The second match in Group F of the FIFA Womens World Cup sees the United States up against Chile. The match is of vital importance to both teams, as any result can begin to define the groups positions and the chances of qualifying for the next round.
The United States, one of the strongest teams in this World Cup, won their first match 13-0 against a weak Thailand. Chile, for their part, lost 0-2 in their debut in the history of the World Cup to another very strong rival Sweden.
In this tactical preview, we will show how both teams had very different performances in their first match. In addition, we will analyze the characteristics of each of the teams and what will be the idea of both coaches.
The United States is the favourite team to win this game, but the Chilean team already overcame the nerves of the debut against Sweden and now must go out to win this game not to be eliminated. It will be an interesting match with similar offensive proposals.
Unite States’ 4-3-3
The United States used a 4-3-3 formation in their first match against Thailand, but with different variants in defence and attack that we will analyze below. The team started from the base of a 4-3-3 scheme and from there, their formation varied depending on the context of the match. Also, logically from the attack and defence.
The first surprise of coach Jill Ellis was the inclusion of Julie Ertz as central defender instead of Becky Sauerbrunn. Julie Ertz usually plays as a defensive midfielder but in some friendlies prior to the World Cup, she played central defence, performing very well. The other central defender was Abby Dahlkemper, a regular starter. Kelley OHara and Crystal Dunn were the full-backs.
Samantha Mewis played as the only defensive midfielder, a position usually occupied by Ertz. Mewis was responsible for covering the interior midfielders, Rose Lavelle and Lindsey Horan. Lavelle and Horan were in charge of generating chances for the strikers.
Tobin Heath, Alex Morgan, and Megan Rapione were the three players willing to attack. Heath and Rapione played as wingers and Morgan as the central striker. These three players were the usual stars in Ellis pre-World Cup friendlies.
Chile’s 4-3-2-1
Chile played differently during the friendly matches leading up to the World Cup, but this time they changed. They usually played with a 4-3-3 formation as the base system, but against Sweden, one of the strongest teams, Chile chose to be more conservative.
Chile coach José Letelier chose a 4-3-2-1 formation for his first match against Sweden. The four-player backline consisted of right-back Helen Galaz, center-backs Carla Guerrero and Camila Sáez, and left-back Daniela Zamora.
Karen Araya was in c
