The Americans have advanced to the quarterfinals without playing their best soccer, but they must be better if they want to win the World Cup crown, writes Thomas Floyd.
OTTAWA — In terms of results, there has been little to complain about regarding the U.S. national team's run to the Women's World Cup quarterfinals. As for style points? That's a different matter.
A sluggish first half in the victory over Australia was chalked up to opening game jitters. That underwhelming draw with Sweden came against a strong opponent. And the narrow win against Nigeria simply got the job done.