USWNT crushes Paraguay; Mexico better watch out in the World Cup

The U.S. U-20 Women's National Team booked their place in the Round of 16 at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup with an emphatic 7-0 win over Paraguay, one that left no doubt as to the potential of this young, talented side now set for familiar foes, Mexico, in the next round. Highlighting the match was a hat trick by forward Pietra Tordin and three assists from winger Emeri Adames, crucial in the American victory.

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USWNT Dominant, Tordin Perfect in Win

The match against Paraguay started with some pressure, but the U.S. never blinked. Knowing a simple draw would advance them, the team didn't hold back and attacked from the first minute of the match as Gisele Thompson nearly opened the scoring inside 60 seconds. That intensity proved the USWNT wasn't just looking to advance but to make a statement as one of the frontrunners of the tournament.

Pietra Tordin, already one of the stars coming into the tournament, opened the floodgates with an expertly placed header off a perfectly delivered corner by Adames in the 10th minute. The first goal unclogged the pipes for the U.S. attack, and just two minutes later, Tordin struck again off a cross from Thompson. Ahead 2-0, the team loosened up without slowing down, and Paraguay seemed helpless to answer.

USWNT's Collective Strength and Evolution in the Tournament

Coach Tracey Kevins pieced together a team focused on attack without giving up defensive stability-something that became evident throughout the group stage. The USWNT gained momentum with each passing match, as an opening loss to Spain was followed by wins over Morocco and Paraguay. A consistent backline was crucial in terms of controlling the matches, while the attack also flowed with greater fluidity and imagination.

Emery Adames also shone in the same match against Paraguay. Her assists were important in keeping the offense of the U.S. flowing, while her chemistry with Thompson and Tordin gave them great momentum in the final third. Adames finished the first half with three assists, showing her versatility and just how important it was to have her playing her game from out wide.

A Memorable Hat Trick

The undoubted star of the game was Pietra Tordin. Besides opening the scoring, she completed her hat trick in the 67th minute with great positioning and timing. With five goals in 10 appearances for the U-20s, Tordin has definitely established herself as one of the mainstays in this campaign. She joins the list of elite U.S. players to have scored three goals in a U-20 World Cup match, a list which includes Sophia Smith and Savannah DeMelo, and further cements her status as one of the fast-rising stars in U.S. women's soccer.

The goalkeeper Teagan Wy did have little work and dramatized saves, as Paraguay had barely threatened the American goal. Equally important was the midfield control, led by Yuna McCormack in nipping the Paraguayan counterattacks at birth and denying them any space to create plays.

Next Challenge: Mexico

The biggest challenge for the U.S. thus far will be the match against Mexico in the Round of 16. History between these two sides recently has been evenly matched, with the U.S. tying one match and winning another in friendly games played this month. Tordin again made the difference in both games.

With loads of confidence, the U.S. team enters the knockout stage fully aware that Mexico will not go down without a fight. The Mexican team made it through the group stage with a win against Australia, plus one more draw with Cameroon. Therefore, this Wednesday's encounter promises to be one of attack due to the fact that the two teams are battling for an eventual place in the quarterfinals.