Posted on 06/16/2019 1:57:56 AM PDT by Berlin_Freeper
PARIS — It’s been a major talking point ever since the Women’s World Cup draw back in December. If the United States wins its first-round group here in France, and the host nation tops their own foursome, the consensus best two teams in the competition could meet in a do-or-die quarterfinal later this month in the City of Light.
The possibility of such an encounter well before the final has prompted many to wonder if the French and American teams might strategically opt to not go all-out in the group stage, perhaps setting up an easier path to the July 7 final in Lyon.
We already know the former’s approach. After beating South Korea and Norway, Les Bleues would have to implode spectacularly against Nigeria not to win Group A. What will the U.S. do? A day before the Americans’ second match against Chile (12 p.m. ET, FOX), coach Jill Ellis left no doubt about where the favorites stand.
“I struggle to tell my team not to tackle in training the day before,” Ellis said during Saturday’s pre-match media conference. “I think at this point it’s making sure your focus is on yourself and your performance and you put yourself in the best position to advance in this tournament. For us, it’s making sure that we play as well as we possibly can and win the game.”
(Excerpt) Read more at sports.yahoo.com ...
This is nice to know. A worthwhile history lesson while the team is overseas.
Should be its own news item. Was happy to read it at the bottom of the story though.
It would be very informative if athletic contests like World Cup and Olympics, posted the flag of the country where each athlete trains or attended college, as well as the flag of the country each is representing. It would make for a very interesting graphic.
I believe UF is only behind USC in the universities with the most Olympic medals in the past few Olympic Games.
Agreed! :D
Marta breaks Klose’s World Cup record to send Brazil through with Italy
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/jun/18/italy-brazil-womens-world-cup-report-marta-record
Wednesday, June 19
Japan vs. England, 3 p.m. (FS1)
Scotland vs. Argentina, 3 p.m. (FS2)
Thursday, June 20
Netherlands vs. Canada, 12 p.m. (Fox)
Cameroon vs. New Zealand, 12 p.m. (FS1)
United States vs. Sweden, 3 p.m. (Fox)
Thailand vs. Chile, 3 p.m. (FS1)
The win over Guyana lacked fluidity for long stretches but ended up providing some bright spots on which to build.
Look at the steady stream of blue on top!
GO USA!
(Link) Staggering growth of women's soccer bodes well for World Cup in France
Japan needs some taller players.
Last year I changed my daughter’s school to one with a soccer program.
She loves it.
Fulltime
Japan 0-2 England
Congratulations England
Wow!
Scotland was winning 3-0 but Argentina came back including a 94 minute penalty 3-3
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