Football
Are history-seeking USA still team to beat?
Top of the rankings and winners of the past two World Cups, the United States have developed an aura as the most feared international team in women’s football.
Boasting global superstars such as Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe, their dominance over the past decade has been unwavering and they have passed that on through generations.
The USA are looking to become the first team to win a third successive title, but despite their pedigree and resolute confidence, they may not have it all their own way in Australia and New Zealand.
‘I love the spotlight’
“We continue to have that [winning] mentality as a country,” former USA international Kristine Lilly, whose 30 Women’s World Cup appearances is a tournament record, told BBC Sport.
“During the last eight years, the pro league has been a part of it. When we played, we didn’t really have a league so were training on our own. Now the league has an impact on players, adding to their game.
“It’s just about whether they can bring that success over to the national team and go up another level.”
Players have fought for equal rights, filing a discrimination lawsuit against US Soccer regarding equal pay in 2019, which resulted in an agreement of parity three years later.
Their push for equality has brought improvements in professionalism and performance on the national stage, while the domestic league – the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – has also advanced.
One of the stars of this season’s NWSL is Portland Thorns forward Sophia Smith, who will make her World Cup debut.
“My role going into this tournament is going to be big but I love that. I love the spotlight, the pressure – I love it all,” said Smith, 22.
“We’re so lucky on this team to have such a deep roster. The frontline have so much fun, skill and talent but, at the same time, we all want to win. We have that grit and energy.”
USA boss Vlatko Andonovski believes they “have what it takes” to make history with a third successive World Cup triumph.
“We want to do something that has never been done before,” he said.
“The previous staff found a way and was able to push the team forward to win the last two World Cups. It is our responsibility to find the next step and keep them in front.”
‘It’s not going to be easy’
The USA have been going through a “bit of a transition” since 2019, says Lilly, following the retirement of two-time world champion Carli Lloyd and the phasing out of other senior players.
Only nine of the squad from 2019 remain, including six over the age of 30. They are missing experienced captain Becky Sauerbrunn, forward Mallory Swanson and midfielder Sam Mewis through injury.
Morgan, 34, still leads the attack and won the NWSL Golden Boot last season, but Rapinoe, 38, has struggled with injury.
“I want to show younger players who have not been in a major tournament what to expect, where the pressure comes from and why we need to stick together with this mentality of getting to [the final],” said Morgan.
“Lifting the trophy at the end is a reward. It will be an emotional rollercoaster and, physically, it will be more demanding than anything they have ever experienced. I want to be able to share that.”
Of those in the squad, midfielder Julie Ertz, 31, gave birth in August last year and Rose Lavelle, 28, has struggled for consistency because of injuries over the past two years.
“Some players have been injured and are coming back, and there’s young blood,” said Lilly. “They have talent, they just have to make it all work.
“It’s not going to be easy. They are reigning champions back-to-back and no team has done it three times. But I definitely think they are the team to beat.”
Andonovski has named 14 World Cup debutants in his 23-player squad including young forwards Alyssa Thompson, 18, Trinity Rodman, 21, and Smith, who was the NWSL’s most valuable player last year.
Asked whether Morgan believes they are still favourites, she added: “At the end of the day we already have a target on our back, coming in as world champions.
“There are teams who have done incredibly well and have made a name for themselves to compete for this trophy. I’m very optimistic with our chances with this roster.”
‘Other teams getting better and better’
The USA beat England in the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup, extending an unbeaten run against the Lionesses that finally came to an end in October 2022 with a 2-1 loss at Wembley.
It was the first time in five years England had beaten the USA and they are one of several European countries who hope to prove they have closed the gap at this summer’s World Cup.
Defender Jess Carter thinks other countries have improved a lot since 2019, while midfielder Ella Toone insists the Lionesses “do not fear anyone”.
“I don’t pay much attention to the USA to be honest,” said Chelsea’s Carter, 25.
“I don’t really get what goes on around that and everyone talking about the US. They’re a great team but there are so many great teams at the tournament – I couldn’t really care less about one single team.
“Obviously they have been super successful in the past and they deserve respect because they have earned it. But the quality of [other] international teams are just getting better and better.”
The USA suffered defeats by European challengers England, Germany and Spain in 2022 and they were given stern tests by South American side Brazil and Asian giants Japan in February.
“When teams play the USA and find success they realise maybe they are not so [invincible]. Confidence-wise, it helps other teams,” said Lilly.
“The US still have that aura and confidence, but other teams have that now as well.”
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Argentina beat Colombia to win a record 16th Copa America but the game was marred by the kick-off being delayed by 80 minutes because of trouble outside the ground in Miami.
Lautaro Martinez struck in the second half of extra time from Giovani lo Celso’s through ball to secure the win.
