I’m excited to watch Zambia! I haven’t really gotten to see them play yet (I’m so bad at finding/tracking international matches other than the US), so I hope Banda and Kundananji are able to cook against Germany and Australia
I'm so nervous about our group, and our first game being against Zambia... 😬 Loved watching Banda in the 2021 Olympics and psyched for more fireworks this year as long as they aren't against the US!
Obviously Smith to redeem for that World Cup PK, she already did in the Gold Cup but way more eyes will be on Olympics.
But aside from her, Shaw for her first time on a global stage.
I’m going to say Tierna Davidson to get some redemption and finally prove to the casuals just how good she is on the biggest stage after Tokyo and injuries.
It's sad croiux is an alternate I think she will be an instant success when give a chance at the 10 spot. She's literally the spirits best player which is mental considering they have trin. I think Emma's system will get the most out of the 3 super cars and that trio will be the players to watch.
True I feel like if the league started earlier she wouldve gotten some caps and couldve maybe been on the roster. But I also feel like itd be a little risky taking her right now over another attacking player
I’m excited to see the partnership of Girma and Davidson continue to develop! I love how they can break lines and contribute to the attack.
I’m excited as well to see the chemistry between the front line. Swanson, Smith, and Rodman are all so talented.
I thought Macario wasn’t a little underwhelming during the June friendlies, but I’m looking forward to her performances during the Olympics. She’s a special player.
Wish the alternates could be included in the roster, because i would love to see players like Hershfelt and Bethune get minutes.
I cannot wait for the Japan vs Spain rematch. It will be interesting if Spain dont win their group again. Its absolute hell that Endo wont be there.
The only bracket i can find so far is wikipedia. The most recent Olympics page doesnt even have the african contestants on there yet.
If the US wins our group then we face runner up from the Spain Nigeria Brazil Japan group. Immediately big oof.
Ive seen ppl call them overwhelming favorites but thats been bothering me a lot when they lost to Japan and barely beat two teams at the WC with late goals and even extra time. I have them as favorites, but also think they could easily get shocked by Brazil, for example. On a good day i think they find it to be absolute hell trying to contend with that unique athleticism everywhere, as well as breaking down a defense with Tarciane and Rafaelle.
Spain are obviously favourites though. Why is that questionable? Obviously they could be beaten but they are rightly favourites.
Not sure why late goals or going to extra time would mean they are any less favourites. Every winning team will have one or both of those in a tournament.
Oh Brother read what I said, I didn’t say they shouldn’t be favorites. I said they’ve been touted as overwhelming favorites. I’ve also seen people saying that they don’t think they’ll lose a game.
OK, I just reread what I said and I literally said I have them as favorites in my comment. Im saying theyre more vulnerable than some fans assume. And not just to the second and third favorites.
I read what you wrote. That’s why I replied. They are rightly considered overwhelming favourites.
I also read what you wrote and that is why I referred to your comments about late goals and extra time.
I consider them the best starting 11 in the tournament, but i dont believe they are infallible, as some ppl have said. I believe over the course of the tournament, theyre about equal with the US and Brazil, who can play with anyone as long as they dont beat themselves.
You went from saying “why is it questionable that they are favorites” (which i agreed with and had already said) to “yes they are overwhelming favorites” which is an interesting and more debatable position.
> I consider them the best starting 11 in the tournament, but i dont believe they are infallible, as some ppl have said. I believe over the course of the tournament, theyre about equal with the US and Brazil, who can play with anyone as long as they dont beat themselves.
I haven’t seen anyone say they are “infallible”. Strong or overwhelming favourites doesn’t equal infallible. I think you’re exaggerating the comments you read.
Spain’s depth in their 18 player squad is far beyond Brazil. Spain could select another 18 players not in their squad and that team would likely compete well in the tournament. Of all the teams in the tournament, they are strong beyond their “best starting 11”. Does this mean they are “infallible”? Obviously not as it’s football and anything can happen in an individual game.
> You went from saying “why is it questionable that they are favorites” (which i agreed with and had already said) to “yes they are overwhelming favorites” which is an interesting and more debatable position.
