USA beat DPR Korea 2-0 but it was a performance that lacked imagination and fluidity. Good goals by Cheney, who was very effective in her attacking responsibilities but remiss defensively, and Buehler, were enough for USA to secure the all important 3 points.
DPR Korea were short of top quality and lacked experience and tactical acumen to take advantage of USA shape.
Sundhage opted to play 4-4-2, playing Cheney on the left side and asked her to move into central attacking positions as frequently as possible. Korea required two things; a faster tempo and for either Yun Mi or Myong to move into Korea’s right channel whenever Cheney pushed forward.
By taking up right channel positions and by racing upfield, Yun Mi or Myong would have created 2v1 in space between Cheney and LePeibelt.
Korea needed to overload their right side and consistently hit the byline and to attack LePeibelt on the outside from different angles on a day when the American left back was exposed without cover throughout. By doing so Korea could have forced Cheney to defend deep or risk leaving LePeibelt exposed. That tactical adjustment never came and ultimately Korea were punished for their lack of experience.
Boxx and Lloyd struggled at times and Pia must be impress on them that the ball has to be cherished, that there is no need to play too quickly. Unlike in WPS, possession is more important than tempo at the highest international level.
