2025-11-04 19:06

Looking back at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, I still get chills remembering how the US Women's National Team carved their path to glory. As someone who's followed women's soccer for over a decade, I can confidently say this was one of the most dominant yet nerve-wracking tournament performances I've ever witnessed. What struck me most was how coach Jill Ellis's squad managed to maintain their composure through moments that truly could have gone either way - much like that basketball series where teams lost double-digit leads, the margins between victory and defeat were often razor-thin.

The tournament opener against Thailand set the tone in the most spectacular fashion with that record-breaking 13-0 victory. I remember watching Alex Morgan net five goals and thinking this team was operating on a different level entirely. Yet what many casual observers missed was the strategic discipline behind that offensive explosion. The team wasn't just scoring - they were executing a precise game plan that would carry them through tougher matches ahead. The 2-1 victory against Spain in the Round of 16 particularly stands out in my memory. That was the first real test where the outcome genuinely hung in the balance, with Spain equalizing early in the second half and creating several chances that could have completely changed the tournament landscape.

When we reached the quarterfinal against host nation France, I'll admit even I had doubts. Playing before a hostile crowd of over 45,000 fans in Paris, the Americans faced what I consider their toughest challenge. Megan Rapinoe's two goals that day weren't just brilliant - they were perfectly timed responses to French pressure that reminded me why experience matters in these high-stakes moments. The semifinal against England brought another of those edge-of-your-seat situations when England was awarded a penalty that could have leveled the score. Christen Press's immediate response goal after coming on as a substitute was exactly the kind of mental toughness that separated this team from previous iterations.

The final against the Netherlands showcased the team's adaptability. After a scoreless first half where the Dutch defense held strong, the Americans made crucial adjustments. Rapinoe's penalty conversion in the 61st minute followed by Rose Lavelle's magnificent solo effort eight minutes later demonstrated the strategic depth this team possessed. What impressed me most wasn't just the victory, but how they managed game situations that could have easily slipped away - those moments where, as that basketball coach noted, games "could have gone either way." The USWNT never allowed opponents to build sustained momentum, always responding immediately to opposition goals or momentum shifts.

Reflecting on their journey, I believe this team's greatest achievement was maintaining intensity through every minute of all seven matches. Unlike many tournament winners who have one or two shaky performances, the Americans delivered consistent excellence while handling enormous pressure as favorites. Their ability to score early in second halves - they netted 10 goals in the first 15 minutes after halftime throughout the tournament - speaks to superior fitness and tactical adjustments. Having watched numerous championship teams across different sports, what sets the 2019 USWNT apart in my view is how they transformed potential crisis moments into opportunities to demonstrate their superiority. The final victory wasn't just about winning four years earlier - it was about validating a system, a mentality, and a generation of players who changed women's soccer forever.

« News Releases