US coach: 'We haven't played our best at the 2023 World Cup'

"Our squad has not had much time to work together. The first time the US played with this squad was the Vietnam match. It was the second time against the Netherlands. Therefore, we can expect the US will further improved in the third game. I think the deeper we go, the better the US will play," Andonovski said after the match on Sky Stadium yesterday 27/7.

After defeating Vietnam 3-0 in the opening match, the US escaped defeat to the Netherlands in the second round of Group E. They were conceded first by Jill Roord in the 17th minute and needed a header from captain Lindsey Horan. to equalize in the second half. This is America's first draw at the World Cup since it was held 0-0 by Sweden in 2015.

In the last two World Cups, the US showed overwhelming dominance before being crowned. Therefore, the performance of Andonovski's teachers and students through two matches could not meet expectations. At this tournament, the US introduced many young players such as Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman or Naomi Girma. Therefore, Andonovski thinks that the players need more time to understand each other.

"In the first half, we allowed them to control the tempo. So the game was much slower than we wanted," Andonovski commented.

In fact, 14 of the 23 players on the US squad made it to the World Cup for the first time. Andonovski said he considered a lot to choose the best faces in the context of many pillars absent due to injury. Julie Ertz was transferred to central defender after the old general Becky Sauerbrunn was eliminated. Savannah DeMelo has to play more to replace Rose Lavelle - the midfielder is not in the best shape.

"The young players are improving each game individually," Andonovski said. "From a collective perspective, the US is also getting better. I said that this squad is not only young but also new. Through each game, the team will improve gradually and play much more effectively."