2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup: Is Vlatko Andonovski Up To The Challenge?
Written by Oluwaseun Oyediji
After the United States (U.S.) lost control of the game in the first half, questions are once again swirling around the job performance of United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) coach Vlatko Andonovski.
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Positional imbalances gave the Netherlands control of the midfield, preventing the U.S. from getting back into the game until well into the second half.
Instead of exploiting the Dutch three-back defense with width, the U.S. conceded the line of contention in a mid-block.
The frontline struggled with distribution, with Alex Morgan having to drop into the midfield to get touches.
The Netherlands’ opening goal also seemed to temporarily drain the U.S. of their ability to contest possession.
A set-piece goal earned the U.S. the draw, but Andonovski’s Plan A still has yet to work consistently against top competition.
Meanwhile…
The USWNT still sits atop Group E on goal differential, after a cagey 1-1 draw with frequent rivals the Netherlands.
Jill Roord opened the scoring in the first half before a towering Lindsey Horan header drew the U.S. level in the second half.
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The U.S. lined up with the same starting XI as in their tournament opener against Vietnam.
Julie Ertz got her second start at center-back alongside Naomi Girma, and Savannah DeMelo started again in just her third USWNT cap.
The result was far from convincing from the USWNT, but their fight to back into the match showed some of the team’s old-fashioned grit.
Horan’s deciding header came immediately after suffering a hard tackle from Netherlands midfielder Danielle van de Donk.
Rose Lavelle also provided a much-needed spark off the bench.
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