The US women learned many lessons in this tournament. They learned that they can be played off the pitch by a team like Mexico if they’re not careful. They also learned they can rely on their defense, but that was never really in doubt, as the defense wasn’t the problem in the World Cup last year.
They learned they can rely on some of their younger players. Korbin Albert has shown the capacity to shake things up in midfield. Sophia Smith and Trinity Rodman look to have shaken off any disappointment from last year.
Yes, they could create a bit more. This team needs Rose Lavelle for 90 minutes a game, or at least 75 or so. This team might need a more experienced player in a holding midfield role to free up Lindsey Horan to go on the prowl farther up the field. Alex Morgan still has the odd burst of speed, but perhaps that might be better in a substitute role.
But the big takeaway tonight shouldn’t be how this game sets up the USA for the Olympics. This tournament brought together the best teams in Concacaf (except Jamaica, whose qualifying effort ground to a halt in a player protest) and South America, and it delivered outstanding games. The result won’t add another star to the US badge, but this trophy is well worth celebrating in its own right.
So if you’re asking whether the US women can bounce back from last year, the answer is that they already have.
Thanks for following this tournament with us.
Full time: USA 1-0 Brazil
Go back to where we started three hours ago. This game had the hallmarks of the 2008 Olympic final, when the US pulled what to me is the most surprising win it their history, beating a dazzling Brazilian side 1-0.
The odds probably weren’t as stacked against the USA here tonight. For one thing, this game was in San Diego, not Beijing, and give credit to Honduran referee Melissa Borjas for not being overawed by the partisan home crowd. But if you watched the semifinals, you couldn’t be blamed for thinking this game was Brazil had at least a 50-50 shot to win.
But the USA have been clinical here. Give up a half-chance, and they stop up. Get a half-chance, and they finish it.
This wasn’t domination – far from it. But at no time were the US women holding on for dear life. The defense conceded little. The offense created just enough.
It’s a pity this win won’t get the attention it deserves simply because it’s not the World Cup or the Olympics. Other than those major trophies, this could be ranked – should be ranked – as the biggest in US women’s history.
