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Tuesday seemed to be the day for possibly ill-timed words from US Women's National Team opponents at the World Cup.
Don't trash the team that just beat you!
First is the official site of the Australian team on an unsigned post titled "Australia v USA: 4 things we learn".
Point number 1: The USA, well, they just aren't that good
The US certainly like to talk a good game. The reality is they play a fairly rudimentary, bog-standard 4-4-2, were short of ideas going forward and outmanoeuvred tactically. ‘Play it long and look for the head of Wambach' seems the default game-plan for a team stuck in the past.
World football has moved, in case Jill Ellis hasn't noticed. US were outplayed by a better, smarter footballing side - who were also without two certain starters in Polkinghorne and keeper Williams - before the Aussies ran out of gas.
US relied on the individual brilliance of Megan Rapinoe to win them this game. And Hope Solo in the US goal saved the Americans on numerous occasions in front of a vocal ‘home' crowd in Canada. If it wasn't for this world-class keeper, this could've been a different result.
To be honest, I don't think I have agreed with an Australian more since a drunk Aussie with a big handful of pesos ordered a round for the bar I was inhabiting in the Philippines.
Do I want to see the US move to a more possession style, develop some base tactical identity that is not dependent on outrunning opponents or being taller? Do I want to see some young blood in the system? Do I want to see Lauren Holiday playing attacking mid like she does for FC Kansas City?
Of course I do. The problem is, ugly, boring, outdated tactics that get you a win is still a success in the standings.
The author really didn't state anything I have not said in some form myself. The big difference is the Matildas just lost to that bog-standard, short on idea team 3-1 in game that mattered so it sounds like sore-loser sour-grapes, not a realistic look at a team that could and should be better.
Don't trash the team you are about to play!
Pia Sundhage coached the U.S. women's team in 107 goals from 2008 to 2012 with only six losses. Considering how many of the current team are holdovers or recycled from her time, she knows the team very well.
In an interview with the New York Times, Pia has some less than flattering things to say about Carli Lloyd, Hope Solo and said that Abby Wambach should only be a sub.
She spoke the truth and even a lot of fans might agree with her opinions but was it smart to do right before they meet on Friday? Why give U.S. players any bulletin board material?