Julie Ertz: We Will Miss You

“Soccer, I love you. It’s not you, it’s me. I’ve changed.”

Julie Ertz played her final match last night with the USWNT. She wore the captain’s armband. She came off the field to ovation. She was emotional. And the team won. That was not a surprise, Ertz started 106 matches for the USWNT. The team won 103 of them. She is a winner.

We watched her play wherever she was asked to play for the good of the team. And the decision to retire tells us something about her as well. In an age when we are accustomed to professional athletes struggling with a sense of priority, she is demonstrating maturity and perspective.

In her words, “I’m grateful to have found something I love even more – and that’s being a mum.” She adds, and I love this, “It’s not because Momma can’t play. Momma can play. She has just adapted priorities.”

World Cup: Semi-Finals

Four teams remain. I did not expect Spain to get this far, but then, it seemed that everyone else did. If in different parts of the bracket, Japan and Sweden may have given us a great final. But Japan will go home with their heads held high. So will Nigeria and Morocco and Jamaica and South Africa. We hope to see all of you next time around. There is little doubt we will see Columbia next time around. They showed great skill and what a love for the game looks like. With the elimination of Japan, we are guaranteed a new World Cup Champion. Just one of the things to like about this tournament.

Let me highlight two standout first timers. Linda Caicedo was caught between two German defenders, dribbling into space, and firing into the corner of the net at the far post is one of the finest goals of the tournament. She conquered cancer and now she is conquering the World Cup. You get the feeling we’ll be seeing her again. And then, Naomi Girma. What can be said? She is skilled defending one on one. She is skilled at working with team mates. She is like a scientist or a playwright or a conductor on the back line.

No one is surprised the United States have been eliminated. There were just too many signs that things were not the way they were supposed to be and it revealed itself on the field of play. While they did not meet expectations, they only gave up two shots on goal over four matches. They only lost one match and that one by a millimeter. Their final match was their best. Finally, they showed some signs of on field chemistry. Still, they were unable to score. That may have more to do with Zecira Musovic than a lack of effort. She put on a clinic with eleven saves in remarkable fashion. Credit to she and Sweden who seemed content to keep play in front of them.

Questions about the USWNT are coming from everywhere, everyone is offering solutions, and I am uninterested in repeating them here. They seem more reactionary than anything else. Anyway, multiple players played well. Some of the highlights for me were the way Andi Sullivan and Emily Sonnett were involved in that final match. That Alyssa Naeher converted the only penalty kick by a goalie in the history of the World Cup. (Way to go Alyssa)! And, of course, the way that Naomi Girma was involved in every match.

Back to players who are still playing. England’s Chloe Kelly, sixty-nine miles an hour – Wow. Amanda Ilestedt, the Swedish defender who has four goals, is demonstrating why defenders should get involved in set pieces (and use their head). And then, three players for Spain have already scored three goals. Australia has unleashed Sam Kerr. She has now played sparingly in two matches. Will she be healthy enough to make a difference?

In some ways, this Cup has become about Australia. I’m ok with that. No one not from down under would have predicted this would happen without a healthy Sam Kerr. If her health is improving, look out. The fans for many teams have been great throughout the Cup, but the fans of the home team “Matildas” have been phenomenal. The Australian Daily Telegraph has even been renamed “The Daily Tillygraph” for the time being. Do I think Australia will win. Probably not, but will be thrilled if they do. Just saying, if they do indeed beat England, we will hear the cheers on this side of pond. I give the nod to Sweden with England a close second. But then, that is why you play the games. I’m looking forward to what happens next.

An Unlikely Breakfast Meeting

It has been brought to my attention that I have not discussed Megan Rapinoe in any of my World Cup discussion. The simple response is that I mentioned players who I suspected would have some impact. Having said that, let’s just get this out of the way. One, I am not sure why she was selected to be part of the roster. It is possible that her veteran leadership was necessary especially with Becky Sauerbruun being out. It is possible that she was part of the team because of her skill at set pieces and free kicks. I have no doubt that Vlatko was deliberate in why he chose the players he did to represent USA soccer.

Having said that, a case could be made that she did not belong on the roster four years ago. Even then, she was not always helpful and sometimes even detrimental during play. However, she twice converted by simply being in position and she proved to be very skilled at set pieces and free kicks (credit where credit is due). Did she earn the Golden Boot (most goals)? Yes, it does not matter if you score your goals from penalty kicks. Did she earn the Golden Ball (best player)? Probably not, she was not even the best player on her team. But then, those who score the goals tend to receive the credit.

