: Despite two first-half goals and a 28-0 shot lead, the U.S. only managed a 3-0 victory. The U.S. scored one goal in its final three games. Lost in the round of 16It was the earliest major tournament loss in program history.
Hayes may not have his entire offensive line available on Sunday. Smith, who left the game late in the first half with an ankle injury, will continue to be evaluated this weekend, a team spokesman said. Jaydin Shaw (leg injury) did not play Thursday.
No matter who is on the field, the U.S. team knows it needs to be relentless.
“We’re not just an athletic team with fast forwards,” Rodman said, “we’re so much more than that. And I think we have to really believe in our hearts that we can beat our opponents. If it’s passing the ball, passing the ball and moving around with each other, there’s just so many more layers that we can bring. Living and breathing that on the field is going to help us get better.”
