Women’s soccer is in the midst of an international break right now, which means, as some may be aware, yes, yes the USWNT is playing — but so are many others. One of these others is England, who scheduled a pair of friendlies against European competition as part of its World Cup preparations.
The United States didn’t look as fluid as it did last month when the USWNT cruised to a Women’s Concacaf Championship, but Jill Ellis’ group got it done. With a 1-0 victory over Portugal on Thursday in Lisbon, the USWNT recorded its 500th all-time victory.
The U.S. women’s national team played its first-ever match on Aug. 18, 1985. They lost, 1-0 to Italy. The Americans have been pretty good since, racking up an impressive USWNT record, which hit an unprecedented milestone on Thursday.
A few groans went out across the country when Bobby Wood was given the start against Colombia in the USMNT’s friendly on Thursday in Florida. The reason was made clear on Tuesday night when Josh Sargent got his chance against Peru.
Sargent, an 18-year-old native of Missouri, showed that he’s the future for the U.S. at the striker position with some excellent hold-up play, passing and — most importantly — goal scoring as the USMNT tied Peru 1-1 on Tuesday in Connecticut.
Belgium and newly crowned world champion Holland played to a 1-1 friendly draw Tuesday at King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, but the match was blessed with an almighty banger from Dries Mertens and the first international goal for 21-year-old Dutchman Arnaut Groeneveld.
When Brazil and Argentina play, there is an expectation for attractive football. But Tuesday’s edition of Brazil vs Argentina highlights left a lot to be desired.
Just four shots were placed on target during the friendly match on Tuesday, including just one from La Albiceleste, who are still without Lionel Messi.
Fortunately for Brazil, Neymar was involved, playing the full 90 — including a nice assist on the match winner in the 93rd minute.
The future of Japan’s promising attack was on full display Tuesday as the Samurai Blue put four goals past the vaunted defense of the world’s fifth-ranked side, Uruguay.
Tucked in behind Werder Bremen striker Yuya Osako was 20-year-old Groningen starlet Ritsu Doan, 23-year-old Red Bull Salzburg forward Takumi Minamino and 24-year-old Portimonense midfielder Shoya Nakajima, and the quartet combined to provide the likes of Diego Godin, Sebastian Coates, Lucas Torreira and Rodrigo Bentancur a nightmarish night at Saitama Stadium.
This whole Usain Bolt soccer experiment thing? It might just work.
Back in August, Bolt played in an exhibition match for the Central Coast Mariners, a club from Australia’s A-League. He didn’t score, but he showed he’s got a bit of skill to go with his blazing speed.
Michael Bradley returned to the U.S. national team one year and one day from the worst day in U.S. men’s soccer history. He returned just in time to guide his team to a 4-2 loss to Colombia on Thursday in Tampa, Florida, with the pro-Colombian crowd chanting “Olé!” with glee in the closing minutes after Colombia scored three goals in 23 minutes in the second half.