With domestic leagues growing around the globe and national federations increasing their investments in women’s soccer, the level of play in the Women’s World Cup has never been better.
“There’s less distance between the top teams,” midfielder Alexia Putellas said in Spanish. “When we play them, we can see what that level is like. And we know the work we have to do to get there.”says Spain’s experience is reflected in a major expansion of women’s soccer throughout Europe. Of the nine European teams that qualified for this World Cup, five won their groups and eight advanced to the second round, making up half the field of 16.
“It’s a natural progression in terms of the development in these countries. Because they eat, sleep and breathe soccer. You see the sophistication tactically. You see the technical capacity.”Spain wasn’t on the U.S. radar until January, when the teams played for the first time, with Christen Press’ goal in the 54th minute the difference on a cold, windy night in Alicante, Spain. The conditions will be different Monday, with forecasts calling for temperatures in the mid-80s.
“It was critical that we played Spain,” Ellis said. “We don’t have a history with them. To know a team, to get out on the field with them, I actually pushed hard to get that game because I thought it was important for us.” But that game will also gave Spain confidence heading into Monday’s rematch. Sixteen of the 17 players Ellis used in that friendly are on the team she brought to France and Spain held its own then, outpossessing and outpassing the U.S.
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