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Ninety minutes. That’s all that stands between the U.S. women’s national team and its first match at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Before you whip out your calculators, yes, there are technically more than 90 minutes between now and kickoff of the United States’ group stage opener against Vietnam on July 21. For the team’s on-field preparation ahead of this summer’s action, though, Sunday’s send-off match against Wales (4 p.m. ET) is the last step.
This close to a World Cup, you don’t want to make changes that will drastically alter your team’s course. We shouldn’t expect U.S. manager Vlatko Andonovski to make any sweeping alterations to the tournament favorite against Wales. However, the USWNT’s final World Cup squad features a surprising lack of depth at both ends of the field and a couple of potential pitfalls in the middle. Those things create real questions that need answering before this team heads to Australia and New Zealand.
So, to ensure the U.S. is fully prepared before the show starts, here’s what should be on Andonovski’s to-do list for Sunday’s game.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)
Find your third center back — and play them
With veteran Becky Sauerbrunn missing this World Cup because of a foot injury, Andonovski opted to place just two true center backs on the U.S. roster. San Diego Wave FC’s Naomi Girma and OL Reign’s Alana Cook are projected to play the lion’s share of the minutes in the middle of the team’s back four. Girma, even at just 23, is one of the most well-rounded center backs in the world, and Cook is a phenomenal athlete, even with a few inconsistencies.
After Girma and Cook, though, who’s ready to step into action?
There are two primary reserve options for the United States: Emily Sonnett and Julie Ertz.
Sonnett, 29, has played most of her NWSL minutes this year as a defensive midfielder for the Reign. The same goes for Ertz, 31, with Angel City FC. Still, both players have played center back in the past and can bring…
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