Women's World Cup Thread

[Kernewek]

edit: double post, whoops.

[Kernewek]

It’s not un-American to not root for the American team, don’t be silly.

It seems like plenty of people have views on what makes you "American", and what you're allowed to do or say.  Both parties do it.

The idea that I have to root for every single athlete or team who wears an American uniform is silly.

All I said is that if you are American and you don't root for the American team in an international competition, then you are un-American.  You are rooting for interests contrary to your country, thus the classic definition of un-American.  I never said you had to like all the athletes, but if you don't root for the American team in an international competition then you are fitting pretty classically the definition of un-American.

I think the issue is that there is no longer a shared vision of America that everyone can root for - in fact the image (current and future) of the Americas that the two main political groups in our country have could not be more different. Kind of sad but unfortunately it's the reality...most sports teams that attempt to represent "America" try to straddle the middle to avoid controversy, while others wear their hearts on their sleeves and stand for what they believe in, consequences be [dang]ed. I doubt any of the US women are the slightest bit bothered about the stick that is coming their way from the right, they made their choices and are comfortable with them 

America has rarely had a shared vision, that isn't new, but what is new is actively rooting against America in an international competition.  That is about as un-American as you can get outside of criminal stuff (like treason).

Funny thing about treason ... it's how our country came to be.

Sure and they were un-English

Technically that'd be Anti-British, owing to the fact that the US came out of former colonies and all, but it's a fair point. I would also suspect most of the folks at the time to be much more local in their sporting allegiances.

[RJ87]

Quarterfinals are set:

Spain vs. Netherlands

Japan vs. Sweden

Australia vs. France

Colombia vs. England

All matches are a toss up. No Lauren James and evens the playing field for the Colombia, imo - and Walsh still doesn't look right. They probably shouldn't have played her 120 minutes fresh off a knee injury. If I absolutely had to pick a favorite from this bunch, I'd probably go with Australia. They've looked good without Sam, so getting her back is a game changer. But it could really be any of these teams.

Vegas odds:
England +240
Spain +350
Japan +500
France +500
Australia +800
Sweden +900
Netherlands +1200
Colombia +2800

Much like Roy, I'm rooting for Japan. Let's go なでしこジャパン

Japan is still the best bet, though not as good as when they were +900 before last round.

I had money on the US and Brazil, both out. Since part of the family is French I may root for them but I think Colombia can be a true dark horse. Young inexperienced team but they have talent. England didn’t look too comfortable against Nigeria.

The French can absolutely pull it off. They have the talent. But the talent distribution is wider in this world cup.

The more I think about it, I have a gut feeling that Colombia is going to eliminate England. Idk if they can generate enough offense without James in the mix and frankly, they had no business getting by Nigeria because they were outplayed.

I'm still leaning towards Australia as the sneaky favorite. But it wouldn't shock me to see Japan reclaim the title.

[gouki88]

A now (hopefully) healthy Sam Kerr will lead Australia to victory

[Roy H.]

[W]hile Beerensteyn still had respect for the team's accomplishments when asked about their elimination, she had little sympathy.

"From the first moment I heard they were out, I was just like, 'Yes! Bye!" the Juventus attacker told reporters on Thursday. "From the start of the tournament, they had really big mouths and were already talking about the final.

"I was thinking you first have to show it on the pitch before you talk [big]. I'm not being rude in that way, I still have a lot of respect for them, but now they're out of the tournament, and for me, it's a relief, and for them, it's something they will have to take with them in the future.

"Don't start to talk about something that is far away. I hope they will learn from that."

[RJ87]

Lauren James hit with a 2 game suspension. She might've cost England a chance at the cup with a really stupid act.

https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/38166480/lauren-james-handed-two-game-ban-available-wwc-final

[Kernewek]

Lauren James hit with a 2 game suspension. She might've cost England a chance at the cup with a really stupid act.

https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/38166480/lauren-james-handed-two-game-ban-available-wwc-final

As it was foretold. After all, the full title of the song is Three Lions (Football's Coming Home [with someone else]).

[ozgod]

Spain all over Holland like a cheap suit, just had a goal disallowed for offside but they’ve dominated. Dutch keeper has made some outstanding saves

[ozgod]

Dutch are living very dangerously

[Moranis]

Dutch are living very dangerously

See I look at it that the Spanish are. They are clearly the superior team, but they haven't yet gotten the goal.  You play around too much and all of a sudden you give up a counter attack goal.  And then another and then another and then another.  And you lose a game 4-0 that you dominated possession 77% to 23%, had more shots, had more corners, etc.  And yes that happened to Spain a couple of weeks ago when Japan put a beating on them.  the Spanish cannot let the Dutch hang around or they could have a similar result.

[ozgod]

Dutch are living very dangerously

See I look at it that the Spanish are. They are clearly the superior team, but they haven't yet gotten the goal.  You play around too much and all of a sudden you give up a counter attack goal.  And then another and then another and then another.  And you lose a game 4-0 that you dominated possession 77% to 23%, had more shots, had more corners, etc.  And yes that happened to Spain a couple of weeks ago when Japan put a beating on them.  the Spanish cannot let the Dutch hang around or they could have a similar result.

Yup they’ve dominated possession but have nothing to show for it…the pressure will start to mount on them. that’s the thing about soccer, just takes one mistake or counterattack. The Dutch are content to let Spain pass the ball around in front of their net they’re not offering much in attack though. Mourinho style park the bus strat 

[ozgod]

Penalty to Holland, beerensteyn hacked down in the box

[ozgod]

Penalty taken away after VAR that looks like the Netherlands got jobbed there

[ozgod]

That might have given the Dutch a new lease on life, they’re coming into the game a little more, just just defending like they have been for most of the game

[ozgod]

Spain 1-0 from a penalty given against Holland for handball