Alex Morgan Scores, But USA Loses Women's World Cup Final 2011
by Martin Shatzer on Jul 17, 2011 9:26 PM EDT
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Japan defeated the USA 3-1 on penalty kicks after the thrilling 2011 Women's World Cup Final ended 2-2 at the conclusion of extra time. Alex Morgan and Abby Wambach each scored for the United States, but it wasn't enough as the Japanese came back from behind twice to conclude their great story, and to end the Americans' chances at a third all-time World Cup title.
The USA went scoreless in the first half despite countless excellent opportunities. The number of wasted chances certainly came back to haunt the Americans, but numerous questionable decisions from head coach Pia Sundhage stand out as well. It was strange to see Megan Rapinoe starting on the left wing after she'd done so well as a substitute previously, and leaving Amy Rodriguez and Lori Lindsey on the bench when Japan kept creating chances from the midfield was also odd. And of course it may have also been wrong to choose to use Shannon Boxx and Carli Lloyd as the first two penalty takers after they'd each had disappointing games and took kicks previously against Brazil.
Which reminds me... Had the referee got right one of the calls on one of Brazil's goals and the U.S. won their quarterfinal match either in regulation or the end of extra time, the Japanese goalkeeper wouldn't have had any tape on Boxx, Lilly, or any of the others. Penalty kicking is a very mental skill, and Japan had a definite mental advantage.
We could see lots of turn over for the U.S. after this loss. Wambach, Boxx, and Christie Rampone are likely playing in their final Wolrd Cup. But the USA's roster is still fairly young. And future-turned-present star Alex Morgan is only 22 years old. If she can learn how to best time her runs to go with her speed, Morgan could be an incredible force internationally. Other key contributors like Rapinoe, Rodriguez, Hope Solo, Lauren Cheney, Becky Sauerbrunn, and Rachel Buehler are all just in their mid-20s and should continue to improve. The U.S. will be back.
But this sure had the feel of a magical year. They had a miraculous run, but Japan's miraculous run was even better.
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Shannon Boxx, not Heather
I agree that the future is bright with most of the core of the team returning in 2015, but Wambach is a HUGE loss. She’s currently 31 years old and there’s no telling whether she would be as effective at 35 as players like Foudy and Hamm were at that age due to her more physical style of play. Replacing Wambach is going to be the biggest task for the coaching staff, and it probably won’t happen with just one player. Morgan’s development, as well as finding a striker to pair with her, is arguably the biggest factor as to whether this team comes back strong in the Olympics and the next World Cup.
Also
Carli Lloyd and Tobin Heath were the other two that took PKs for the US. Lilly retired last November.
by Rob Rogacki on Jul 18, 2011 12:14 AM EDT up reply actions
I meant Lloyd
Man I really screwed up that line. Need an editor.
Managing Editor for BlackAndRedUnited.com. Weekly Columnist for SB Nation D.C..
by Martin Shatzer on Jul 18, 2011 8:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Poor Finishing
was definitely the story of the game. The US was inside of Japan’s box seemingly the entire first half. The game plan was working, but they couldn’t capitalize.
I wonder if Pia should have led with Morgan and Wambach in the PK round. Get it started with the only two players who had showed they still knew where the goal was. It might have been an emotional edge.
Regardless, it was a great tournament and a fair result. I just hope that Abby can make it to the next cup. It is a travesty that a player as great as she is does not have a single championship to her name.
Yeah I didn’t understand not using Morgan. She’d looked like the best player on the field at times. If you’re looking for a mental edge, why not use the player who is brimming with confidence and has already beat the goalkeeper once? If Pia thought that Morgan was too young/inexperienced, then why use Heath?
Managing Editor for BlackAndRedUnited.com. Weekly Columnist for SB Nation D.C..
by Martin Shatzer on Jul 18, 2011 8:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Missed PKs
I can’t recall ever seeing a “top-level” team (even England) missing the first three PKs in a shootout. It was shocking and depressing and unthinkable - until I turned on the DVR and watched Brazil miss the first four against Paraguay. Unlike the USA ladies, it’s certain the Brazil men are getting roasted at home.
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