The giant in the biggest tournament. Gearing up for the highly anticipated 2023 World Cup, the US women’s national team aims to secure their third consecutive World Cup triumph this year — a feat never achieved before.

However, this task won’t come without challenges, as the advancements in women’s football worldwide have elevated the competition, particularly from formidable European teams who now pose a threat to the US team’s dominance.

Led by manager Vlatko Andonovski, the United States will partake in the ninth edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, scheduled to take place from July 20 to August 20, 2023. The tournament will span 10 stadiums in Australia and New Zealand.

This tactical analysis delves into Vlatko Andonovski‘s tactics with the US women’s national team, who currently holds the top position in the FIFA rankings, boasting an impressive 2090.03 points.

Predicted starting XI

Vlatko Andonovski, the Macedonian-American coach, has predominantly implemented a 4-3-3 shape. Nonetheless, it is important to note that the team’s dynamics and strategies undergo alterations during different phases of play, both when in possession and out of possession.

In goalkeeping, it’s expected that Alyssa Naeher is anticipated to be the primary goalkeeper for Vlatko Andonovski’s US women’s national team in the upcoming tournament. Alongside her, Casey Murphy and Adrianna Franch have also been included in Andonovski’s selection for the tournament, providing additional depth and options in the goalkeeping position.

The backline is expected to feature Emily Fox as the right-back (RB), Naomi Girma and Alana Cook as the centre-backs after the exclusion of Becky Sauerbrunn due to injury, and Crystal Dunn as the left-back (LB).

In the midfield, the team is likely to feature Andi Sullivan, Lindsey Horan, and Rose Lavelle. This trio brings a combination of technical abilities, tactical intelligence, and playmaking skills to control the midfield.

Leading the frontline, we can expect Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and the expert Alex Morgan to take on attacking duties. Unfortunately, Mallory Swanson will be absent from the lineup due to injury.

The US women’s national team comprises a balanced mixture of young and experienced players, creating a cohesive and mature team. This blend of talent allows for the seamless transfer of knowledge and experience from the seasoned players to the younger ones.

Their average age spans from 24 to 30 years, indicating a mix of youthful vigour and experienced players. The coach’s philosophy revolves around fostering a cohesive team dynamic and pursuing dominance in all areas of the field.

By instilling that philosophy of team unity and seeking control, coach Andonovski aims to create a formidable and well-rounded squad that can excel in various situations.

Attacking Phase

Based on the above stats graphic, it is evident that the US women’s national team exhibits a remarkable level of dominance on the field.

With an average possession of 91% and an impressive passing rate of 91% accuracy, they showcase their ability to control the game and maintain a strong passing game.

Additionally, their average of 89.2% passes and 83.9% final third passes demonstrates their proficiency in moving the ball into dangerous attacking areas.

The team’s offensive prowess is further highlighted by their average of 71.4% shots, indicating their proactive approach towards goal. The statistic of 87.5% expected goals (xG) suggests that the team creates high-quality scoring opportunities. Lastly, their average of 92.8% touches in the penalty area indicates their frequent presence and involvement in the opponent’s critical area.

From the back, when the US women’s national team faces pressure, they often build with a 4-2 base as the below graphic. One of the 8s drops alongside the defensive midfielder to support (often Lindsey Horan). Meanwhile, the other stays higher up the field, positioning herself in a potential 4v4 scenario against the opposition’s backline.

Their preferred approach is to play short passes from the back, bypassing the opponent’s defensive schemes and blocks which allow them to maintain possession and control of the game. While they typically maintain an intermediate tempo, they may increase the tempo of their play when they are pressed man-to-man pressing approach.

In their game against New Zealand, they deployed the 4-2 and encountered a 6v6 situation. To overcome this numerical challenge, the centre-back Emily Sonnett took the initiative to find the higher midfielder positioned between the lines.

She executed a vertical pass to Ashley Sanchez, who received the ball and swiftly adjusted her body orientation. This allowed her to exploit the available space and create a 4v4 scenario in a larger area as it posed a significant threat to the opposition’s backline.

Also, they seem to execute long balls when necessary, such as in the below graphic against Brazil. When they faced a man-marking press, Naeher played it long, with good recognition of the targeted space from the players to win the second ball or the flick.

