FRA - USA Game Notes
The US, like Brazil, relies far too much on individual players' skillsets and athleticism to win games. Other teams, like France and Spain have surpassed them in passing acuity and accuracy.
Player Reviews
M. Nahar
For the most part, she played it safe and smart, sitting back and letting her defense deal with every dangerous situation. As a result, her work consisted mainly of picking off the deflected shots the US defenders bravely blocked. Though there were a few occassions where she could've come off her line to collect balls in the box and give her defenders some much need respite, her over decion-making was spot on. She flailed at a few crosses, but there wasn't much she could do on the Renard header from 5 yards.
M. Rapinoe
Big players make big plays in big games. If you're gonna wear the silverpink hair, you better put away your penalties. Like many strong, outspoken females, she's a magnetic and divisive personality. She's also the heart and soul of the team and after her last two performances and recent press, she's team's leading star. She ran her socks off in this game and did yeoman defensive work in addition to scoring both goals. She's definitely grown into the tournament even if she's still prone to the cheap giveaway or rash decision from time to time.
C. Dunn
She was always going to be a target in this game and indeed, most French attacks came down the US left side. Her one-on-one battles with Diani were epic and Crystal more than held her own- her quickness, speed and downright tenacity making up for her sometime lack of game and positional awareness. She got turned a few times, but she's got the legs to get back. She really must work on her passing though. She and the US were unlucky to have a third goal ruled off for offside (and confirmed by VAR evidently). FIFA really must do something to clarify basic rules such as offside and hand ball in the age of VAR.
T. Heath
She's always full of running, energy and endeavor. Always. The end product isn't always there, but she was able to beat the French offside trap and lay the ball back for Rapinoe to slot home the winning goal. More importantly, she made many key defensive interventions to thwart the persistent and talented French attack. She was unlucky to have her goal called back for a marginal offside call.
J. Ertz
A total warrior in this game. Ertz and O'Hara made a series of brave a strong challenges to repel French forays. Ertz's arial challenges were especially crucial.
A. Morgan
Another frustrating game. She worked hard but was never able to get the better of Mbok-Bathy
?? Official Game Stats
completion% per player, etc.
