The first meeting turned on Spain's early execution, then on a long spell of U.S. pressure. Spain struck through a midfield regain and a wide delivery, while the U.S. kept reaching dangerous areas without turning them into goals. This rematch is shaped by that contest between Spain's quick attacks and the U.S. ability to repeat its entries with cleaner final touches.
Spain scored twice early in the first game, but the U.S. finished with more shots and repeated close chances. Alyssa Thompson and Rose Lavelle combined down the right, Sophia Wilson found central space, and Trinity Rodman reached a chance near goal. Spain's Cata Coll replacement, Adriana Nanclares, made important saves, while Patri Guijarro and Alexia Putellas helped launch the attacks that exposed the U.S. midfield and far side.
Naomi Girma and Sam Coffey were already absent for that meeting, so the U.S. has played this matchup without them. Spain's earlier camp withdrawals were also in place then. The change I am watching is in the execution: Emma Hayes has called for a faster start and better use of the chances her team created.
An earlier U.S. press can get its runners into the box before Spain settles, and sustained right-side supply can keep those chances coming. The first meeting showed that the U.S. can reach those areas against this opponent; the rematch asks it to finish the moves and cut out the defensive lapses that gave Spain its lead. That's why I'm siding with the USA women to win this match.
