By Diego Ballester
San Diego, CA–The SheBelieves Cup has concluded, some of the world’s biggest international stars and biggest prospects have faced each other on an exciting week of soccer, which ended at the Snapdragon Stadium with a thrilling last day of soccer where Japan and the USA clashed on an exciting final whilst Colombia and Australia battled for third place.
Colombia Enter The Podium By Beating The Matildas After A Disappointing Tournament
It wasn’t a great tournament for Colombia and Australia, with both teams failing to gain momentum and secure a place in the final. However, the third position was up for grabs, a great way to finish an already disappointing tournament for both, especially after losing both games against Japan and the USA.
With both teams looking to gain their first three points, and third place, in the tournament, Colombia took over in the first few moments of the match, directly transforming their absolute dominance on the field thanks to an early goal from Wendy Bonilla in the 15th minute after a great pass from superstar Mayra Ramírez who managed to break the Australian defense with an excellent ball through to Bonilla, all coming from a great recovery from Real Madrid’s own Linda Caicedo, evidenced Colombia’s great start to the game.
However, once teams returned from the dressing rooms for the second half, things changed, as Australia was eager to score an equalizer. Although Colombia continued to comfortably control the game with the ball on their feet, they had to drop back when defending, as Australia was pressing high.
Australia’s effort got its reward: Hayley Raso managed to tie the game after a great cross she eventually caught, striking the ball with her left foot and finding the back of the net after Natalia Giraldo deflected the ball, putting the score back to even numbers.
But Colombia didn’t seem affected by Australia’s goal, reacting shortly after with a great strike from Carolina Usme that was eventually deflected by the Australian defense, ending in the back of the net and giving Colombia the lead 5 minutes after Hayley Raso equalized.
Australia went all in after their hopes of getting a favorable result were cut off after Colombia’s second goal, trying their best to score their second. However, Colombia kept defending like their lives depended on it, managing to reduce Australia’s opportunities, even after the Matildas adjusted their offensive line, adopting a much more aggressive style and playing with a much higher block.
Australia kept trying but it just wasn’t enough, Colombia secured third place after a disappointing tournament where they lost to both the USA and Japan.
Australian coach Tom Sermanni reflected on the game, especially how ending last in the competition is a good thing.
“It’s better being frustrated now than closer to the Asian Cup,” said the Matildas manager. Australia’s number “7” Steph Catley also followed his coach’s line and calmed fans after the disappointing SheBelieves Cup performance by stating “We’re looking at the bigger picture.”
Japan Ends 5-Year Streak After Surprising Win Against The USA
It was the final of all finals, a game where both teams arrived tied on points after winning against Colombia and Australia, the Snapdragon Stadium was ready for the showcase of all showcases, for one of the best matches that can be watched in women’s football, it was the star-filled USA against the tireless Japan.
There weren’t just three points, it was the opportunity to be crowned champions, something both the USA and Japan were looking forward to, especially considering the USA’s 5-year streak and Japan’s first real opportunity of winning the trophy, and what better way to do it than playing against the hosts and current champions.
We knew the match was going to be exciting and thrilling, but we didn’t expect Japan to take the lead just 90 seconds into the game. Yuka Momiki was quick to capitalize on the USA’s defensive mistake and quickly managed to find the back of the net.
However, the USA was quick to turn things around, trying to break the Japanese defense, which they eventually did in the 14th minute, leveling the score to one-all as up-and-coming star Ally Sentnor managed to find the back of the net after a great solo play from Lily Yohannes who passed the ball to Catarina Macario who found Sentnor with an excellent through ball which led to the USA’s first, and only, the goal of the game.
After the goal, the USA gained momentum, going on the attack to try and find their second of the game, although Japan’s great tactical positioning on and off the ball reduced the USA’s opportunities, which was the tendency for the remainder of the first half.
In the second half, Japan, again, made an excellent start, scoring their second just five minutes into the game, catching the USA completely off guard and re-gaining the lead early on thanks to a great free kick from Yui Hasegawa where US goalkeeper Jane Campbell had to make a great effort to try and keep the ball away from danger, although Toko Koga raced in and managed to find the back of the net in the rebound.
Emma Hayes’ team tried hard to find an equalizer, but Japan’s strong defense kept disallowing any possible attack from the USA. Eventually, in the 85th minute, fans realized that the match was practically over, and started to leave the stadium early after Japan kept their strong defensive line.
In the end, Japan was crowned SheBelieves Cup champions, ending the USA’s winning streak and giving manager Emma Hayes her first defeat as USWNT coach, something that didn’t stop Hayes from being excited about the future of the team.
“We need to build the group and the larger pool that we think are going to progress us to the World Cup,” said the former Chelsea FC manager.
Although ending in defeat, the USA showcased one of its brightest stars: Ally Sentnor. The Utah Royals striker scored the equalizer with a great strike, scoring in just her second start for the USWNT. “I would have never believed I’d be in this position this early in my career,” said the 21-year-old after her excellent run in the SheBelieves Cup.
With all said and done, Japan are new champions, the USA ends their glorious 5-year streak whilst Colombia and Australia have their eyes set on the future. Until next year, the SheBelieves Cup is over after a thrilling week of action.