Captain Lionel Messi was left in tears when he had to be replaced midway through the second half after injuring himself while chasing for the ball – but was celebrating his country’s third successive major tournament at the final whistle.
Kick-off was delayed because of chaos outside the Hard Rock Stadium.
Organisers said ticketless fans tried to get into the ground, leaving some fans waiting for hours in the Miami heat for the gates to open.
Fans and police officers and security clashed with several arrests made. Several supporters needed treatment from paramedics.
On top of that the half-time break lasted for 25 minutes because of a concert by Colombian popstar Shakira on the pitch, a move that was criticised by Colombia boss Nestor Lorenzo beforehand.
It was a game of few clear chances in hot, humid conditions, with Colombia’s Jhon Cordoba hitting the woodwork in the first half.
Argentina thought they had taken the lead with 15 minutes to go but Nicolas Tagliafico’s effort was ruled out for offside.
Martinez would end up as the hero – and win the Golden Boot with five goals.
What now for Messi after Copa America glory?
Lionel Messi went off injured in the second half
Messi had never won a senior international tournament until the age of 34 and now he has won three in three years after the 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup.
The final was played at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami – which is just over 20 miles from the city of Fort Lauderdale, where Messi’s Inter Miami club play.
The 37-year-old said before this tournament he had yet to make a decision on whether he will play on for his country until the next World Cup, which is also in the US – as well as Canada and Mexico.
His powers seem to be waning and his only goal of the tournament came in the semi-final win over Canada. He missed a penalty in the quarter-final shootout against Ecuador.
In this game he was hurt by a tackle in the first half and hobbled off in the second period, holding an ice pack on his ankle on the bench.
Is this his final major tournament appearance of a legendary career?
It was certainly the final appearance of Angel di Maria’s international career. The 145-times capped player had already announced he would retire from the international stage after this.
Trouble before the game
There were problems getting fans into the ground for kick-off
The delays before the game were more bad news for organisers – with the Hard Rock Stadium due to host games at the 2026 World Cup.
In the semi-finals in Charlotte, Uruguay players clashed with Colombia fans after the final whistle – because they were worried about the safety of their families.
Players’ families were affected too in Miami.
Roberto Garnacho, brother of Argentina winger Alejandro Garnacho, wrote on social media: “What a shame CONMEBOL, the families not being able to enter the stadium, unbelievable.
“We were with [Argentina defender Marcos Acuna’s] family outside, getting away from the fights… Argentina’s security had to come get us, children of players crying, people entering without tickets.”
Colombia’s wait goes on
Colombia had been unbeaten in 28 games, a run stretching over two years going back to a World Cup qualifier against Argentina.
But their only Copa America triumph remains the 2001 success in their home country.
They had chances against the Argentines, most notably when Cordoba hit the post early on with a hooked volley.
Writtes /BBC/
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I know from my own experiences as a Liverpool player that, when you are losing at Anfield then equalise straight after half-time, it does more than give you momentum – it can change the whole feel of a game.
That is what exactly what happened in Sunday’s draw with Manchester City. As soon as Alexis Mac Allister’s spot-kick made it it 1-1, Liverpool put on a real powerhouse performance and they looked like they would go on to win.
Their work ethic, tenacity and intensity in the second half was incredible and It was Darwin Nunez who helped instigate that, firstly by winning the penalty for their equaliser.
Yes, it was a mistake by Nathan Ake, whose poor backpass let him in, but Nunez was switched on and ready for it – and he did not stop there.
Lots of Liverpool players did well after the break but Nunez was the one who really made the difference when they were on top. Like so many other teams this season, City struggled to cope with his physicality and all-round play.
I really do believe his display was as good as any I’ve seen from him since he joined Liverpool in the summer of 2022, which is a strange thing to say about a striker who didn’t score.
I loved his energy and his willingness to run without the ball, hassling City’s backline and stretching their defence, but he also showed great quality with it too. He slipped Luis Diaz in for one of his big chances and was involved in almost all of them in some way.
Nunez was unselfish with so much of his play but he was also unlucky not to get a goal himself when he got a toe to Andy Robertson’s cross. City keeper Stefan Ortega made a great save and, on another day, that goes in.
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‘Van Dijk is the one player Liverpool cannot afford to lose’
You don’t get anything against City without defending well too, and I was also really impressed by that side of Liverpool’s performance.
I expect a lot of Reds fans were nervous when they saw the teamsheet before the game, because out of their first-choice back five – including goalkeeper Alisson – only Virgil van Dijk faced the defending champions.
Ibrahima Konate’s injury this week meant the whole right side of Liverpool’s defence was very young, with Jarell Quansah next to Conor Bradley. Jurgen Klopp again showed his faith in the kids by playing them, and they both did really well in what was arguably the biggest game of their careers.
It was another example of the brilliant togetherness and belief that has got Liverpool so far this season, and kept them in this title race, and in with a chance of winning four competitions despite being affected by so many injuries.
