The Women’s World Cup group stage match for the United States women’s national team appeared to be begging for an American substitute or two as the clock ran down.
Wingers Trinity Rodman and Sophia Smith started to look worn out as the USWNT and the Netherlands were tied 1-1. Three of Rodman’s four missed shots came in the final 15 minutes as they pushed for a winning goal. However, the players’ passing accuracy started to deteriorate and their propensity to lose the ball increased after Lindsey Horan’s equalizer in the 60th minute. In the 75 seconds between the start of the second half and the end of the game, Rodman attempted nine passes, but only one of them, according to ESPN Stats & Information, was successful.
However, USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski decided against using a player with fresh legs as a halftime replacement. It was a contentious decision, and if the Americans don’t win Group E and have to take a much more difficult route into the tournament’s knockout round, that decision will be scrutinized even more.
Who is Vlatko Andonovski, the USWNT coach?
Soccer coach Vlatko Andonovski is a Macedonian-American who is best known for coaching women’s soccer. On September 14, 1976, he was born in Skopje, the capital of Macedonia (now North Macedonia). Vlatko Andonovski started out playing soccer, but he soon realized that teaching was his true calling.
Andonovski’s coaching career took off after she joined the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the US. He had a significant influence on the teams and players in the league, showcasing his tactical acumen and capacity to build successful teams.
From 2013 to 2017, Andonovski served as the team’s head coach at Kansas City, Missouri-based FC Kansas City. He led the group to great success during his time there, including consecutive NWSL titles in 2014 and 2015. His methods for managing players and coaching were well-liked at the time.
In 2018, Andonovski departed to become the head coach of Tacoma, Washington-based Reign FC (now OL Reign), a professional women’s soccer team. His tenure with Reign FC solidified his position as one of the sport’s most talented managers. He was honored for his skills in player development, plan implementation, and creating a positive team environment.
Andonovski was appointed the head coach of the United States Women’s national soccer team (USWNT) in October 2019 as a result of his impressive track record in the NWSL. With multiple international championships, including four FIFA Women’s World Cup victories, the United States Women’s National Team is one of the most successful squads in women’s soccer history.
Jill Ellis, who guided the United States Women’s National Team to victory at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, stepped down, and Andonovski was tasked with maintaining the team’s high caliber of play while also incorporating his own coaching philosophy. He was able to make a seamless transition despite the ongoing difficulties and demands, earning the respect and support of the players.
Under Andonovski’s leadership, the USWNT has maintained a high level of competition in international competitions like the SheBelieves Cup, the CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament, and the Olympics. His tactical style, adaptability, and focus on player growth have all played significant roles in the team’s ongoing success.
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