Vlatko Andonovski steps down as coach of US women’s soccer team following World Cup disappointment.
United States women’s soccer team head coach Vlatko Andonovski resigns
According to an Associated Press source familiar with the matter, United States women’s soccer team head coach Vlatko Andonovski has resigned from his position. This decision comes as a surprise, less than two weeks after the national team’s defeat in the Round of 16 of the Women’s World Cup by Sweden.
The loss against Sweden was a major letdown for the U.S., as they were considered the favorites to win the entire tournament. The team had previously won the Women’s World Cup in 2015 and 2019.
A new chapter after back-to-back victories
Vlatko Andonovski, 46, took over as head coach after the U.S.’s triumphant repeat in 2019, succeeding Jill Ellis who led the team to back-to-back world victories. Andonovski’s overall record was impressive, with 51 wins, 5 losses, and 9 draws. However, in major tournaments, the team had a record of 3 wins, 2 losses, and 5 draws. Under his guidance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the U.S. finished in third place.
The Women’s World Cup journey didn’t go as smoothly as expected for the U.S. The tournament, held in Australia and New Zealand, started with a 3-0 victory in the first match. However, the team struggled in the following two matches, narrowly advancing out of the group stage.
In the Round of 16, the U.S. faced Sweden and played well but failed to score. The match went to penalties, resulting in a loss for the U.S. This was the first time they finished below third place in the competition, which has been held every four years since 1991.
A coach dedicated to his team
After the defeat against Sweden, Andonovski expressed his focus on the team, particularly the young players. Fourteen players were making their World Cup debut under his guidance.
“We spent four years together. They got their first caps with me; they got their first national-team call-ups with me,” Andonovski reportedly said. “We spent tough times, good times. I don’t want to see them like that. That’s all I think about.”
The U.S. will now shift their attention to finding a new coach before the 2024 Olympics in France, as they have already secured their qualification.
The USWNT faces criticism and looks towards the future
Following the defeat to Sweden, the USWNT faced criticism, with some pundits and public figures suggesting that certain players’ progressive politics were a distraction and contributed to the loss.
The tournament’s final will be played between Spain and England on Sunday, and the winner will lift the trophy for the first time.
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