USWNT Looks to Improve Following Draw Against the Netherlands
AUCKLAND, New Zealand — The United States women’s national team (USWNT) believes they have room for improvement after their 1-1 draw against the Netherlands in the Women’s World Cup. Midfielders Savannah DeMelo and Andi Sullivan spoke to the media on Saturday, expressing their disappointment with the team’s performance but remaining optimistic for the remainder of the tournament.
Despite a win and a draw in their first two group stage matches, the USWNT is not guaranteed a spot in the knockout rounds ahead of their final match against Portugal on Tuesday.
“I think the team is in a very good spot,” DeMelo stated. “I think we are a very close team, so we really lean on each other and we’re going to be honest with each other. I don’t think we were very happy with our last performance, and we’re ok with that. We’re just an honest group, but we’re very hopeful and we know we’re going to get the job done.”
The Netherlands took the lead in the 17th minute of the match, with Jill Roord scoring the opening goal. The Dutch dominated possession throughout the game, but Lindsey Horan managed to equalize for the USWNT in the 60th minute from a corner kick.
Sullivan admitted that the team lacked coordination in their pressing tactics, resulting in gaps on the field, particularly in the first half. “It’s always a chicken-egg situation,” she explained. “If you don’t step high enough, then it’s hard for people behind you to read. If people behind you aren’t reading it, then it’s hard for you to go. I think we weren’t in sync. That happens, and we were able to adjust and respond. Hopefully, we can do that earlier in the future.”
The USWNT has been plagued by their lack of playing time together as a group prior to the World Cup. Coach Vlatko Andonovski has fielded a starting lineup that had never played together in a match before the tournament. Despite this challenge, the team remains confident in their ability to adapt and find solutions.
DeMelo, who made her World Cup debut in Australia and New Zealand, was surprised to be substituted at halftime during the Netherlands match without prior notice. Despite the lack of communication, both DeMelo and Sullivan acknowledged that the team’s constant communication and directness have helped them overcome obstacles on the field.
As they prepare for their crucial match against Portugal, the USWNT is focused on regaining their synchronization and securing their place in the knockout rounds of the Women’s World Cup.