A Recap of the SheBelieves Cup 2022
The SheBelieves Cup in 2022 was a major success for everyone involved. It was an excellent opportunity for New Zealand, the Czech Republic, and Iceland to showcase their skills to an American audience.
Plus, the USWNT was able to bring in a much younger squad and still win the cup in the end. Here’s more of what we learned from the SheBelieves Cup 2022.
USWNT vs. the Czech Republic
The main takeaway from this match is that the USWNT naturally has some kinks to work out with a new team and new set of players.
Despite dominating possession and creating 16 shots with eight on target, the Czech Republic stood tall. For the Czechs to hold the USWNT to a point in the opening match was not only a shocker but a huge result for them.
At first, it seemed like having Catarina Macario up top in the No. 9 spot wasn’t going to work, at least in this first game. All this result did was increase the importance of their match against Iceland.
USWNT vs. New Zealand
This was a match that no one expected to be close, and that’s precisely what happened.
New Zealand could only muster one shot on target for the whole match. Whereas poor Meikayla Moore had the misfortune of recording an own-goal hat-trick, and that’s what everyone will remember about the game.
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The USWNT definitely looked much better in their second game together; Ashley Hatch and Mallory Pugh tacked on two more goals for it to end 5-0. So again, much better from the USWNT, but New Zealand isn’t the best team to measure themselves against.
USWNT vs. Iceland
Now the stage was set for USWNT and Iceland to square off for the trophy, and Iceland only needed a draw to win it.
Naturally, Iceland put many of its players behind the ball and looked to defend while striking on the counterattack. For the first 15-20 minutes, their strategy was working–their goalkeeper was saving everything, their defense was clearing everything, and they even created a chance or two on the counter.
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However, Catarina Macario would take over the game, finally scoring in the SheBelieves Cup twice–both were incredible goals.
Ashley Sanchez also looked incredible out there. Whenever she touched the ball, she created something or looked to attack.
This was the best the USWNT performed during the whole tournament, and they did it at the right time. Mallory Pugh also showed how dangerous she could be, wreaking havoc by getting behind opposing defenses.
Kristie Mewis would also add a goal for the match to end 5-0.
The USWNT won the tournament as expected, but what’s exciting is the future prospects for this younger group. Seeing our young stars get the opportunity to shine and get some major international experience is huge. Every position on the field had a moment to shine which was incredible to see.
Even Trinity Rodman earned her first cap, which is only the start of bigger things to come. As the last golden generation will start to slowly phase out over the next couple of years, the new generation will rise and be ready to take over.
All images via Noel Danseco
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