USWNT World Cup Preview – Five things you need to know before kick off. USA begins its hunt for back-to-back WC trophies.
Summer is here and with it the 2019 France Women’s World Cup has begun. Action kicked off on Friday night (6/7) with host nation France rolling over South Korea in a 4-0 performance by the Blues.
Full group action got underway the following day, Saturday (6/8), with Germany squeaking by China, Spain beating South Africa, and Norway shutting out Nigeria in the first full day of matches.
USA drew into Group F, arguably the easiest group with Thailand, Sweden, and Chile also in attendance. The US is expected to top the group with Sweden likely coming in second. If either Chile or Thailand want to make it out of the group, they will have a long, long road ahead of them.
But before we get there, here’s 5 things you need to know about the US Women’s National Team before their first match on Tuesday (6/11) at 3:00 EST.
- Previous Record & Form
Not only are the USWNT expect to top the group, they are also favorites to win the whole thing. They entered this World Cup ranked #1 by FIFA, having only lost one match in the last 18 months—the one loss being a 3-1 defeat at the hands of France.
However, the loss didn’t distract them too much. They tallied six straight wins before heading to France for the tournament. Also don’t forget, the USWMNT are returning champions and will be looking to lift back to back World Cup trophies. If they can make the final this year, it will be their 3rd straight WC final appearance.
Although there are some concerns before Tuesday, one being the National Team isn’t as strong as they were a year ago. Within the last 12 months, they’ve struggled against sides they shouldn’t have all while conceding more goals than expected. Additionally their questionable 2016 Olympic performance has sown doubts in some fans.
Nonetheless, they are still the favorites to win the World Cup and anything less than lifting the trophy will be considered a massive failure.
2. Alex Morgan’s Last World Cup
America’s Soccer Queen could be playing in her last World Cup, well at least her last one while she’s in top form. The 29-year-old forward has been the brains, beauty and brawny force behind this team for years, and now she facing her last competitive World Cup attendance.
On the club side of life, Morgan was recently loaned from the NWSL to French side Lyon. While there, she quickly made an impact, totaling 5 goals in only 8 appearances.
Recently the American star has not only been turning heads on the pitch but also off it as well, gracing this year’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover. Give it a look here. She’s truly an American treasure.
3. Tobin Heath Could Stun the World (Again)
Alex Morgan isn’t the only American star who is likely playing in her last competitive WC. Tobin Heath is another name you should be paying attention to in France. Heath is probably the US’s most technical player we’ve ever produced and will be vital if the US hopes for success again this WC campaign. Domestically, fans can watch her play for Portland Thorns in the NWSL.
Far away from the comforts of North Carolina, where she played in college, Heath now stands on the edge of her own global destiny to perhaps lift back-to-back WC trophies.
She’s a squad veteran whose experience will be greatly needed to help guide some of the first timers. Past World Cup experience is so valuable in these settings, and Heath has it in spades. Pay close attention to her—she might just be the difference maker in several key moments.
4. Expect Lots of Goals (For & Against)
If you’re looking to place some bets on the US, one should expect lots of goals. The US plays a very open and expansive style of play. This nets them lots of goals—29 goals in 10 matches this year alone in fact. The US is an attacking powerhouse, relying often on outscoring teams rather than defensively shutting them down.
The US’s open style has led to a leaky defense recently, and this fact could be their undoing in France. Although the group stage doesn’t offer much in deadly attacking threats, the US will come across sides that can score just as many goals as they can, meaning they’ll need to sort out their defense if they want to win another WC.
Even though group stages are often cagey affairs, I’d expect the US to bang some goals in early in the competition against some weaker sides. I’d feel confident taking the 2.5 over on any of the US’s group stage matches.
5. Group F Team Preview
Vs Thailand (#34) 6/11 – Are one of the worst teams in the tournament, having loss 10 out of the last 11 matches. Anything other than a bloodbath will raise question marks about the USA squad. This should be the perfect opportunity to make an entrance at this year's WC and provide ample time to shake the nerves.
Vs Chile (#39) 6/16 – Chile could easily be called one of the worse teams in the tournament along side the above mentioned. Things have been horrific this year for the Chilean team, sporting a 7-0 loss to Netherlands in 2019. They failed to score numerous times against competitive sides, and the US should be looking to shut them out here.
Vs Sweden (#9) 6/20 – Poses a legitimate threat in the group stages and are expected to finish second. The US will have their hands full with Sweden, recently beating European heavy-hitters England, Norway and Switzerland. Sweden is also coming off an excellent Olympic performance, nearly winning Gold. Expect an exciting match with goals from both sides.
Before You Go
A quick note about the Women’s World Cup: if you write or post anything about the WC on Scorum, be sure to hit me up on tg or comment to let me know so I don't miss it. I’ll be sure to stop by and give you a vote. The lack of WC coverage on Scorum bums me, so I’ll be sure to support anyone covering it. Big ups.
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