U.S. changes goalkeepers, not goal
HANGZHOU, China – Greg Ryan will be seen as a savvy strategist if it works.
If it fails, he’ll be blamed for benching goalkeeper Hope Solo – she hasn’t yielded a goal in almost 300 minutes in the women’s World Cup – and switching 24 hours before the match to veteran Briana Scurry for today’s semifinal against Brazil.
The U.S. coach surprised almost everyone on Wednesday, going with the 36-year-old Scurry because her quick reflexes could frustrate the tricky, fast-paced Brazilians led by strikers Marta and Cristiane.
Ryan shrugged off any criticism.
“That’s not important to me at all,” he said. “From Day 1, I’ve just tried to make decisions that will help us win the next game.”
Unbeaten in 51 straight games, the No. 1-ranked United States is seeking its third World Cup title, but Brazil figures to be its toughest test. A victory puts the U.S. squad into Sunday’s final against defending champion Germany in Shanghai. Germany reached the final on Wednesday in Tianjin, overwhelming Norway 3-0. Germany defeated the Americans 3-0 in the World Cup semifinals four years ago.
Solo, 25, has been excellent defending crosses and high balls, but Ryan wants Scurry for her scrambling.
“The way the Brazilians play in terms of creating off the dribble in the penalty box and making a goalkeeper make reaction-type saves, I think Bri is the best goalkeeper in the world in those situations,” Ryan said.
The move split opinions.
Scurry is a longtime star. Her decisive penalty-kick save against China in the ‘99 final in the Rose Bowl captivated the nation. But this switch could be disruptive to a young, close-knit group. The game is expected to be tight, although the United States has lost only once to Brazil in 22 games.
Ryan broke the news to Solo on Tuesday, but she sensed what was coming.
“The moment I got tapped on the shoulder saying I need to meet with you, I had a pit in my stomach and I knew what it was,” said Solo, who’s given up only two goals in four games – both against North Korea in a 2-2 opening draw.
“I was very taken back, but that’s the nature of sports and it happens,” Solo said. “He has his reasons.”
Ryan said he talked with Scurry several months ago about playing in the World Cup if Brazil were the opponent.
“She (Solo) knew there were certain types of games that I felt like Bri would be the keeper,” Ryan said.
Asked if Solo would return in the final if the United States defeats Brazil, Ryan replied: “I don’t know.”
“I think some people might find it to be unusual, but I’m getting my opportunity now and I’m not really concerned about what has happened in the past,” Scurry said.