The USA have for so long been the dominant power in international women’s football, winning multiple World Cups and Olympic golds. However, they have not been themselves at the 2020 Olympics, with their semi-final loss to Canada a clear sign of that. In what can be labelled a “North American derby”, the reigning world champions were sloppy and never looked like getting into the game, whilst Canada were excellent and controlled proceedings well. USA head coach Vlatko Andonovski’s tactics will no doubt be scrutinised in the coming weeks, but forward Megan Rapinoe said after the defeat that the players needed to look at themselves as well.
This tactical analysis will look at the USA’s performance in this game, particularly in attack, finding the reasons for their defeat. The analysis will also focus on Canada’s game control and pressing tactics, seeing how both helped them to win the game and advance to the final.
Lineups
The USA made three changes to the team that defeated the Netherlands on penalties in the quarter-finals, changing their system from a 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1. Manchester City Women centre-back Abby Dahlkemper, former City midfielder Sam Mewis, now with North Carolina Courage, and NY/NJ Gotham’s veteran striker Carli Lloyd all dropped out of the starting XI. OL Reign’s Rose Lavelle, also formerly of Manchester City, started behind Orlando Pride striker Alex Morgan, who took Lloyd’s place in attack, whilst Chicago Red Stars’ Tierna Davidson partnered captain and Portland Thorns veteran Becky Sauerbrunn in the defence.
Canada also changed their system, having beaten Brazil in a penalty shoot-out to reach this stage of the tournament. They went from a 4-3-3 to a 4-3-1-2, but without making personnel changes. Instead, Chelsea Women’s Jessie Fleming and OL Reign’s Quinn moved back to play alongside experienced Desiree Scott, instead of just in front of her, whilst legendary forward Christine Sinclair played in an attacking midfield role, with Manchester City’s Janine Beckie and Houston Dash’s Nichelle Prince in front of her. The intention was for Sinclair to dictate the play from behind the forward line, whilst Beckie and Prince were given freedom to attack with pace.
