KASHIMA, Japan — In three games at the Tokyo Olympic soccer tournament, the United States scored pretty goals and poacher’s goals and, somehow, five offside goals. On Tuesday the Americans scored no goals, and that, it turned out, was exactly what they needed. The Americans’ date against the Netherlands was confirmed around the time the team was set to arrive back at its hotel in Tokyo after grinding out a methodical, professional draw with Australia. Tuesday’s result was not a vintage United States performance, or perhaps even a popular one inside the locker room. Three days after his team broke out offensively in a 6-1 victory against New Zealand, United States Coach Vlatko Andonovski yanked back on the reins against Australia.

Source: New York Times July 27, 2021 10:06 UTC