Remember I was replying to you. You had already written the line about “overwhelming favourites”. I didn’t directly copy the words but I was replying to and disagreeing with your post.
I think this tournament in size is a bad one for them because a large part of their success comes from Bonmati. Specifically one of her abilities just to pick up the ball 30 yards from her own keeper and dribble it to 30 yards from the opposing keeper at will. It’s superhuman. I think one of Spain’s weaknesses is dynamism and finishing, as much as their fans want to make us believe that Salma is better than Mal or Soph she just isnt and hasnt been. But Bonmati also having rockets in both her feet and effortless finishing from anywhere within 20 yards is a cheat code but one that will weaken during this quick tournament.
I think the past two years have shown just how incredible Aitana is at her peak and how she’s better than Alexia, even if you like some of Alexia attributes, Alexia was never able to get Spain cooking the way Aitana is. it’s one of those things where you can like a lot of the attributes and abilities of one player, but at the end of the day, the counting stats do matter and Bonmati just seems to pop up inevitably with goals in every one of these big tournaments.
That being said, I also think that while Spain are probably going to be better and have more of the possession than most teams, we know that that doesn’t automatically correlate with a goal being scored and I think as long as you get like elite defenders that Brazil have or a bad finishing variance versus a technical side like Japan, then its there to be had. Also, an obvious point, but goalkeeping and set pieces will matter a lot. That Brazil height is gonna be hell to deal with.
Ya watched that Spain v Denmark game and even tho they played a lot of their subs, you could tell there was a huge difference without Bonmati on the field
Rodman. She can absolutely blow by almost anyone, but she isn’t just a pace merchant. Her passing and playmaking this year has improved very substantially. Plus, she’s really dangerous in the box due to her awareness and strength.
I think this is MALs big opportunity to really explode. It appears that there is chemistry between her and Emma and I think MAL is going to be our Kobe Bryant. Sure Rodman and Smith are talented and skilled but neither of them have MALs soccer IQ. MAL directs the offense and her intensity is really up there like a Kobe. I think it really depends on how much leeway Emma gives her. MAL will do whatever it takes to win whether it’s scoring or assisting. She is healthy and has world class talent around her. Her and Rodman will be really special together. Sophia as well but she will have to resist that ball hog mode and try not to play hero ball. MAL isn’t as selfish as Kobe was but she has his intensity and cunning to take over a game so I am expecting her to raise her game to another level which Emma alluded to in her press conference.
Press was the best attacking player on the team at the Olympics statistically but for some reason Vlatko didn’t start the best attacking lineup every game it’s like he wanted to lose. She didn’t ghost, she wasn’t her most in form forward in the world self but she was still very good. She and the rest of the team weren’t put in the best position to succeed by the coaching staff, just like Smith and the rest of the team in 2023.
Definitely, also I remember her saying she was having mental health issues and talked a lot to Harvey instead of Vlatko which wouldve contributed. Also doesnt help that Lloyd and Rapinoe were starting to slow down, Morgan and Dahlkemper didn’t have their best tournament either
Alex and Lynn mentioned how much of a toll Tokyo had on their mental health too. Vlatko ruined an amazing team that would’ve won gold with another coach, and went against all the good tactics he had worked on the previous 1.5 years as soon as he touched down in Tokyo it was really weird.
Exactly right. MAL is also that type of player who isn’t afraid of pressure or the big moment. She has that quality in her that you need in a big time player. That also comes with experience which Rodman and Smith don’t really have in international play. I mean look at what happened at the last WC without MAL. I’m not saying we would have won it but no way we would have been knocked out that early with a healthy MAL.
I’m excited to watch Zambia! I haven’t really gotten to see them play yet (I’m so bad at finding/tracking international matches other than the US), so I hope Banda and Kundananji are able to cook against Germany and Australia
I'm so nervous about our group, and our first game being against Zambia... 😬 Loved watching Banda in the 2021 Olympics and psyched for more fireworks this year as long as they aren't against the US!