By that I mean, when the chips are down and some big players are not around for the big games, they do not falter or feel sorry for themselves.
They also don’t sit back, whoever they are playing. One of the big strengths of this team is they don’t change they way they play even when some star names are missing – and still look to play on the front foot.
At the heart of it all, though, is Van Dijk. Some of his passing against City was phenomenal, as always, but on top of that, his last-ditch defending was outstanding.
There was the one-on-one with Erling Haaland where he stayed calm and in control, a crucial far-post header from a Bernardo Silva cross and an important block to deny Phil Foden.
It was a monumental performance, exactly when it was needed, by a guy who was surrounded by several players who had not played in an occasion like this before, and one that some people viewed as a title decider.
Van Dijk has been terrific all season, of course, but this particular game showed the importance of his presence.
Konate could miss a couple of games and Liverpool will be fine. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Robertson have been out for several weeks already, and the biggest compliment I can pay to Caoimhin Kelleher is that he never looks like a back-up goalkeeper when he replaces Alisson.
Klopp has also got the numbers to rotate in midfield and all the front players have had injuries at some point this season. But, at the moment, Van Dijk is the one player they cannot afford to lose.
That’s how important he is to their title hopes, and where their whole season goes from here.
Why the run-in will be a rollercoaster ride
Sunday’s game was a brilliant watch, with such quality on show from both sides.
If Diaz had taken one of his chances then, with the Anfield crowd and the momentum Liverpool had at that stage, I feel like they would have probably seen City off.
Credit to City, though, because they hung in there and had a couple of excellent chances in the second half themselves.
Jeremy Doku hit the post after Kelleher had denied Phil Foden at a really crucial time and, for all the opportunities Liverpool created, they could still have been beaten.
When the dust settles, I think they will be content with the result – they have now played and drawn with City twice in the Premier League, and they are still a point ahead of them with 10 games to go.
Liverpool could soon be in an even stronger position, because City play Arsenal in their next league game, on 31 March. At least one of their title rivals will drop points then, but it would be naïve to think that game will decide anything.
We have got three brilliant teams in this title race, who have all got great strength in depth. But I am not convinced any of them will go on from here and win every game in the run-in, which Liverpool and City have both done in previous seasons, because they have all appeared a bit vulnerable at times.
Look at Arsenal – they have been on this amazing goalscoring run but they still needed Aaron Ramsdale to make a couple of great saves in their win over Brentford on Saturday, and had to wait to score a late winner.
There were some nerves involved in their performance, inevitably, and there are plenty more of those to come.
The one team you would not expect to suffer in that way, emotionally, are City because of what they have been doing for so many seasons now. But I still expect it to be a rollercoaster ride for all three teams and it would not surprise me if they are all still involved with a couple of games to go.
It is going to be fascinating to watch it unfold, whoever you support. Even if you have a fondness for one of the teams, every football fan loves watching close competition with jeopardy involved.
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Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said after Sunday’s Manchester derby that midfielder Phil Foden was the “best player in the Premier League right now”.
And Foden has a strong case for that accolade, having scored six goals and provided an assist in his past seven league games.
Using the past 10 rounds of Premier League matches, BBC Sport look at who might currently be its ‘best’ player.
Phil Foden (Manchester City)
Foden scored twice in a 3-1 win over Manchester United on Sunday as City stayed firmly in the hunt for the title.
The 23-year-old has scored 11 Premier League goals this season and assisted seven – putting him joint-eighth in the rankings for those categories.
Guardiola: “What can I say? He is the best player in the Premier League right now for the amount of things he does. Unbelievable.”
BBC Radio 5 Live commentator John Murray: “If England were playing their first match at the Euros later today, I think you would expect to see Bukayo Saka on the right, probably Phil Foden on the left, Harry Kane through the middle and Jude Bellingham in the number 10 position.”
Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Haaland tops the Premier League goalscoring charts on 18 – two clear of everyone else. That is despite missing five matches so far this season.
Having featured in City’s past seven games since returning from injury, Haaland has scored four league goals and set one up in that time, as well as hitting five goals in an FA Cup fifth-round victory at Luton Town.
Guardiola: “With top scorers or strikers who score a lot of goals, don’t criticise because he will shut your mouth, that’s for sure.”
Former City midfielder Michael Brown: “He’s got that power, he’s got that dedication. That hunger to finish. We’ve seen him mix up his goals. It’s difficult to just not let him do what he does.”
Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City)
City midfielder De Bruyne has been in superb form since returning from a hamstring injury which meant he missed the first five months of the season.
He has scored once and claimed four assists in seven league games, despite only starting four of them. He also got four assists in the FA Cup win at Luton.
Guardiola: “He is a special player. He is a legend.”
