World Cup

[ClementeFanOh]

Peter- the problem with Smith is that she essentially has zero credibility as
an international goal scorer. The article mentions "audacity" and
"confidence", rather than actual productivity- hence, my earlier comment
about Ashley Hatch or Lynn Willaims over Alex Morgan, Smith etc (Hatch in
her prime at 28 yoa and with 19 intl appearances, and over 100 NWSL
appearances with nearly 40 goals). This points up the problem, it very much
appears Andonovski relied on reputation/glitz/past performance (Morgan,
Rapinoe) rather than prudent choices. Obviously, he couldn't control the
injuries to Swanson and Macario, which were devastating. He could control
who he played, however, and it was clear immediately that Morgan was
absent. In truth, had the team not possessed a generational defense, they
would have lost 2 of 3 in group. Makes me wonder if Andonovski was hands
on or off for the defense, similar to how some college football coaches pick a
side (offense or defense) and leave the "other" side to the other staff
members. Speculation of course, but boy the defense and the offense were
strikingly different from one another, like they were coached by different
folks. Trent King