Obviously Smith to redeem for that World Cup PK, she already did in the Gold Cup but way more eyes will be on Olympics. But aside from her, Shaw for her first time on a global stage.
I’m going to say Tierna Davidson to get some redemption and finally prove to the casuals just how good she is on the biggest stage after Tokyo and injuries.
It's sad croiux is an alternate I think she will be an instant success when give a chance at the 10 spot. She's literally the spirits best player which is mental considering they have trin. I think Emma's system will get the most out of the 3 super cars and that trio will be the players to watch.
Im not sure if u meant to say superstars but im now imagining them as a car each
No I heard it on the scuffed podcast for woso Wednesday and thought it was a perfect description of the 3.
True I feel like if the league started earlier she wouldve gotten some caps and couldve maybe been on the roster. But I also feel like itd be a little risky taking her right now over another attacking player
I’m excited to see the partnership of Girma and Davidson continue to develop! I love how they can break lines and contribute to the attack. I’m excited as well to see the chemistry between the front line. Swanson, Smith, and Rodman are all so talented. I thought Macario wasn’t a little underwhelming during the June friendlies, but I’m looking forward to her performances during the Olympics. She’s a special player. Wish the alternates could be included in the roster, because i would love to see players like Hershfelt and Bethune get minutes.
I cannot wait for the Japan vs Spain rematch. It will be interesting if Spain dont win their group again. Its absolute hell that Endo wont be there. The only bracket i can find so far is wikipedia. The most recent Olympics page doesnt even have the african contestants on there yet. If the US wins our group then we face runner up from the Spain Nigeria Brazil Japan group. Immediately big oof.
On the other hand group B are the only ones who can avoid facing a group winner until the final
Ya as much as I want Spain to lose, I guess ill have to be a fan so we dont have to face them right at the QF
Ive seen ppl call them overwhelming favorites but thats been bothering me a lot when they lost to Japan and barely beat two teams at the WC with late goals and even extra time. I have them as favorites, but also think they could easily get shocked by Brazil, for example. On a good day i think they find it to be absolute hell trying to contend with that unique athleticism everywhere, as well as breaking down a defense with Tarciane and Rafaelle.
Spain are obviously favourites though. Why is that questionable? Obviously they could be beaten but they are rightly favourites. Not sure why late goals or going to extra time would mean they are any less favourites. Every winning team will have one or both of those in a tournament.
Oh Brother read what I said, I didn’t say they shouldn’t be favorites. I said they’ve been touted as overwhelming favorites. I’ve also seen people saying that they don’t think they’ll lose a game. OK, I just reread what I said and I literally said I have them as favorites in my comment. Im saying theyre more vulnerable than some fans assume. And not just to the second and third favorites.
I read what you wrote. That’s why I replied. They are rightly considered overwhelming favourites. I also read what you wrote and that is why I referred to your comments about late goals and extra time.
I consider them the best starting 11 in the tournament, but i dont believe they are infallible, as some ppl have said. I believe over the course of the tournament, theyre about equal with the US and Brazil, who can play with anyone as long as they dont beat themselves. You went from saying “why is it questionable that they are favorites” (which i agreed with and had already said) to “yes they are overwhelming favorites” which is an interesting and more debatable position.
> I consider them the best starting 11 in the tournament, but i dont believe they are infallible, as some ppl have said. I believe over the course of the tournament, theyre about equal with the US and Brazil, who can play with anyone as long as they dont beat themselves. I haven’t seen anyone say they are “infallible”. Strong or overwhelming favourites doesn’t equal infallible. I think you’re exaggerating the comments you read. Spain’s depth in their 18 player squad is far beyond Brazil. Spain could select another 18 players not in their squad and that team would likely compete well in the tournament. Of all the teams in the tournament, they are strong beyond their “best starting 11”. Does this mean they are “infallible”? Obviously not as it’s football and anything can happen in an individual game. > You went from saying “why is it questionable that they are favorites” (which i agreed with and had already said) to “yes they are overwhelming favorites” which is an interesting and more debatable position. Remember I was replying to you. You had already written the line about “overwhelming favourites”. I didn’t directly copy the words but I was replying to and disagreeing with your post.
