Talk about winning ugly.
The best thing that can be said about how the U.S. is playing in the Women’s World Cup is that it still is playing in the Women’s World Cup.
An uninspired 1-0 victory over Nigeria in Tuesday’s final opening-round match allowed the United States to win its group and escape a quarterfinal matchup with defending champion Germany.
Instead, the U.S. will meet a surprising English team Saturday in Tianjin, China. The winner likely gets Brazil — easily the best team so far in the tournament — in the semis Sept. 27.
The U.S. was outplayed by North Korea for most of its first group match, which ended in a 2-2 draw, and by Nigeria for much of the second half Tuesday.
“We got the win. We’re first in the group. We should hold our heads high, but I think it’s mixed feelings right now because we know we have better soccer in us,” U.S. forward Heather O’Reilly said.
The Nigerians outshot the United States 8-2 after intermission and had a huge possession advantage throughout the match. The U.S. midfield basically went AWOL for the second time in three matches.
Perhaps now, as keen soccer observer George Vecsey of The New York Times pointed out after the North Korea match, we are finding out just how good Mia Hamm, Julie Foudy, Brandi Chastain and Joy Fawcett really were.
Those four were mainstays of the U.S. teams that won two of the three Olympic gold medals and two of the four world titles from 1991 through 2004.
Yes, the U.S. was in a tough first-round group, but its lack of offense still was surprising — only five goals and 22 shots on goal in three games. A defensive misplay by Nigeria in the first minute allowed Lori Chalupny to score the only U.S. goal.
“We’re very happy with the result, but we could have played much better,” U.S. captain Kristine Lilly said.
Lilly, an offensive force leading to the World Cup, has yet to score in the tournament. And goals likely won’t come easily against England, which held off the potent German attack in a scoreless tie.
“We don’t always get the kind of credit we deserve,” said English midfielder Kelly Smith, who had four goals in three first-round matches.
Neither has the U.S., if you believe its billing as “The Greatest Team You’ve Never Heard Of.” Right now, the truth in that advertising campaign is the never-heard-of part.
The good thing is the U.S. players get that message.
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phersh@tribune.com
