Vlatko Andonovski Defends USWNT's "Great Strategy" Following Women's World Cup Elimination By Sweden

Originally posted on FanNation Futbol
By Robert Summerscales | Last updated 8/6/23

USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski has declared himself pleased with the performance of his team despite their early exit from the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

The four-time champions were the much better side for 120 minutes against Sweden on Sunday. But they were unable to find a way past inspired goalkeeper Zecira Musovic as the game ended 0-0 and went to a penalty shootout.

Sweden then won a dramatic spot-kick contest 5-4, with the winning penalty needing a VAR review to confirm that it had crossed the line.

Sunday's defeat in the round of 16 means that the United States have failed to reach the semi-finals of a Women's World Cup for the first time in the tournament's history.

Their shock exit came five days after a 0-0 draw with Portugal had seen the USWNT finish with just five points in the group stage - another record low.

Andonovski is widely expected to lose his job as a consequence of his side's underperformance.

But he told reporters after Sunday's game: "I thought that we had a great game plan, great strategy.

"We executed the game plan, we had the right personnel on the field to execute the game plan and if I had to coach this group, this game, all over again, I'd probably do the same."

When asked about his future with the USWNT, he added: "Someone just pointed out how hurt the players are going through the mixed zone... I think it's selfish to think about me, my future, what I'm going to do when we have 20-year-old players going through this."

This article first appeared on FanNation Futbol and was syndicated with permission.

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