Tobin Heath was the first player that I recognized back in the previous World Cup in Germany that had the ball skills to take a defender on 1v1. The US team has traditionally been more like a hockey team, using their speed and athleticism to pin opponents in a “fore check” like manner and then using their strikers whether it was Hamm or Wamback to finish the goals.

When I saw Tobin move side to side and create space for herself I thought, “The next generation is here.” When Japan beat them with passing and ball control I think it sent the message that the days of bombing things forward and playing end to end are over. This team can now control games with their passing and possession, using possession as a defensive tactic as well and then press forward that the most opportune times instead of doing it over and over again for no reason.

The midfield of Heath, Dunn, and Lloyd is just a pleasure to watch because it’s real football instead of just who’s better athletically.