Both sides are out on the pitch as the national anthems ring around the Parc des Princes. Not long to go now!
Just one change from Chile after their tightly contested 2-0 loss against Sweden in their World Cup opener with Soto replacing Aedo. The swap is a bit surprising considering the latter led the side with three goals at the Copa America Feminina, but Jose Letelier will be left hoping his side can find goals elsewhere. Araya seems the most likely candidate seeing as she comes into this match in solid form, having scored two of Chile’s last four goals. At the other end of the pitch, the defence will have to absorb pressure for most of the match, like they did against Sweden, but Guerrero will have to be careful today as another yellow card would see her suspended for Chile’s last group stage match.
Chile substitutes: Fernanda Pinilla, Yessenia Huenteo, Maria Jose Rojas, Ryan Torrero, Daniela Pardo, Valentina Diaz, Elisa Duran, Rocio Soto, Paloma Lopez, Natalia Campos, Javiera Grez, Yanara Aedo.
Chile (4-3-3): Christiane Endler; Su Helen Galaz, Carla Guerrero, Camila Saez, Javiera Toro; Francisca Lara, Karen Araya, Claudia Soto; Daniela Zamora, Maria Jose Urrutia, Rosario Balmaceda.
The United States make a whopping seven changes following their massive win against Thailand last time out. O’Hara, Lavelle, Dunn, Mewis, Heath, Morgan, and Rapinoe all drop to the bench with Krieger, Sauerbrunn, Davidson, Brian, Press, Lloyd, and Pugh all coming into the starting line-up. It seems as though coach Jillian Ellis is simultaneously resting her stars for the group stage finale against Sweden, as well as giving valuable minutes to players who don’t typically start. The assumption is that this US side is deep enough to cruise past Chile but, if they don’t, questions will surely be asked about this strategy.
United States substitutes: Jessica McDonald, Emily Sonnett, Allie Long, Kelley O’Hara, Crystal Dunn, Ashlyn Harris, Adrianna Franch, Samantha Mewis, Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, Tobin Heath, Rose Lavelle.
United States (4-3-3): Alyssa Naeher; Ali Krieger, Abby Dahlkemper, Becky Sauerbrunn, Tierna Davidson; Morgan Brian, Julie Ertz, Lindsey Horan; Mallory Pugh, Carli Lloyd, Christen Press.
Now, let’s take a look at how these sides will be setting up today!
The United States’ track record at the Women’s World Cup is incredible, having won more titles (three) and matches (33) than any other nation in the competition’s history. That will certainly lend confidence today, as will the fact that they have won both previous matches against Chile (3-0, 4-0).
Chile will be wanting to pick up their first ever win at the Women’s World Cup today, but a draw would still be the best result recorded by a team debuting at this year’s tournament with South Africa, Jamaica, and Scotland yet to pick up a point.
The big story coming into this match will surely be the reactions elicited from the behaviour of the United States team during their 13-0 thrashing of Thailand on Tuesday. The celebrations were deemed to be excessive by many, especially as the USA failed to tone things down as the scoreline got more, and more out of hand. In response, Megan Rapinoe said their “only crime was an explosion of joy” but, regardless, there’s little arguing that the target on the backs of the reigning Women’s World Cup champions has grown even larger.
Hello, and welcome to our live coverage of this Women’s World Cup match between the United States and Chile!
Be the first to comment