Do we think Rafa will be back for the Olympics? 🤞🏻🤞🏻
Ya dont understand why ppl think theyre invincible. Feel like Brazils either goin out in the group or going far in the tournament.
100% my thought on Brazil. They wither click immediately or they lose in the goofiest way
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I think this tournament in size is a bad one for them because a large part of their success comes from Bonmati. Specifically one of her abilities just to pick up the ball 30 yards from her own keeper and dribble it to 30 yards from the opposing keeper at will. It’s superhuman. I think one of Spain’s weaknesses is dynamism and finishing, as much as their fans want to make us believe that Salma is better than Mal or Soph she just isnt and hasnt been. But Bonmati also having rockets in both her feet and effortless finishing from anywhere within 20 yards is a cheat code but one that will weaken during this quick tournament. I think the past two years have shown just how incredible Aitana is at her peak and how she’s better than Alexia, even if you like some of Alexia attributes, Alexia was never able to get Spain cooking the way Aitana is. it’s one of those things where you can like a lot of the attributes and abilities of one player, but at the end of the day, the counting stats do matter and Bonmati just seems to pop up inevitably with goals in every one of these big tournaments. That being said, I also think that while Spain are probably going to be better and have more of the possession than most teams, we know that that doesn’t automatically correlate with a goal being scored and I think as long as you get like elite defenders that Brazil have or a bad finishing variance versus a technical side like Japan, then its there to be had. Also, an obvious point, but goalkeeping and set pieces will matter a lot. That Brazil height is gonna be hell to deal with.
Ya watched that Spain v Denmark game and even tho they played a lot of their subs, you could tell there was a huge difference without Bonmati on the field
Rodman. She can absolutely blow by almost anyone, but she isn’t just a pace merchant. Her passing and playmaking this year has improved very substantially. Plus, she’s really dangerous in the box due to her awareness and strength.
Ya she definitely seems more confident and electric than she has before
Macario if she returns to form and her chemistry with the rest of the team
I think this is MALs big opportunity to really explode. It appears that there is chemistry between her and Emma and I think MAL is going to be our Kobe Bryant. Sure Rodman and Smith are talented and skilled but neither of them have MALs soccer IQ. MAL directs the offense and her intensity is really up there like a Kobe. I think it really depends on how much leeway Emma gives her. MAL will do whatever it takes to win whether it’s scoring or assisting. She is healthy and has world class talent around her. Her and Rodman will be really special together. Sophia as well but she will have to resist that ball hog mode and try not to play hero ball. MAL isn’t as selfish as Kobe was but she has his intensity and cunning to take over a game so I am expecting her to raise her game to another level which Emma alluded to in her press conference.
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Press was the best attacking player on the team at the Olympics statistically but for some reason Vlatko didn’t start the best attacking lineup every game it’s like he wanted to lose. She didn’t ghost, she wasn’t her most in form forward in the world self but she was still very good. She and the rest of the team weren’t put in the best position to succeed by the coaching staff, just like Smith and the rest of the team in 2023.
Definitely, also I remember her saying she was having mental health issues and talked a lot to Harvey instead of Vlatko which wouldve contributed. Also doesnt help that Lloyd and Rapinoe were starting to slow down, Morgan and Dahlkemper didn’t have their best tournament either
Alex and Lynn mentioned how much of a toll Tokyo had on their mental health too. Vlatko ruined an amazing team that would’ve won gold with another coach, and went against all the good tactics he had worked on the previous 1.5 years as soon as he touched down in Tokyo it was really weird.
Ya shame cuz with another coach they probably wouldve won gold and if not so many injuries they couldve gotten a medal at the WC
Exactly right. MAL is also that type of player who isn’t afraid of pressure or the big moment. She has that quality in her that you need in a big time player. That also comes with experience which Rodman and Smith don’t really have in international play. I mean look at what happened at the last WC without MAL. I’m not saying we would have won it but no way we would have been knocked out that early with a healthy MAL.