And then there is this, I tend to resist talking about people who seem to enjoy being talked about. In many ways, Rapinoe is the Donald Trump of USA soccer. In fairness to them both, I admit I do not know either of them and probably should invite them to breakfast before talking about them publicly, I will simply point out the public narrative for both is essentially the same. That is, the perception is they love the limelight and are presented in ways that may remind us of a line from a Taylor Swift song “did you hear my covert narcissism I disguise as altruism?” While it is possible that we hear their words out of context, I submit that, more often than not, what we do hear is not very helpful in the public conversation. They tend to polarize the population in ways that evoke strong feelings. On account of that, they are often exploited by others as click bait.

Anyway, the problem with the USWNT is not Rapinoe’s fault any more than the issues in the country are Donald Trump’s fault. Do they both exacerbate the problem? It would seem so. But problems tend to always run much deeper than any symptoms that are visible on the surface. It is very hard to hide something dysfunctional in the system for long and we can be sure the USWNT did not lose for lack of talent.

I’ll bet that they both are more normal than their public persona suggests. That’s the thing about celebrities, we don’t really know them, we only hear what the public narrative feeds us. I really should invite them both for breakfast. I wonder if they would join me at the table?

World Cup: Knockout Round

To the Knockout Round. This is where the World Cup really begins to look like a tournament. You lose, you go home. Talking about going home, did anyone expect Brazil or Germany to be leaving so soon? Did anyone expect what we’ve seen from Jamaica, South Africa, or Columbia? Morocco, a first-time team, and ranked 72^nd in the FIFA rankings, has advanced, and other first-time teams impressed. Portugal, I am talking about you. That was a organized and confident attack, well done.

What happens now? Things get serious. I can see the Dutch and the English in the semi-final. I give a nod to Australia to make it as well. They have some home team magic and perhaps number 20 will be ready to play. That other semi-final will be a dog fight. Sweden and Japan were two of the most impressive teams in the group stage. And the USA is there as well. The safest bet is that Norway will not be advancing to the semi-final.

Jamaica has not given up a goal. Sweden, England, and Japan swept the Group Stage. Sweden and England were perhaps expected, but what did I not know about Japan before this thing started? Marta and Christine Sinclaire are leaving early. Thanks to both of you as we bid you farewell! And a farewell to Alexandra Popp who scored four goals in her short stay. Fortunately, we still will be able to see Lauren James who has three goals and three assists for England. And Linda Caicedo who has scored twice for a Columbia side that has been a surprise. And Mina Tanaka and Hinata Miyazawa who are part of that surprising Japanese attack.

And then, there is the USA. No one has more talent, but the concerns about chemistry and organization and structure on the field are real. I have been reading some of the smack talk and most of it is written by people who obviously don’t know much about team sports or soccer. If you find yourself reading any of these articles, just remember, it is much easier to talk about what should happen than to make it happen.

So many are criticizing the coach (I’ll bet most of them have never coached). So many are suggesting lineups (this is not your fantasy team). Are there people who should be on the roster that are not, maybe. Are there players on the roster who should not be, quite possibly. But, we can be sure that Vlatko did not choose this team lightly. Nor does he flip a coin to determine who to play.

I don’t why he didn’t choose another defender but the defense has not played poorly (they have only given up one shot on goal). This is probably the best group of attackers any team has ever had. Chemistry seems more of a problem than personnel. Play Lynn Williams, I’m ok with that. Play Alyssa Thompson, fine. These are extremely talented players. But so are Trinity Rodman and Sophia Smith and Alex Morgan who have received most of the playing time.

And then there is the midfield. The midfield is what we feared it would be. Unfortunately, our strongest midfielder has not been able to play much and will miss the upcoming match with Sweden. and then, there is this, are we even trying to have a presence in the middle third at all? it seems we have a strong preference to kick the ball over them instead of any sustained possession. Here is my assessment. Any problems with the USA are more about what happens outside the lines than what happens on match day.

Still, we are at the Knockout Round and the best soccer is ahead of us.

World Cup – the Final

Its hard to believe, the World Cup is nearly over. We are down to one last match. These have been exciting weeks. Twenty-four teams show up to compete on the world stage. Sixteen advance to participate in a knockout tournament. Every match sees one team go home. Now, just two remain. In a tournament dominated by European teams, perhaps it is fitting the European champions are in the final against the number one team in the world.

There has been a lot of great soccer. Sweden showed why it earned a bronze medal. Two dangerous attackers up front who both scored in the third-place match. Kosovare Asllani and Sofia Jakobsson threatened with runs nearly every match. Nilla Fischer made a great defensive header near the end to seal it. England brought the best defender (Lucy Bronze) and the best attacker (Ellen White) to the tournament. That did not prove to be enough as the Lionesses go home without a medal.