After successfully winning the ball, Sanchez took control of it in a 4v4 scenario within a larger space, gaining a dynamic advantage over the defenders. Unfortunately, in this play, the right winger missed the chance.

Higher up the pitch, they tend to maintain a possession-oriented approach, as depicted in the graphic below. They emphasise the x-axis and focus on horizontal play to control the game, patiently waiting for the opportune moment to break through the opposition’s defensive block.

The US women’s team adopts a fluid 3-1-6 structure, to create a numerical advantage over the backline, with dynamic movement and flexibility to 3-2 or 2-3 as required, adapting to the situation. As they concentrate on the left side with a dynamic movement there (LCM drops & LB overlaps & LW moves inside).

Lindsey Horan, as a deep-lying playmaker, often drops into the first line of penetration to influence the game. Her heat map indicates how she operates in deeper zones to receive the ball and initiate attacks.

Additionally, her progressive passes, as depicted in the graphic, highlight her ability to advance the ball into the attacking third effectively. These passes play a crucial role in breaking the opposition’s defensive lines and creating scoring opportunities.

When Horan is not present, the team often utilises asymmetric full-backs, as seen below in the game against New Zealand; the right-back inverted, while the left-back overlaps on the flank.

Swanson moved horizontally after receiving and played to the advanced right-back S. Huerta.

When received the ball, she found the deep-running midfielder R. Lavelle behind the opposition’s backline while Sanchez also pins them. Through a well-executed long pass, R. Lavelle swiftly scored with a one-touch finish ( USA have 57.43% passes to the final third vs 39.86% for the opponents).

In the final third, they aim to break down the opposition’s backline by playing in behind, taking advantage of the inside positioning of their wingers in the half-spaces and exploiting the gaps.

Furthermore, there the overlapping full-backs play a crucial role to maximize the width and make well-timed runs higher up the flanks. Once in advanced positions, the full-backs have the opportunity to deliver cutbacks and driven crosses into the box.

From January 2023 to June 2023, the US women’s national team scored a total of 16 goals. However, their expected goals (xG) during this period amounted to 13.66. They have been relatively efficient in converting their scoring opportunities into goals, surpassing the expected goal tally.

Defensive Phase

In terms of defensive statistics, the US women’s team showcases a strong performance in terms of pressing; they boast an impressive pressing efficiency percentile of 78.5, indicating their effectiveness in applying pressure on the opposition. Their PPDA (Passes Per Defensive Action) percentile rank of 48.2 suggests a proactive defensive approach (the lower the more aggressive).

The team also displays a solid defensive presence in aerial duels, winning 91% of their aerial duals and maintaining a strong success rate of 92.8% overall. Their defensive duals won percentage stands at 80.3%, illustrating their effectiveness in one-on-one defensive situations.

In terms of interceptions, the team records 12.5%. Also, they have relatively higher expected goals against (xG against) at 35.7% with 14.2% xG.

Defensively, USA women’s team is renowned for their proactive and aggressive approach. They consistently display a high-intensity pressing mind, aiming to disrupt their opponents’ build-up play and regain possession quickly.

The high press requires coordination and synchronization among the players to cut off passing lanes, close down spaces, and apply pressure on the ball carrier. As they have 92 high regains this year from a few games while having 143 counter-pressing recoveries and 21 dangerous recoveries.

The USA team often employs narrow positional or hybrid pressing schemes to regain possession of the ball quickly.

In certain situations, such as the match against Brazil, the team utilizes a hybrid pressing approach. This involves initially directing the play out wide and then applying aggressive pressure to win the ball back.

Once the ball reaches the wide areas, they intensified their pressing efforts. They swarm the opponent with multiple players, putting them under immediate pressure and aiming to win the ball back to a higher position on the pitch.

While their intention is to press high and maintain a proactively defensive stance, there are situations where they may be forced to drop back, the team remains proactive in their approach, seeking opportunities to regain possession or force the opposition higher again (using the triggers).

The team generally adopts a high defensive line as the below graphic illustrates.

Transitions

The USA women’s national team exhibits a strong emphasis on effective positive or negative transitions.

