USWNT’s advantage against the Netherlands? Sow fear

martin rogers

fox sports insider

in your own words, United States of america soft start women’s world cup title defense. Now it has become difficult, literally and especially physically.

Although they have made the right noise about giving everyone equal respect, the Americans have their next game (Coverage begins at 7PM ET on Fox and the Fox Sports app) was firmly on the radar from the moment the World Cup was drawn. NetherlandsThe one who gave a tough challenge to the US before losing in the 2019 final, is a very tough opponent at this early stage of the competition.

Talented, skilful and determined, the Dutch are also very well prepared to take on the world champion, but there is one area the US believes it has the edge.

to be scary

[Netherlands’ tight win sets up showdown with USWNT]

One of the biggest misconceptions about this American team – and perhaps the most outrageous – is that it’s a fun-loving, friendly group of ladies who walk around with smiles on their faces. This can happen off the field as well. Come game time, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Throughout the history of the national team program, America grew and continued to grow, becoming stronger, more ferocious and more intimidating than any unfortunate team. Now more than ever they understand the importance of that mindset and the sinister aura it creates.

“If you show how physical you can be, or are physically dominant, it will make other teams think, ‘Oh crap – we’ve got to bring our A-game too'”, forward Lynn Williams he told me when asked about the most effective ways to put up markers during a World Cup campaign. “Physicality is extremely important.”

Has The Netherlands Proved To Be A Serious Threat To The USWNT?

Perhaps never more so against the Netherlands, a strong and resilient group stunned by their results in recent tournaments. The Netherlands regarded Vlatko Andonovski’s team’s defeat on penalties in the quarter-finals of the Tokyo Olympics as unfortunate and ended their European Championship bid. France After an overtime fight.

America can expect a mix of solid athleticism with technical intelligence. There are only a few players in the world who have the skill of the creator lee martensBut it can also be said that very few have the power of protector Stephanie van der Gragt, Manchester City midfielder Jill ReddMeanwhile, he has both deceit and power in his arsenal.

United States defender/midfielder Julie Ertz Emphasized that the success of the Netherlands and the continued dominance of the US show that technical prowess alone is not enough at the highest level.

“I think physicality is one of the most important, if not the most important,” Ertz told me recently. “It’s just the way of the tournament. Everything, every game, every moment, everyone is doing their best. The stakes are very high.

“I think that’s the way the game has gone. Here, with Team USA, it’s always been that way. And the development of women’s football, every team knows what an important part it is now.

[Why USWNT believes Rose Lavelle is primed for World Cup encore]

The number of yellow and red cards a team collects is far from an accurate method of determining how aggressive its approach is, but it can be an indicator. In 2019, the Americans received seven warnings during the tournament, while the Netherlands received six warnings. In comparison BrazilWith 11 being the highest, it is a fair explanation that the two finalists were not at all afraid to engage, but handled it deftly.

Will USWNT still win group against Netherlands, Portugal?

While it always seemed like these would be the two teams that emerged from Group E, especially with both winning their opening games, the importance of the clash at the Wellington Regional Stadium should not be underestimated.

Not only does the tournament’s history shine favorably on teams winning their World Cup groups, but the bracket can offer more significant rewards for first place than for second. Runner-up in Group E faces worst-case scenario Sweden then in the round of 16 spain, one of the favorites of the tournament, in the quarterfinals. Winning Group E paves the way for what could be realistic Italyfollowed by co-host new zealand,

One outcome would clearly be preferable to the other, though none would be a challenge that Americans felt was beyond them. Because their job is to create fear, not to feel it.

Martin Rogers is a columnist for Fox Sports and author of the Fox Sports Insider newsletter. Follow him on Twitter @mrrogersfox And Subscribe to the Daily Newsletter,

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