04 August 2023 , 22:11
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Christen Press has revealed her concerns over the United States Women's National Team's (USWNT) tactical set-up after they limped over the line to book a World Cup knockout stage place.
The two-time World Cup champion formed part of the successful US teams of previous tournaments but was ruled out for the competition in Australia and New Zealand this time around through injury. It is clear that the 155 capped international has been far from convinced by the team in her absence, however.
The 34-year-old expressed her concerns about the team's lack of flexibility in a system employed by head coach Vlatko Andonovski, after just one win in three group games. Coming into the tournament as favourites, they were fortunate to earn the point they needed to advance in their final game of that phase with a 0-0 stalemate versus Portugal.
An effort from Portugal's Ana Capeta in injury time struck the post, which would have eliminated USA women. Finishing the group stage with five points from a possible nine, the four-time victors of the competition recorded their worst showing at this stage of the tournament.
Speaking on the RE-CAP show on YouTube, Press expressed her dismay at her country's struggles so far and opined that their problems stem from their predictability from a tactical perspective, saying: “It wasn’t that we didn’t put players into the match, right? That’s what everybody was emotional about.
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"But the point was the team didn’t structurally change to win that game (against Portugal). Have we seen any tactical adjustments in the last year? Have we seen any different formations tried?
"Have we seen any adjustments to the way that we’re pressing? We’ve seen the team come out for the last year in the same general shape in the same general pressing structure.
Former USWNT stalwart Christen Press has criticised the US Women's team for their tactical shortcomings at the World Cup so far (Logan Beerman/ISI Photos/Getty Images)"And the question I have is, now we’re in this tournament and we’re saying: ‘OK we’re not super happy with the first three performances, but we’re going to grow, and we’re growing into this tournament'. But if we haven’t seen growth in the last year, then how can we expect growth now to happen over the next seven days?"
The former Manchester United forward is not the only ex-USWNT stalwart to level criticism towards the team in the recent past, with two-time FIFA Player of the Year Carli Lloyd having also condemned their performances at the World Cup. The 41-year-old appeared to be somewhat irked by the extent of the team's celebrations after scraping through versus Portugal.
By contrast, Brandi Chastain remained in buoyant mood following the US' struggles in the group stage at this year's tournament. Taking to Twitter, the 192-time international expressed her support for the ailing team, defiantly stating: "Hey USWNT, YOU GOT THIS! If you have any concern.
"Look around and know someone has your back. No one said it would be easy so dance in the glory of the difficult. Be brave, communicate. Trust and support each other. This is the TEAM. NOW is the time."