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I Predicted a Defeat For Women’s Soccer Team, But Picking U.S. Over Japan
(Editor’s note: This was written Tuesday before the game between the U.S. and Germany. See end of this column for postscript about prediction)
By Randy Gardner
How about the Women’s US Soccer team? I don’t really know what to say about them, actually, as I hope they do their best and make it to the finals— but I really don’t think that they will.
This is such a one-dimensional team it is ridiculous. Any coach on the opposing team can defend this team if they force the ball to the outside and not allow them to get across into Abby Wambach. You see how the team is struggling right now because the coaching staff will not adjust their game plan.
I am writing this column before the game against Germany Tuesday night and what a match it will be as number 1 squares off against number 2 in the world. I am going to say that the US team will be beaten 3-1. I just don’t think that they will be able to adjust their game enough to compete. (We will know before this goes to press Wednesday.)
They have to be able to drive the ball inside and take some chances on the net, and this is something that the players will have to get in their mind and game plan. After you have focused on one style for so long, which is relying on the crossed head in goal, and have to change it up, it is hard to do, especially against a team like Germany.
I HOPE THAT I AM WRONG, and the U.S. Ladies win. It is great to see the ratings during the World Cup as the United States games are pulling some unreal numbers. Who would have ever thought 10 years ago that the States would stand still to watch a soccer game.
Cards could be better in the second half
How about those Cardinals? They now have the best record in baseball with a team of players who are basically all their starters. You look at guys like Matt Adams who impacts the infield and Matt Holiday who has a big bat and patrols the outfield. Both are out with injuries but the team still leads the league with the best record in baseball. The pitching staff statistics are mind-blowing .
But it’s a long season, and I can’t wait to get these players back and see where we stand. What do you do as a coach and a franchise when these players come back? Do you put them back in or do you stay with what you have? What a great decision to have to make, especially with the outfield having five good players to chose from.
It seems like the Cardinals are in this position year after year. That is why so many other cities hate us a baseball town. It’s a great position to be in. Come the end of August, I hope I am writing the same thing about the Cards but we have seen sporting teams fall apart–just look at the St. Louis Blues this past season. On a Blues note, congrats to David Backes on the birth of his child. Have a great 4th of July holiday. Be safe and have fun.
2 Days Later after U.S. Girls won!
Looking at the situation in 2 different ways, you could say that I was completely out of my mind and wrong about the US women’s game against Germany. Or, as I would like to think, that the coaches thought about the game and the scheme the way it should have been played. I will give it to the squad that they changed their game plan and it really confused Germany. Now I’m confident that they can beat Japan. Final score 2-0. Hope I’m right this time!
