U.S. coach Jill Ellis faces impossible decision vs. Germany
OTTAWA – At some point over the next few days, as this Women's World Cup enters its fourth and final week, the hour of reckoning will come for U.S. coach Jill Ellis.
It won't come on the bench or standing on the sidelines, nor in a locker room or even at a stadium at all. Most likely it will be in a quiet moment, perhaps in the team hotel, when Ellis must make a devilish choice with only one, as yet unknown, correct answer.
Friday's 1-0 World Cup quarterfinal victory over China at Lansdowne Stadium brought the swagger back to the U.S. It returned genuine optimism back to the fan base, who always chant that they believe the team will win but must have had a hard time truly feeling it recently.
It was fluid, convincing, structured, attacking and everything those who hold the hopes of this team dear to their hearts wanted to see.
And it gives Ellis the conundrum that will define her side's fate in this tournament and her own tenure in charge of the squad.
Because the significant changes introduced here, some enforced by suspension and others a deliberate shift in tactical approach, may not be the right way to go next time around.
Compared to the sluggish and uninspiring route to the last eight, everyone liked this a whole lot more. Why wouldn't they? It was quicker, slicker, speedier, more fluid, and generally just much more pleasing on the eye. The public will demand more of the same for Tuesday's semifinal against world No.1 Germany.
That's when we will learn all about Ellis.
Some of the finest coaches in the game's history have fallen for the lure of adhering to populist sentiment and Ellis will have plenty of chances to talk herself into sticking with a similar lineup next week.
On Friday, Amy Rodriguez, in her first start of the tournament, gave a welcome injection of energy and purpose. Rodriguez might be the speediest player Ellis has at her disposal.
Kelley O'Hara was game and spirited and soldiered on despite a bloodying thwack to the bridge of her nose.
Tobin Heath had a freer role and made the most of it, turning on the tricky stuff by freewheeling her way out of a tight spot in the corner to the delight of the crowd.
Carli Lloyd had her best outing of the tournament in an advanced attacking role, got on the ball more, and got her head to the only and decisive goal of the game.
But this was China. The U.S. was up against a team merely being content to contain things for as long as possible and try to catch a lucky break on the counter rather than an opponent intent on swamping it.
Next time they might need a forward with bulk and strength and the ability to hold the ball up, like Abby Wambach, instead of someone who chases after it with marvelously fervent intent but gives it away as often as not (Rodriguez).
It will be a different game. Heath will be coming up against players who will try to cope with her twinkling footwork with more than just weight of numbers.
Lloyd's tackling tenacity wasn't needed here as China showed little in the way of coherent offense, but what about when Germany's phalanx of attackers come marauding forward? Can Lloyd still be employed in an advanced role and thereby risk exposing the outstanding but relatively untested American backline?
Maybe she can. Maybe Ellis will roll the dice. Maybe the coach will agree with the public sentiment. Maybe this performance was the "see-the-light" moment many desperately tried to foist upon the coach.
But soccer is a complicated game, where so much relies on situational and tactical aspects.
Going back to a more static and cautious formation would be deeply unpopular and would require more courage than going with all out attack. If it failed, Ellis would be lampooned.
Out of all the decisions she has had to make and will have to make since taking over, this is the one that will be the biggest test of Ellis' mettle.
As good as the U.S. was here – and it was seriously good - a fresh challenge awaits, one that bears no resemblance to what has come before it.
So, Jill Ellis, as followers of the national team finally nod their approval in your direction, what do you do now?
PHOTOS: USA vs. China