USWNT vs. Chile: 3 things we learned

The USWNT handily defeated Chile in their second game at the Women’s World Cup in France. Here are three things we learned.

The United States qualified for the knockout stage of the Women’s World Cup after easily sweeping past Chile 3-0 in Paris. The USWNT put together another great game, powered by two Carli Lloyd goals, to top Group F.

The U.S. defense saw some more action compared to the Thailand win, but Chile were overmatched for much of this contest. Here are three things we learned.

Fans made it feel like a home game

The World Cup may be in France, but it might as well be taking place in the United States. Thousands of Americans have purchased tickets (the most after the host nation) and they’ve made their voices felt at this tournament.

The sellout crowd of 45,594 at the Parc des Princes stadium was just the latest example of how much fans love this team and are willing to follow them across the Atlantic to see them in person. Paris has always been a tourist magnet. The USWNT has given Americans yet another reason to fly over to France, including Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz to cheer on his wife Julie.

We have already witnessed how Dutch fans are helping the Netherlands to success. The U.S. game against Chile gave the U.S. that “12th man” you always hear about. It also wasn’t a bad way to spend Father’s Day. The players can still hear those “U-S-A” chants ringing in their ears long after the final whistle.

A team with plenty of options

On the field, the Americans entered this tournament with the most depth of any team. That was put to the test Sunday when coach Jill Ellis started seven new players from the 13-0 Thailand win, including Lloyd, Mallory Pugh and Christen Press. On the bench was the trio that powered the U.S. to the Thailand win: Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe and Tobin Heath.

The outcome? Much of the same high intensity and silky passing we have come to expect from this team in recent years. At times, it looked as if you were watching Brazil. Lloyd opened the scoring, setting a record for her sixth consecutive tally at a World Cup game. Ertz made it 2-0 soon after and Chile was unable to move the ball into the U.S. half. Another Lloyd goal (making her the oldest player in World Cup history to score twice in a game) capped off the half and all but ended the game.

All the hubbub over celebrating goals against Thailand with too much gusto seems behind them. This is a team that’s focused and very deep. If not for some wonderful saves by Chile’s Christiane Endler (that denied Press her chance at a goal), the U.S. could have easily put in a few more. No matter, since the U.S. had what could be considered its B team on the field.

Set pieces a big factor

Ellis has said throughout this tournament that set pieces matter. By the looks of Sunday’s game, the U.S. has been working on corners and free kicks in practice. And let’s just say it has paid off.

Two of the team’s three goals in the opening half came on dead ball situations. As the game wore on, the Chileans got sloppier and began fouling the Americans in an effort to break up their offensive momentum. Getting free kicks as a result of those fouls worked out well for the Ellis’ squad. Lloyd did flub a penalty kick late in the game (missing out on her chance for a hat trick), but it ultimately mattered little.

Like the men’s World Cup last summer, scoring off set pieces became the theme of Russia 2018. Here at France 2019, the Americans are maintaining that trend. The U.S.’s ability to exploit free kicks and corners makes them just that much more dangerous once they start playing tougher opposition. Up next for the U.S. is a date with Sweden this Thursday for the chance to win the group.