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Women’s World Cup: USWNT and Sweden draw 0-0

By Mike Dyce

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The United States women’s national team squared off with Sweden in their second game of the 2015 Women’s World Cup.

After a disappointing game against Australia to open the 2015 Women’s World Cup, the United States women’s national team faced a tougher test in Sweden. Not only is Sweden the fifth ranked team in the world, they’re led by former USWNT manager Pia Sundhage.

That was certainly the storyline coming into the game, with Pia Sundhage talking about the USWNT frequently leading up to the game.

Highlights and recap

While the Americans struggled to get things going in their first game, they were marginally better against Sweden. They started the game with Abby Wambach and Tobin Heath on the bench, looking to monitor Wambach’s minutes because she is in the twilight of her career.

There was a particularly close call midway through the first half. A shot into the box was deflected by the elbow of Sydney Leroux. Since she was in the box it should have been a penalty and Sweden called for it to no avail.

There was a scary moment in the second half when Carli Lloyd went ofr a header and ended up hitting Jessica Samuelsson in the back of the head. Lloyd was able to continue play fortunately.

Abby Wambach was subbed on and provided a spark for the Americans. You could feel the offensive pressure increase tremendously and  a cross to Wambach nearly resulted in the go-ahead goal.

Moments after that a corner kick found Carli Lloyd and almost resulted in a goal as well, but she didn’t connect well

The United States almost found themselves behind if it weren’t for the forehead of Meghan Klingenberg. A corner kick found the far side of the box and a shot on goal looked like it was going to beat Hope Solo, but Klingenberg kept it out keeping the 0-0 score in tact.

Sweden continued to be the more offensive team in the final minutes of the game, getting set pieces and chances on goal.

Things we learned

1.) We’re still struggling without Alex Morgan.

She is a dynamic player who can create and score goals. The Americans don’t look creative, dominant or imposing offensively without Morgan in the starting line up. Through the 60th minute, the Swedish team had a commanding 55 percent possession.

This was also undoubtedly in part because Wambach was on the bench as well. But the United States seems content to try and outlast teams instead of pulling away early and managing a lead.

Wambach did provide a spark when she came in, but not as drastic as USWNT fans would’ve liked to have seen. Morgan again came on in the 78th minute, almost too late to have a real impact on the game.

But once Wambach and eventually Morgan came in, possession was split 50/50.

2.) The defense improved.

Hope Solo wasn’t called upon to make as many dynamic saves early in the game as she was in the opener against Australia. That isn’t to say that Sweden weren’t without their chances, they were, but Solo was able to relax a little bit more in the net.

This could be more in part because Switzerland was struggling to get their shots on target.

But the second half provided it’s fair share of scares. Perhaps this was never more evident than when Sweden got a shot off in the box that looked destined to go in if it weren’t for a miracle save from Meghan Klingenberg.

3.) The USWNT might not be the favorite in the knockout rounds

To start the knockout round getting the third place team as the Group D winners, which they still could potentially lose, is crucial. If they were to finish in second they’d play the winner of Group E.

If they were to win Group D and advance to the quarterfinals, they’d most likely face the winner of Group C, which features a Switzerland team that scored 10 goals and Japan, the defending 2011 World Cup champions. They have a ways to go when it comes to inspiring confidence that they can sail to the final.

Moving Forward

Fortunately for the USWNT, they play the weakest team in the group in their finale. Meanwhile Sweden will play Australia, a No. 5 v No. 10 match up according to the FIFA rankings.

The USA would clinch first place with a win, no matter what happened in Australia’s game against Sweden.

The USA plays Nigeria on June 16, at 8 p.m. on FOX.

Group D table:

GROUP D
TEAMSMPWDLGFGA+/-Pts
USA
21103124
AUSTRALIA
21013303
SWEDEN
20203302
NIGERIA
201135-21

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