In a tightly contested affair that required a penalty shoot-out, the USWNT have fallen short in their quest to win a third consecutive FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Throughout the group stage, the USWNT did not look like their usual dominant selves that the world witnessed at a historic 2019 Women’s World Cup. Now with many of the US star players beginning to be past their prime, it looks like the next four years in the World Cup cycle will be a transition phase for the Americans.
Although the USWNT are extremely disappointed with their shock exit, head coach Vlatko Andonovski remains positive about the future due to the talents of numerous young players coming through the ranks such as Sophia Smith and Trinity Rodman.
“We started five players that have never been in a World Cup and we started them every game,” said Andonovski.
“We had Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman, Emily Fox and Andi Sullivan. I thought they were troopers tonight. They were warriors. They played well, played hard, I’m very proud of them and just devastated that after everything they did that we have to go out of the way we did.”
While the future of the USWNT still looks bright, they have most likely now reached an end of an era with legends of the team Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan most likely having played their last ever World Cup for their country.
Speaking to reporters post-match, Morgan, 34, was unsure about her future in the national team.
“I don’t know, I was so focused on the World Cup that I don’t know, I’m just ready to get back to San Diego, get back to work, go from there,” said Morgan.
Rapinoe and Morgan have been long-standing stalwarts of the USWNT having over 400 caps and 180 goals between the two. But Morgan struggled at this World Cup, failing to make an impact as the spearhead of the attack. And, for Rapinoe, she struggled for playing time at the tournament and when she did see the pitch, she looked like a shell of her former self.
Despite the loss, the US was on top for the majority of the 120 minutes but they just could not break down Sweden’s low-block defence. The stars of the US attack were young wingers Sophia Smith and Trinity Rodman who were behind most of the team’s best attacking opportunities.
Whilst the American’s will be disappointed with their shock early exit they can still remain hopeful for the future after watching their new young stars perform at the tournament.
Featured Image Credit: Pokuah Frimpong
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