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USWNT vs. Sweden: 3 things we learned

By Clemente Lisi

LE HAVRE, FRANCE - JUNE 20: Players of the USA celebrate Tobin Heath's goal during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France group F match between Sweden and USA at Stade Océane on June 20, 2019 in Le Havre, France. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)
LE HAVRE, FRANCE - JUNE 20: Players of the USA celebrate Tobin Heath's goal during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France group F match between Sweden and USA at Stade Océane on June 20, 2019 in Le Havre, France. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images) /
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The USWNT closed out the group stage at the Women’s World Cup with a 2-0 win against Sweden. Here’s what we learned.

After breezing through their first two games, the United States had a tougher time against Sweden, but the USWNT dispatched them with relative ease in La Havre, France.

As a result of the win (revenge for being eliminated by Sweden on penalties at the 2016 Olympics), the United States readies to play Spain on Monday in the round of 16.

The match at the Stade Oceane was a back-and-forth affair and, at times, tense encounter. Here are three things we learned.

Midfield maestros

The U.S. had a great game and it was thanks to their midfield. The trio of Lindsay Horan, who scored the game’s opening goal, Rose Lavelle and Sam Mewis gave the U.S. high tempo in the middle, spraying passes to the wings and hampering Sweden’s attack.

https://twitter.com/USWNT/status/1141764947204018180

Horan’s tap-in goal in front of net, her second at this tournament, sent a statement early on that the U.S. was serious about winning Group F. For Horan, this has been a breakout tournament. She has become this team’s midfield lynchpin and by far most influential player.

With no Julie Ertz in the lineup, Lavelle and Mewis did a solid job controlling the game and maintaining possession despite lacking her size. U.S. coach Jill Ellis subbed out Lavelle, who came out for Christen Press in the second half, to rest her for the round of 16.

The move pushed Carli Lloyd back to midfield with the score already 2-0.

Heath comes up big

With Alex Morgan coming off at halftime and replaced by Lloyd, Tobin Heath showed her quality as a striker. Heath’s near post chip that beat Sweden goalkeeper Hendvig Lindhal (later ruled an own goal) was a beauty. It was arguably the prettiest goal at this World Cup.

https://twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/1141790607595253760

The play fueled more drama when it was reviewed by VAR for a possible offside on the play by Lloyd, but it was ultimately ruled a goal. Heath has had a quiet first game against Thailand and was benched for the second game versus Chile. It was a morale-booster for her going forward.

In scoring, the U.S. recorded their 18th goal so far at France 2019, beating the previous record of 17 set by Norway’s group stage record in 1995. And the U.S. could have scored a few more in the game’s dying minutes, but Sweden’s scrambling defense ensured the final score was respectable.

Naeher sees some action

U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher had a busier time than her previous two outings. With the ghost of Hope Solo looming large, Naeher had some pressure on her to perform well heading into this game.

Naeher made three saves on the night, but never really looked to be in too much trouble. All Sweden could do is attempt shots from long range, something Naeher had very little trouble with. For Naeher, it was her third shutout in as many World Cup games.

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Like in Heath’s case, this was a confident-boosting performance for Naeher. It bodes well for her and the team as they embark on the knockout stage.