I have been thankful that the local Primanti Brothers opened in time for me to stop in and watch some matches. During the USA vs. England match every television was tuned into the match. And the place screamed when Christen Press hit that header into the net at the ten-minute mark. I still sometimes wonder why Jill Ellis doesn’t do what I want her to do. But then, all she does is win.

Media coverage has been decent. Media hype has been terrible. The attempt to make France and USA match the equivalent of final was bizarre. Sure, France has strong players. Yes, they are the home team. Yes, they have the best song “If you aren’t jumping, then you’re not French.” But let’s face it, that was just an attempt to get Paris rocking and to build television ratings.

Don’t watch for any story the media might be drudging up. This is the World Cup final. It is its own story. There are plenty of reasons to pay attention. Here are a few; 1) The Netherland’s Jackie Groenen might be the strongest midfielder in the tournament. 2) Rose Lavelle is making a good case that she is the strongest midfielder in the tournament. 3) Crystal Dunn has been putting on a clinic at outside defender. 4) Alyssa Naeher might make another surprising save. 5) Becky Sauerbruun, Carli Lloyd, and Megan Rapinoe are likely playing in their final World Cup match. 6) Tobin Heath might make a move that will make you smile. 7) Anything can happen. 8) It’s the World Cup, both teams have made it through a gauntlet to get this far.

World Cup: Knockout Round

The knockout round continues today. Three of the world’s best individual stars have already gone home. Christine Sinclair scored her 182^nd goal during this tournament. That is two from tying Abby Wambach (all time leader with 184). But Canada was eliminated by Sweden in the round of sixteen. Marta scored two goals during this World Cup to make 17 world cup goals. The fact that someone has played in five World Cups says a lot about them. But Marta and Brazil were eliminated by host France. Sam Kerr is arguably the best player in the world. She scored five goals in this tournament but Australia have been eliminated by Norway.

Going forward, I look for England, the USA, the Dutch, and the Germans to advance to the semi-finals. But, that will all be settled on the pitch (code for the soccer field).

Some other things, what’s up with VAR? Call me old school, but I am not a fan. Yes, I know it’s not going away. Maybe I will get used to it. France’s Wendie Renard got ripped off, seriously where was the foul on that call? Her side still advanced, thanks to that pass from Amel Majri… wow.

Maybe Cameroon misbehaved. We all wish it wouldn’t have happened like that. But we are reminded that humans are passionate creatures. The girls from Cameroon were playing for the home country on the world’s biggest stage. Just saying, that stirs up a lot of passion. I am cheering they can keep the fire while working on some other things.

Spain vs. the USA showed what can happen when you put two teams against one another who work at maintaining possession and keep their shape well. No one likes to win on penalty kicks, but it is better than losing on penalty kicks. Spain did not make many mistakes but they made two in the box and it will haunt them for four years. When it is time for a penalty kick, it is good to have Megan Rapinoe on the field. She gave a clinic as she kept her shots low and inside the post.

Spain also capitalized on a U. S. mistake. Goalkeepers, do not pass the ball up the middle (I’ll bet Alyssa Naeher won’t do that again), even if you are passing to Becky Sauerbruun. Credit to Jennifer Hermoso for taking advantage.

On what to do when playing. Watch the Dutch score on a set piece against Japan. Lieke Martens is in the right place, moves toward the ball, and just gets a piece of a well-placed ball from the corner. This is what your coach wants you to do.

USWNT: What’s Next?

The U. S. girls complete the group stage tomorrow. They have scored sixteen goals in the first two matches. They have not yet given up a goal. What does this mean before facing Sweden tomorrow? It means Thailand and Chile were over matched. There would have been more goals but for Christiane Endler, the goalkeeper for Chile. To put it bluntly, she was phenomenal.

It means that Jill Ellis has a lot of talent to work with. It means that the team is eager to play and has developed chemistry right in time for the tournament. It means there are a lot of interchangeable parts. Already, all twenty field players have had minutes in the World Cup. It means that, though many of us have ideas about what we’d like to see, it is difficult to question her coaching decisions.

It means they need to be ready for Sweden. There is a lot of soccer left.

Other notes from the tournament include Australia’s Sam Kerr’s four goals against Jamaica. Jamaica scored their first goal ever in the World Cup  and the Reggae Girlz acted like they had just won the tournament. Brazil’s Marta scored her second goal of the tournament, her seventeenth goal to set a World Cup record.

Already, both Sweden and the U. S. are through to the knockout round. Tomorrow’s match will determine who they play next. Also advancing are Norway, Australia, England, France, Spain, Italy, Japan, Germany, and Brazil. Yes, there is a whole lot of soccer left to play.