The chances for the USWNT to win the 2025 SheBelieves Cup are in danger. Despite two consecutive victories against Colombia and Australia, the American ladies trail Japan in the standings due to a goal difference of four. The most daunting challenge? Their final opponent in the tournament is none other than the table leaders themselves. While this is certainly a cause for concern, Meghan Klingenberg has an unexpected piece of advice for Emma Hayes and Co: “The USA should just go out there and have as much fun as possible.”
Well, before you say anything, yes, even the former defender calls it ‘outrageous’ advice. However, in her own experience, Klingenberg insists this can be one of the easiest steps that the USWNT can take. She believes that focusing on the opponent’s strength and past close games only invites fear. “I just feel this team’s so good that they don’t need to worry about the outcome or other opponents,” began Klingenberg while speaking on The Women’s Game podcast.
Instead, the 36-year-old urges the Stars and Stripes to focus on their strengths like maintaining free-flowing and quick play, filling the box, and closing down spaces quickly. Following these things alone will benefit the USA despite the outcome. In fact, a key ingredient to this technique is following the exact rule that Japan follows: staying unified. Precisely, Klingenberg described the Asian side as a ‘hive mind’ during her playing days.
The former Portland Thorns star recalled that the Nadeshiko Japan always had “something in their mind about what they wanted to do.” Even today, their game plan sees them move into different positions to help each other in pressured situations. “There’s no team internationally that’s more on the same page than Japan,” Meghan emphasized, highlighting how difficult it is for opponents to win the ball from them.
This is one of the reasons why she finds Japan as one of the best teams to watch. Notably, Klingenberg wasn’t alone; podcast host and former US midfielder Sam Mewis also shared her prior experience of facing Japan. She praised their determination to win the ball and apply relentless pressure on opponents. In fact, the former Manchester City star described playing against Japan as “exhausting.”
Mewis further warned Hayes and Co. regarding the difficulty they may face on Wednesday. “Japan is really, really hard to play against. They are so technical and so tactically savvy, gifted, aligned, and smart,” added Sam.
Honestly, we wouldn’t be surprised if hearing all of this scares players and supporters. But the truth stands for itself and USWNT can face tough challenge against Japan. While both Mewis and Klingenberg may have instilled more fear, do they have any solutions?
What does Emma Hayes and USWNT need against Japan to ace the SheBelieves Cup?
Let’s circle back to what Meghan Klingenberg said earlier. She clearly stated that Japan likes to play as a unit, making it difficult for the opponents to win the ball. Hence, this is exactly what the former US international wants Emma Hayes’ side to follow. “Tactically, the US will probably have to play pretty differently, to be honest,” she continued.
“They can’t just throw one person to go defend; they actually have to come up with an organized defense and press. If they don’t, then they’re going to just get played around,” added Klingenberg. In fact, Sam Mewis also agreed to her ex-national teammate’s point. As exhausting as it is, she wants the USA to keep its position and pressure intact.
Likewise, breaking lines between Japan’s defense is something that Hayes will be able to figure out. Rest assured, if the US Women’s National Team gets all of these points correctly, then they have a chance to win it. As for Sam Mewis and Meghan Klingenberg, they can’t wait for the ‘treaty’ affair!
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.
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