International Tournament of Brasilia Not The Best Test For USWNT
By Douglas Smith
@DFresh39
Russell Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
One of the busiest years for the USWNT will come to an end this month in Brazil. The team is part of the International Tournament of Brasilia that will also feature the host country, China PR and Argentina. With the 2015 Women’s World Cup looming, all the tune-up games count, but this will not be the best test for the USWNT that seemed to hit its stride at the end of the CONCACAF Women’s Championship.
The USWNT is still the No. 1 team in the world. The Americans began to rack up the goals in the CONCACAF Championship after a sluggish start in round robin play, and did not give up a goal in the five games while scoring 21. Abby Wambach was on form, scoring the most goals in the tournament while Carli Lloyd was the best player on the field. The way they finished while qualifying for the World Cup again puts them as a favorite in Canada next year.
These final four games, assuming they are in the top two after round robin play, will be against teams outside of the top five in the world. Brazil are ranked sixth at the moment. China PR are at 14th, which is down from their previous ranking. Argentina are 37th, and did not qualify for the World Cup. China finished third in their qualifying tournament. In the end, Brazil and the U.S. should meet in the final of this short tournament, which will take place on December 21.
The games will be a chance for the coaching staff to integrate some players who have recently recovered from injury and to tinker with the back line. However, it is highly unlikely that the USWNT will be tested by two of the three teams playing in the tournament. Hopefully two matches against Brazil will provide games that require a full effort rather than the Americans having the contests well in hand by halftime.
Douglas Smith is a soccer writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DFresh39, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.
Related:
USMNT Loss Amplifies Missing Identity
11 Players Galaxy Must Protect In Expansion Draft
The LA Galaxy have a 30-man roster. They can only protect 11 players in the expansion draft, and these would be the best ones. Read More
Southampton Firmly in Spotlight Against Arsenal
Southampton is in the spotlight with pivotal games on the horizon while the narratives to explain Arsenal's performance are already in place. Can they prove this season hasn't been a fluke? Read More
5 Reasons Why Real Madrid Are the Best
Real Madrid have now won 17 straight and have come to be regarded as the best team in the world. Here are the top five reasons why. Read More
5 Bold Predictions For Chelsea vs. Tottenham
Chelsea and Tottenham go head to head in their Week 14 Premier League encounter. Here are five bold predictions for the match. Read More
Gerrard Deserves Better Than Another Failed Season
Offered a new contract by Liverpool, Steven Gerrard has a lot to mull over in the coming weeks. But it's easy to see why he deserves a move away from Anfield. Read More
La Liga Not A One-Horse Race
With the spectacular run of form of Real Madrid, many are ready to give them the La Liga trophy. However, there are several teams that have plans to overtake Real Madrid. Read More
Will Falcao Stay With United?
Radamel Falcao is a fantastic player, but is it worth it for Louis van Gaal to put down top dollar for the striker? Read More
FA Right To Investigate Balotelli Post
Mario Balotelli posted a questionable meme on instagram, and now he may have to deal with bigger consequences. Read More
5 Bold Predictions for Arsenal vs. Southampton
With Arsenal seemingly having turned things around with two straight victories, the Southampton game will be an interesting test for the Gunners. Here are five bold predictions for the game. Read More
5 Takeaways From Week 13 of EPL Action
After a great weekend of Premier League action, these are the five biggest takeaways from the contests. Read More
Cristiano Ronaldo Should Win the Ballon d’Or
FIFA has just announced the final nominees for the Ballon d'Or and these are the reasons why Cristiano Ronaldo should win. Read More
Stephanie Roche Deserves FIFA's Puskas Award
After days of online voting, the final three for the Ferenc Puskas award have been revealed. Here's a look at why Stephanie Roche deserves to win it. Read More