It was, in truth, never close.
The USWNT were outplayed, out-thought and outmaneuvered. They were sloppy, wasteful, disorganized and looked nothing like what they have been for years: the best team in the world.
If there is any consolation for the U.S. it is that they could hardly play worse in the rest of the tournament, which is far from over.
Easier opponents are ahead, and a forgiving group stage should give them a boost moving forward.
But it is clear that something needs to change.
Here are three takeaways from the USWNT s first defeat in 44 games..
Ertz is desperately needed
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