2025-11-04 19:06

Looking back at the 2019 Women's World Cup, I still get chills remembering how the US Women's National Team completely dominated the tournament. As someone who's analyzed soccer strategies for over a decade, I've rarely seen such clinical execution under pressure. What struck me most was their ability to control games that, on paper, could have gone either way - much like that surprising series clincher where the Elasto Painters lost their 13-point lead. But unlike teams that crumble under pressure, the USWNT consistently turned potential upsets into decisive victories.

I remember watching their opening match against Thailand and thinking this team was different. They didn't just win 13-0 - they maintained professional intensity throughout, treating every minute like it mattered. That mentality became their trademark. When you look at their knockout stage performances, particularly the 2-1 victory against England, you see a team that understood how to manage games that could easily have slipped away. The England match was particularly telling - that saved penalty in the 84th minute wasn't just luck; it was the culmination of relentless preparation and psychological fortitude.

What many casual observers miss is how their dominance wasn't just about scoring goals. Their defensive organization was phenomenal, conceding only 3 goals throughout the entire tournament while scoring 26. The midfield control, especially from players like Rose Lavelle, created this incredible rhythm that opponents simply couldn't disrupt. I've always believed that championship teams find ways to win even when they're not at their best, and the USWNT demonstrated this repeatedly. Their 2-0 victory against Netherlands in the final showcased this perfectly - patiently breaking down a stubborn defense rather than forcing opportunities.

The team's success came from this beautiful balance between individual brilliance and collective understanding. Megan Rapinoe's leadership, Alex Morgan's clinical finishing, Julie Ertz's defensive mastery - these weren't separate elements but parts of a perfectly synchronized machine. Having studied numerous championship teams across sports, I'd argue this USWNT squad represents one of the most complete team performances in modern sports history. Their ability to maintain intensity throughout the tournament while adapting to different opponents was simply masterful.

What continues to impress me years later is how they transformed potential turning points into demonstrations of their superiority. Unlike the Elasto Painters situation where a substantial lead evaporated, the USWNT consistently reinforced their dominance when it mattered most. Their victory wasn't just about winning matches - it was about controlling narratives, managing moments, and demonstrating what true championship mentality looks like. That 2019 team didn't just win the World Cup; they showed the world how to dominate at the highest level of competition.

« News Releases