Jill Ellis: “It’s like every element of the game, whether its set pieces, whether its transition. We prepare for every moment.” (Michael Chow/USA Today Sports)
By Michael Lewis
FrontRowSoccer.com Editor
REIMS, France — Jill Ellis says she has all the details just in case U.S. winds up in a shootout in their Round of 16 encounter in the Women’s World Cup Monday.
It’s that the head coach wouldn’t share any of the details or the team’s preparation for penalty kicks.
“I think it will be real succinct,” she said during a press conference Sunday. “We’re prepared.
“It’s like every element of the game, whether its set pieces, whether its transition. We prepare for every moment. That’s what gives us confidence to be prepared for certain situations. And that’s what we do.”
The last time the U.S. participated in a shootout came during the 2016 Rio Olympics when Sweden eliminated the Americans, 4-3 in the tie-breaker after playing to a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes of regulation and extratime. It was the first time the defending world champions failed to reach the semifinals of a FIFA-sponsored tournament.