Former City defender Micah Richards: “We talk about lots of players being world class but Kevin is different. He always seems to gauge exactly what the game needs – and he delivers, all the time.”
Rodri (Manchester City)
Rodri has always been capable of producing big moments when it matters – and the midfielder is on a 59-match unbeaten run in City colours.
Naturally a defensive midfielder, he has added more going forward of late, with three goals and three assists in his past 10 league games.
Guardiola: “He’s the best midfield player in the world currently by far because he is able to do everything.”
Luton Town captain Tom Lockyer: “It’s just a joy to share a football pitch with him. You don’t say that about a lot of players.”
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Liverpool captain Van Dijk has been one of the few mainstays in a title-challenging Liverpool side blighted by injuries.
In the Reds’ past 10 league games, Van Dijk has scored once, helped keep three clean sheets and also scored the winning goal in last month’s Carabao Cup final against Chelsea.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp: “Virgil van Dijk, from the first day since he stepped into Liverpool FC, is absolutely outstanding.”
BBC Sport journalist Luke Reddy: “Van Dijk has been a ‘colossus’ in recent weeks.”
Darwin Nunez (Liverpool)
Uruguayan striker Nunez has been in fine form for the Reds of late, and scored the last-gasp winner at Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
In Liverpool’s past 10 league games, Nunez has played nine, scoring six goals and getting an assist.
Liverpool assistant manager Pep Ljinders: “Each game, he can create six chances just by himself.”
BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty: “I think Nunez has loads of ability and his stats alone tell you what an impact he has on games. Not one goes by where he does not have influence of some sort.”
Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Since a British-record transfer to Arsenal in the summer, England midfielder Rice has been a key part of the Gunners’ title challenge this season.
Despite his defensive responsibilities, he has scored once and provided four assists in the Gunners’ past 10 league games.
Former Manchester City midfielder Michael Brown: “Declan Rice can do every bit of being an all-round midfielder.”
BBC Sport football reporter Simon Stone: “I am a huge Declan Rice fan and he could turn out to be the difference between Arsenal fading away in the title race, as they did last season, and really going for it.
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
A strong contender for the Premier League’s most in-form player is England winger Saka.
In his past 10 league outings, Saka has scored eight goals, including two apiece against West Ham and Burnley, and added an assist.
BBC Sport football reporter Simon Stone: “[The best player in the league] is between four – Haaland, De Bruyne, Salah and Saka. Whoever wins the title is the best.”
Former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin: “There were plenty of players who caught the eye in Arsenal’s win at Turf Moor, but Bukayo Saka being back close to his best was as important as anything else.”
Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
Watkins is a player who can go under the radar but is certainly a contender. He is ranked top for direct goal involvements and joint-top for assists this season.
In Villa’s past 10 league games, he has seven goals, four assists and is the only player to pass into double figures in both categories this season.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery: “His commitment is brilliant and the consequence is this when he works hard every day.”
Former Newcastle and England striker Alan Shearer: “He’s having the season of his life. The form he is in, he is not hoping to score, but expecting to score.”
Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
One of the few bright sparks for Chelsea this season has been midfielder Palmer. He has scored four times and provided the same number of assists in the Blues’ past 10 Premier League matches.
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino: “He is an important player for us. He is a decisive player. I am so pleased with him.”
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola: “It is not just goals and assists, it is the quality. He is an incredible threat for Chelsea.”
Jarrod Bowen (West Ham)
West Ham winger Bowen is having his best ever Premier League scoring season. having netted 14 times so far.
In the Hammers’ past 10 league matches, Bowen has scored five goals and provided two assists – including his first career hat-trick against Brentford.
West Ham United manager David Moyes: “Some of his performances recently have gone unnoticed because we haven’t won.”
Former Manchester United and England midfielder Paul Scholes to TNT Sports: “You can see Real Madrid, Man City, Arsenal all wanting him. He is a unit and reminds me a bit of Eric Cantona.”
Alphonse Areola (West Ham)
A left-field shout, but from a numbers perspective it is hard to ignore Areola.
In the past 10 games, he’s kept three clean sheets and averaged 5.8 saves per game. He also has the highest save percentage in the Premier League, has made more than 100 saves, conceded four fewer goals than his expected goals against tally suggests he should have, and is the only goalkeeper to save multiple penalties so far this season.
West Ham manager David Moyes: “Our goalkeeper played brilliantly well. He made several saves today that probably stopped Everton getting a result.”
And the rest…
Among those to narrowly miss out are forwards Diogo Jota (Liverpool), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) and Rasmus Hojlund (Manchester United) – all overlooked because of recent injury issues.
Honourable mentions also go to John Stones (Manchester City), Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa), Ross Barkley (Luton Town), Rodrigo Muniz (Fulham), Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool) and Heung-min Son (Tottenham Hotspur).
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