MetalFingaz wrote:magik9113 wrote:I’ve only seen a few games, including USA vs Vietnam and just now vs Portugal.
I have always passionately rooted for the US women (as well as for Italy women—but they’re never actual contenders.)
I am happy that the US were able to squeeze out a draw and qualify for the next round, but it seems they are not even happy for themselves. If you saw the team usa reactions after the final whistle, you’d have thought maybe they got eliminated.
Only a complete lack of humility would prevent a team from celebrating advancing in a game where Portugal was centimeters away from beating you in stoppage time. For me, this is far more shameful than playing poorly. How cocky are these players- and for what reason?
Also having the advantage of being thru to knockouts with a draw should see you play with a different attitude. But if they think they are too good to be advancing as second place, or too good to be happy with “just” advancing, then they are going to be severely humbled the next time they play a great team, and deservedly so.
They are the FIFA #1. The expectation is winning trophies, not escaping out of the group. This isn't arrogance, it's realism.
That said, given the injuries and a manager that isn't very good, we can argue whether the expectations are warranted.
The US has only allowed 1 goal, so at least there's a foundation to build from.
Fifa rankings have never mattered in men or women’s soccer. Some European teams have caught up in terms of tactics and ability, and Japan is a powerhouse.
Injuries definitely hurt this roster which is further reason for me to argue for a change of attitude from the players. After back to back trophies it is normal to suffer a generational gap.
In order to win trophies you need to advance out of group stage. Like when Argentina men lost to Saudi Arabia. It is ok.
