Honestly as a fan IMO, the USA doesn’t need help from the officiating. They have the talent to win it all. I’m always rooting against Goliath-type teams. Same with the USA basketball team. I’m more of a underdog fan rooting for some big upsets. I think it’s because I mostly grew up following my local teams in Houston (Rockets, Dynamo, Texans, Astros, etc.). Sure I like to have only one 3-peat dynasty at least. Plus, we don’t act snobbish and keep bragging that our teams are better than yours like we’re Boston.
Ball didn't lie on that penalty. What a terrible call. The offsides call was correct, like it or not.
Brilliant save by Alyssa, came through in the clutch after struggling the whole tourney. However, that was definitely not a penalty, crazy call imo. Offsides call was also 100% correct, England player had 1 step ahead of the US, not sure why it was even a discussion. Also, Rose Lavelle is incredibly talented, too bad she got hurt. She is the future of the team
Guessing strategy (which was posted before I knew she was dealing with a hammy). Press has a little more pace and a little better on the ball while Rapinoe is better offensively. It certainly worked out with Press getting the first goal. That said, I was surprised by the move. I thought that if they're not going to play Rapinoe, it would be for Carly Lloyd (who I think deserves to start). I would've even thought Press instead of Rose Lavelle...though she played much better than she did against Spain. That meg was nasty. Was a great game from start to finish. England is a very good team and certainly earned their spot in the semis. I did think that PK was a bad call by VAR. It wasn't called a PK and there was no reason to overturn it. It wasn't blatant contact, even if contact was there. There was no effort by the defender to play the person instead of the ball. It was inadvertent and should've been left alone...but it worked out in the end with a poor take and a great save. Still, some great 1v1 defending by the US and, as they do, they just out work you. If I have one complaint about this team, I do not agree with Ellis' strategery of trying to kill the ball in the corner with so much time left. They had to know that with the VAR and the injury time that it was going to go at least 5 min past 90. Keep f***ing playing. You have free kicks in the offensive 1/3 and you're not sending anyone into the box? You don't have to bring the backs forward but at least make an attempt on goal to put the damn game away. Every time someone goes into the corner, all that typically happens is that you give up a goal kick or a throw. In either case, you give the ball back and kill very little time. Spread the field and move the ball around. Force them to chase you...not go into a 1 yd x 1 yd space only to turn it over every time. They have what every great team has, regardless of the sport. They just find that extra gear to out-play their opponent. It's truly impressive to watch. it doesn't matter who comes on the field. They'll give every last ounce of blood and sweat to make sure they win. With the effort these women give, I'm not sure it matters who they play in the final. They were told before this tournament that they weren't going to win this time...that the rest of the world has caught up to them. Boy, were they wrong. I love this team. They're truly a joy to watch. I no longer watch to see who the most attractive is (Christen Press). I'm watching because this is truly enjoyable soccer to watch.
So the Dutch it is. They're a tough team but I feel pretty confident that we're just the better over all team. Sunday at 10 am.
I thought the penalty kick call was correct. She doesnt whiff a wide open without that contact. Incidental or not.
The only chance the Dutch women can win is IF the USA beat themselves with some mistakes in either the midfield or defense backline which I highly doubt will happen. Other than that, this is going to be a coronation just like 4 years ago when they destroyed Japan.
What do you guys think about this VAR system of review? Do you guys think it should put it in the men's game? @leroy
Boom. Maybe now they'll get the respect they deserve- don't schedule other sporting or nonsporting events on days they play. And should be dead air on every television channel they're not being broadcast on.
