Are the Americans ready for the Swedes?
Are we ever? We meet again, with perhaps the highest stakes yet.
I observed my first in-person USWNT training of the 2023 World Cup yesterday afternoon. I suppose it could be my last. It was a sunny midday prep, with Melbourne’s skyline hanging above a team that somehow just alienated all the humans below its arc.
But hey, would it truly be a Women’s World Cup if Team USA hadn’t managed to cause a fuss in several directions all at once?
For such was the stir caused by the USWNT Twitter account incorrectly calling “Melbourne” “Melby”, that in the preface to a Round of 16 clash between old foes (the most common matchup of all time in the Women’s World Cup) Alex Morgan was asked for her thoughts.
Morgan:
“I didn't know there was a stir caused from shortening the city's name. I mean, they say ‘brekkie’ so I thought ‘Melby’ was just the next continuation of that. But we'll call them whatever they want. So it's Melbourne.”
Morgan then proceeded to say “Melbourne” 2-3 more times with what sounded to my American ears like elite pronunciation, perhaps having practiced 20 minutes before with US Soccer’s PR staff.
Morgan’s deference to Melbourne’s proper name may come too late, though, as if social media is any judge, Sweden (who posted a response tweet using the correct “Melbs” nickname) has won (had?) their hearts.
And so with the home crowd certainly not backing the four-time World Champions at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium tonight, a fierce looking Sweden will take on a stuttering USA one.
Are they prepared?
The vibe
We talk about it frequently. We dissect it tediously and call it news. We stare into the brief moments we have to hold onto- the earliest minutes of training, the post-match demeanor, the perceived pre-match mood- and with those crumbs of clarity, attempt to paint a whole scene.
I myself am not removed from this “we”.
But the thing is, whatever the truest vibe here is, it happens behind closed doors.
Still, when the US walked out to train yesterday- the backup keepers out first, Emily Fox next, Julie Ertz in lockstep with Andi Sullivan behind Fox- the music was blasting (Queen, ABBA, Blink-182) and the vibe seemed ostensibly good.
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