Vlatko Andonovski has been too loyal to some USWNT players

The 2023 Women’s World Cup knockout stages are here, and one of the most exciting ties, on paper, is Sweden taking on defending champions, the USA.

The USWNT have surprisingly been underwhelming in their quest to complete a hat-trick of World Cups. Vlatko Andonovski’s side only won one game in their group, drawing the other two and ceding top spot to the Netherlands.

That form will be a cause for worry as Sweden won all three of their group games and will feel they have the momentum needed to beat the most successful side in women’s football history. Germany, Brazil and Canada bowed out of the group stages in this tournament, and the USWNT could be next.

Former Portland Thorns star Lianne Sanderson talked to us about this matchup, giving the reason why she feels Andonovski needs to make changes. She also spoke about the narrative around the USWNT not being focused on the field and more.

In this article:

• The need for change
• Sweden can learn from the Dutch
• Are the USWNT lacking characters?
• Nations are improving

Vlatko Andonovski needs to make changes

Sanderson believes that the USWNT needs to make changes as the chemistry just hasn’t been there for the side.

She’s in favour of bringing Julie Ertz in defensive midfield and juggling the backline by bringing in Emily Sonnett and switching Crystal Dunn to the right.

“I think Vlatko Andonovski needs to change the team. He’s been too loyal to the players that are there.”

“Personally, I feel Julie Ertz should go into the defensive midfield spot. I think she’s done a good job as a CB, but I think she’s so good in that defensive midfield spot, and she sets everyone else up to go.”

“I personally would probably keep the same front three, but I’d bring Emily Sonnett into the backline, push Julie Ertz up and then I would have Sofia Huerta play LB and switch Crystal Dunn to the right, or Kelly O’Hara as LB as well.”

“Crystal Dunn has come under criticism as well, and she’s been one of the best players in the league, and she’s played in midfield for the Portland Thorns. These players are playing in many different positions.”

In the midfield, Sanderson thinks that Andi Sullivan needs to be dropped as they need more creativity from there, which a midfield three of Ertz, Savannah DeMelo and Lyndsey Horan can provide.

“When I look at the midfield three, I’d play Ertz, Horan and Savannah DeMelo. And I think there needs to be some creativity in those areas because that’s missing.”

“Andi Sullivan, I just don’t think she plays that role in the way they need her to. And she’s a mainstay in that team, and I feel Vlatko needs to stop being so loyal and pick the best players for that spot.”

“Julie Ertz in there will be able to orchestrate more than Andi Sullivan can.”

Sweden can learn from the Dutch on how to hurt the USWNT

The former England international feels the USWNT will struggle if they’re unable to press effectively, like how they did against the Dutch.

“Against the Netherlands, it was like a pre-season game for the Dutch as the US couldn’t get near them, and when they did get near, the Dutch players just popped it around.”

“If Sweden can possess the ball in the way the Dutch did, the weaknesses can be the backline and those early balls that can catch the USWNT off-guard.”

Sanderson reiterates that the USWNT has looked shaky in this World Cup, and they need to find a way against the Swedes.

“I’ve always been a big advocate for the USWNT, and I never think they’re going to slip up because I know their mentality. But during this tournament, they have looked shaky.”

“Against Sweden, they have to find a way.”

Maybe the USWNT doesn’t have characters who can handle both the off-field and on-field scrutiny

The USWNT came under criticism from former player Carli Lloyd recently, and questions have been raised about their commitment.

Sanderson feels that the USWNT has this rich history of being trailblazers while also being very good on the field, and that seems to be missing from the current crop.

“It’s an interesting one because I know a lot of the USWNT players individually; I know Vlatko Andonovski personally. He’s a top coach; you can see how all the players warmed to him, they all like him, and I think they genuinely do. Sometimes you’ll see people don’t want to talk badly about their coach, but when I’ve seen their interactions with him, they love him.”

“But, he doesn’t seem to be getting the best out of them individually.”

“It’s one of those ones where the USWNT have always been trailblazers for speaking out for equal pay, they finally got the CBA passed through, and I love them for that. They always stand up for what’s right.”

“Now people are questioning if they are focusing too much off-the-field than on the field. That’s always been the case, but maybe they don’t have the characters that can do both. And maybe they do need to concentrate solely on those things.”

Sanderson believes that the team lacks personalities like Abby Wambach, who could focus on both sides, and this is playing heavily on the team who are expected to make it three World Cups in a row.

“You’re talking about people like Abby Wambach, who was able to be a trailblazer. Megan Rapinoe who’s still there and carries a massive weight on her shoulders. She has a big responsibility globally, and she’s an icon.”

“Over the years, they’ve had players who have been iconic and have had the mental to do both.”

“Now, I’m not doubting that the USWNT will come good, but the expectation is so, so high because of how good they’ve been in previous years. Back-to-back World Cup wins.”

We have to realise teams are getting better

While the narrative has been around the USWNT underperforming, Sanderson believes it’s important to acknowledge that other teams have also improved.

“I think people also need to take a breather and realise that other teams are getting better.”

“The USWNT has always been ahead of other nations when it came to strength and conditioning and fitness. Now, all nations are fully professional, which wasn’t a thing before.”

She states that the chemistry in the USWNT is missing, but they will be dangerous when they gel together again. It’s only a question of bringing it all to the table in the game against Sweden.

“If they play against Sweden like how they’ve played in the previous games, they won’t win that game.”

“The chemistry just doesn’t seem to be there. But I’ve seen these players individually every week; they can play, and they can find a way. And when they do, it’s going to be dangerous.”

“Hopefully, it won’t come when they’re out of the competition, and it won’t be too little too late.”

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