In terms of defensive transitions, when they lose possession, they quickly shift their focus to regain control of the ball. Their players display excellent work rates and discipline to immediately apply pressure and disrupt the opposition’s attempts to build attacks. They aim to win back possession as soon as possible, often through intense pressing and coordinated efforts to cut passing lanes. This proactive approach allows them to regain control and prevent the opposition from launching dangerous counter-attacks.

On the other hand, during offensive transitions, the USA team is swift in capitalizing on regaining possession. They look to quickly transition from defence to attack, utilizing the speed and skill of their players to launch rapid counter-attacks. With the support of their dynamic midfielders and fast-paced wingers, they aim to exploit spaces left by the opposition’s defensive backline and efficiently put immense pressure on opposing defences and allow them to capitalize on moments of vulnerability.

Against New Zealand, the team used their players’ good positioning in the gaps and between the lines after regaining the ball directly.

Here, after getting the ball back again, Sanchez moved and received behind the midfield very well in space.

After that, she sent a long ball behind the unorganized defence to the winger Mallory Diane Swanson who positioned into the gaps between the defenders into the half-space. She scores from 1v1 with the New Zealand goalkeeper.

Defenders

The defensive line of the US women’s national team plays a vital role in the team’s overall strategy, especially in initiating short passes from the back. Emily Fox, Naomi Girma, Alana Cook because of the injury of the expert Becky Sauerbrunn, and Crystal Dunn are integral components of this with their technical abilities, defensive prowess, and ability to build from the back contributing to the team’s fluid passing game.

Moreover, Sofia Huerta, and Emily Sonnett provide valuable depth to the defensive line and serve as impactful players who can make a difference when coming off the bench.

Midfielders

In the midfield, the US women’s national team possesses a talented group of players who bring a mix of skills and versatility to the team. Andi Sullivan, Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle, Ashley Sanchez, Julie Ertz, and Kristie Mewis are key midfielders who contribute significantly to the team’s performance.

Together, this midfield forms a strong and well-balanced unit, providing the team with a combination of creativity, defensive stability, and goal-scoring threats within the possession mindset.

Attackers

Leading the frontline for the US women’s national team are Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Alex Morgan. They bring a mix of youth, skill, and experience to the attack.

On the bench, the team has the talented Catarina Macario, Alyssa Thompson, Megan Rapinoe, and Lynn Williams. These players provide valuable depth and serve as impactful options when substitutions are made.

Key player

Despite being 33 years old, Alex Morgan remains a prominent figure for the US women’s national team due to her exceptional goal-scoring ability, passing proficiency, and intelligent movements. Her significance is further amplified by the absence of Mallory Swanson due to injury. The upcoming tournament presents a crucial opportunity for Morgan to add another trophy to her collection as she nears the end of her career.

With the team’s playing method being well-suited to her skills, Morgan’s individual statistics showcase her impact with 78.9% averaged shots and 63.15% goal contribution, Morgan has a natural instinct for goal-scoring and possesses excellent finishing skills

Morgan’s individual statistics demonstrate her impact on the field. With an average of 78.9% shots and a goal contribution of 63.15%, she exhibits a natural instinct for finding the back of the net and boasts excellent finishing skills.

Additionally, her physicality and strength enable her to effectively hold up the ball, involving her teammates in the attacking play. This is reflected in her involvement in the creation process with an average of 59.63% dangerous passes and 47.3% received passes, showcasing her ability to combine effectively with her teammates.

Defensively, Morgan also contributes to the team’s pressing efforts, engaging in 57.8% defensive duals and winning 68.4% of them. In aerial duels, she excels with 78.9% and a success rate of 84.2%.

As an experienced player, Morgan often takes on a leadership role on the field. Her presence and determination can inspire her teammates and have a positive impact on the team’s overall performance.

Tournament prediction

The USA women’s national team enters the tournament as one of the preferred contenders, given their rich history of success and their consistent performances on the international stage. Their track record, combined with their formidable roster of talented players, makes them a strong favourite to make a deep run in the competition.

With a legacy of previous Women’s World Cup victories, including the most recent consecutive titles in 2015 and 2019, the USA has established itself as a dominant force in women’s football. Their experience, winning mentality, and championship pedigree provide them with a significant psychological advantage over their opponents as the analysis illustrates.

Considering all these factors, it is evident why the USA women’s national team is often considered the preferred choice to win.