🔒OT: Soccer - Women’s World Cup - USA vs Sweden

Submitted by Amazinblu on August 6th, 2023 at 7:22 AM

The US women’s side is facing Sweden this morning.   The score is 0-0, which is a pleasant surprise.

Best match of the Cup for the USWNT.

 

[edit @12:35pm: Locked because some don't have the decency to leave their politics outside the door when signing on to the MGoBoard.  More info will be posted in the Mod Sticky thread once I finish pulling weeds. -rob f]

Other

Hoek

August 6th, 2023 at 9:37 AM ^

So many comments about why they lost. There really is one reason the opposing goalkeeper played the game of her life! Good for her! I’m happy for her. The US can’t just dominate on greater talent anymore, other countries are catching up and coaching will be so much more important in the future.

Thanks for the memories from the older ladies who won’t return! It has been a hell of a run! Looking forward to the younger players to step up! 

Joined: 01/29/2010

MGoPoints: 14312

Amazinblu

August 6th, 2023 at 11:07 AM ^

Without doubt, solid play by a goalkeeper makes a huge difference - and credit to the Swedish goalie.  I haven’t seen her play enough to state whether it was “the game of her life”, but - it does seem accurate to say her play was very good.  A clean sheet is the most you can ask of a keeper.

It will be interesting to see what happens with the USWNT - specifically, changes to the roster and the coaching staff.  It’s pretty clear that some of the US women have played their final World Cup match.

Joined: 01/22/2010

MGoPoints: 42184

1VaBlue1

August 6th, 2023 at 11:20 AM ^

I see that the MAGA crowd has joined only to heap scorn.  I mean, last time I looked, personal political beliefs meant nothing on a sports field - but talent and coaching sure did.  But some people always let personal animosity rule the day...

(Negged myself for talking politics...)

Joined: 01/31/2016

MGoPoints: 127623

The Oracle 2

August 6th, 2023 at 11:31 AM ^

 “I mean, last time I looked, personal political beliefs meant nothing on a sports field…” I agree, which is why they don’t belong on a sports field. And trying to slap the MAGA label on anyone who disagrees with you about the women’s soccer team is just as stupid and lazy as your brother who used “racist, misogynist and homophobic” for the same purpose above.

Joined: 02/25/2018

MGoPoints: 19224

MRunner73

August 6th, 2023 at 11:51 AM ^

It is unfortunate that our country is so divided.  As for politics on the playing field, recall that in the 1968 Olympic Games, after the 100M final at the medal ceremony Tommy Smith and John Carlos raised their fist with a black glove over it. That sparked a huge uproar back then. Point being, this hasn't started with the USW Soccer Team and it probably won't end there, either.

Joined: 11/11/2018

MGoPoints: 16913

Bo Harbaugh

August 6th, 2023 at 11:36 AM ^

I really don't get the Rapinoe hate, beyond simplistic tribalism.

Two things can be true:  

Someone can play valiantly for their country and be proud to represent it while voicing disagreements with policies, particularly those the individual believes affect him/her personally.  If hack "journalists" on TV are free to voice their opinions during late night "news-ertainment", athletes and celebrities can as well - no matter how absurd or contrary to yours they may seem.

This goes for all sides of the political spectrum.  I love being American, so does my dad.  We disagree on 90% of things politically. We both cheer for the US in all international sports.

Rapinoe (who has many opinions that go further out than where I stand), helped bring World Cup glory to the US twice and that can be appreciated for what it was...an athletic achievement for the US. She seemed washed this Cup and it's probably on the coach for playing her that much, probably due to nostalgia. That said, the penalty was the first she ever didn't put on target - a cruel way to go out.

I believe it would do us all well to not be so binary in our thinking and classification of others.

One example maybe closer to our hearts as UM fans...I think we all know how much love Coach Harbaugh has for this country and what his overarching beliefs are - and yet he was able to support his former player and QB Kaepernick despite probably having very different views on kneeling during the anthem.  That's empathy and an attempt to understand where someone is coming from instead of just getting outraged by someones views.

So my last point from my soap box...make friends and have discussions with people of all political views, especially those totally opposite yours - you'll probably realize you have a lot more in common than you ever thought.

 

Joined: 08/03/2019

MGoPoints: 38689

MRunner73

August 6th, 2023 at 11:57 AM ^

Nice commentary. Speaking only about the playing field. Rapinoe reminds me of the career demise of the Great Tiger Woods in golf. You cheer for them keep playing at that high level but it just isn't mean to be. Same can be said for all of the all time greats in many other pro level sports.

Joined: 11/11/2018

MGoPoints: 16913

snarling wolverine

August 6th, 2023 at 11:48 AM ^

I'm sure someone will point out that while we didn't score, our "expected goals" were totally through the roof!

That and $17 will get you a meal at McDonald's.

Joined: 12/14/2011

MGoPoints: 98621