USWNT vs. New Zealand: 6 Things We Learned from Olympic Quarterfinal Victory

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: August 5, 2012

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The United States women’s national soccer team defeated New Zealand 2-0 on Friday morning to advance from the Olympic quarterfinals.

They will now meet Canada on Monday afternoon at 2:45 p.m. ET in the semifinals.

Here are six things we learned from that game.

 

Rachel Buehler was much better

Buehler, who tends to bear the brunt of fans’ and commentators’ criticism of the USWNT defense, had a very solid game.

While New Zealand does not boast a world-class attack, the shutout was an encouraging sign heading into the semifinals.

Buehler did well to repeatedly use Kelly O’Hara as an outlet to maintain possession, provided good help defense to Christie Rampone and did well throughout the game to keep the New Zealand attackers in front of her and neutralize their attacks.

 

The referee had a shocker

From start to finish, center official Jesica Di Iorio of Argentina had a horrible game. She called at least a dozen throw-ins, goal kicks or corner kicks incorrectly and missed close to that many fouls, many from behind.



Di Iorio also missed arguably three penalty calls, including one against the U.S., and did not caution or even call a foul when Alex Morgan was taken down on a breakaway.

 

Pia Sundhage has a difficult decision to make at outside midfielder

Tobin Heath, who was preferred over Heather O’Reilly at the start of the tournament and against New Zealand, had a very quiet game.

However in the first game against France, Heath was very good and also came on as a substitute against Colombia and played very well.

O’Reilly, meanwhile, had a very subpar game against Colombia when given the start, but was much better against North Korea when she was given a second chance.

The two players could not be more differe...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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