Futbol W: USWNT Close Out 2025 Strong

25:42Natalia Astrain:Because now everybody's putting a lot of pressure. I compare Lily with Jamal a little bit. And Jamal, I think, is having all the pressure. And then in here with these comments of Emma Hayes, it's like opposite. it because he's protecting the player. She is quite the protector indeed. Gab Marcotti here for Gusto. Right now everyone is trying to run leaner, tighter budgets, smaller teams, higher expectations. Now the last thing you have time to waste on is manual payroll or chasing down an HR form. Gusto is how small business owners get time back when every hour counts gusto is online payroll and benefit software built for small businesses it's all in one remote friendly and incredibly easy to use so you can pay hire onboard and support your team from anywhere automatic payroll tax filing simple direct deposits health benefits commuter benefits workers comp 401k you name it gusto makes it simple and has options for nearly every budget And it's all built to save your time with built-in automated tools for offer letters, onboarding docs, direct deposit, and more.

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28:17That's E-T-H-O-S dot com slash sports. Application times and rates may vary. Well, we're going to switch things up from international football a little bit and talk about some club news because we are hearing, Ali, that Jenna Naiswong is rumored to leave Arsenal during the upcoming January transfer window after what would be just one year with the Gunners. She joined them from Gotham, and she's only got five appearances to her name at the North London Club. Now, it's interesting, too, because Renee Sleckers was asked about why she's not playing as much by the Arsenal legend that is Ian Wright in one of his podcasts earlier on this year.

28:54Not just earlier on this year, but earlier on this season. And she had an interesting thing to say that it hurts nobody more to not play her than herself. But still, we're talking about Jenna here. And it's interesting because we were in Arsenal in January speaking with Foxy about her and how exciting she is, how she has that U.S. women's national team winners mentality coming from Gotham as well. So what do you think has gone so wrong at Arsenal? Why does she can't even sometimes make matchday squads? It's a huge question for me as well. Tell us the tea, Ali. Spill the tea. She has to play. To be honest, I don't think Katie McKeave is that good of a player who can't allow Jenna more minutes than she has been.

29:39She deserves to be out there and play consistently. I have seen the best of Jenna Neiswanger. I think she is an incredible talent. I think she's one of the best left backs that I've ever played with. And to see her on the bench and to not even get rostered unless somebody could be injured is not good enough. In my opinion, she needs to gain that consistency in order to gain that confidence. I think she's been mismanaged. I don't think that she has deserved this. I think that they would be remiss to not have played her because now if she moves on to wherever she goes next, they're going to be missing out and they're going to be really upset that they never gave her that opportunity to begin with.

30:25But she's been playing in multiple positions, and I think because she is versatile that they haven't really played her in one position where she can get comfortable and confident in that position in order for her to play well. So I think that's been one of the biggest mistakes. And just allow her time. It takes a lot of time for American players to go over to Europe to really get used to the culture, the new team, the environment, the rain, the food, the anything. Everything's new. So you need to give those players time. I don't think that they've given her enough. And, you know, just speaking with her, I know she's been playing well in training.

31:05And just, you know, it's upsetting that we don't see her out on the field week in and week out. Natalia, we just pulled up her stats there and just seeing how many minutes she has now in almost a year. January will make it a year since she signed with the Gunners. How much has this surprised you?

31:19Natalia Astrain:I don't know in US was the show like a expediente X, you know, the expediente X, like they happen things very random that you don't know. I think we can translate this name to the situation. I cannot understand why Jan is not playing. For me, it's a player, not only because what she did in Gotham, she was playing really well. She had the opportunity to play with the national team. She did really well. As well, I think it's a player that can fit perfectly in any team. she's a player that she will play with me all the time because you can play her as a left back but she start playing in her career a little like a midfielder and then she understands really well the pocket she is the typical fullback that can overlap underlap playing in front of the back line i think she has something extra that other fullbacks doesn't have and i don't really don't understand and why arsenal coming from win the champion league the best team in europe beating Barcelona.

32:19Natalia Astrain:This means that you are the best team. And then you don't play one of the players that can provide. Imagine folks and it's longer. You can have the planes there. Taking off there. It really is a mystery, as Natalia said. But now, of course, it sounds like she's looking to go elsewhere. Where does she go, Ali? Does she come back to the NWSL? Or do you see that she's more inclined to stay over in the UK and Europe, maybe? I do think, you know, she obviously could come back to the NWSL. Any team would be, you know, dying to have her. She could play anywhere. But she wants to continue, I think, to develop and be uncomfortable.

32:57Feels like unfinished business over there. Yeah, and not, you know, give up necessarily, so to speak. And I think that the NWSL is always going to be around for her to come back to. But I think she should stay. I think she should continue to fight for, you know, a position there within one of the teams, whether that be in the WSL or the Bundesliga or, you know, wherever in Spain or in France, anywhere to continue to develop your game. And also she knows that there's other national team, American national team players there as well that she can, you know, have a good relationship with and know that they're kind of in the same boat in order to play club and country.

33:39So I think she should stay. I would love to see her stay and see this out and really get on a team that can value her, can appreciate what she brings. And then, yeah, prove why Arsenal should have played her all along. I think if you give time and appreciation to players of her caliber, then she can give you so much in return. And I don't think they've done that. And it hasn't been good enough. And it's really sad to see because we all know how good she is. And she would benefit Arsenal so much, especially now they haven't been performing as well as they were last season. And in the Champions League final.

34:20And I think she deserves, you know, to get into some of these matches for Arsenal to change it up, to switch it up, to really try to lift the team more this season than they have shown in the past, you know, months of performing. So it's really sad, but I hope she can land somewhere where she feels valued, appreciated, and can perform the way that we all know how she can. Yeah, you got to let her cook, man. Let her cook. You feel like a redemption story's loading, but time will tell. If you've shopped online, chances are you've bought from a business powered by Shopify. You know that purple ShopPay button you see at checkout?

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36:55and it's Claudia Pina with a 1-0 lead for España. Yeah, she scores with a low shot. The keeper couldn't keep it out. Brilliant by her. The pace of that side netting. Well done. Vicky Lopez, what an absolute star in the making if she's not already a star, Natalia, but she gives them the 2-0 lead.

37:15Natalia Astrain:Yeah, we were talking about the replacement of Aitana and she's saying, hey, I'm here. And it's not easy to beat Katerin Berger. It's like we are talking about one of the best goalkeepers in the world, and the three goals of Spain were from outside the balls. And Claudio Pina there with another one. Let's get some post-match reaction.

37:52Natalia Astrain:We want to ask each day to be able to be able to work hard, to be committed with the goal we have. And now one has closed. And as you know, in a few weeks, another one is to be able to go to Brazil. We're going to enjoy it today. Tomorrow we'll put our goals again, but I think we'll be able to make a mistake. we put limits. We're going to be all together with the champagne bottle, celebrating it as it is worth it, because it's very difficult to repeat again, to say that Spain is the best selection in the world, and today we're lucky to do it at home, and we're all very happy. The life and everything, and now...

38:44and you put your eyes behind and you'll find some things that have been made.

38:51Natalia Astrain:Look at the shield, look at this star, this medal and how beautiful it is. And how beautiful it is to not lose, which is the most important thing. And I'm so proud of putting the flag of Madrid to celebrate another title with the Spanish selección. All right, so no surprise. España standing on business as they tend to do. They're following up their World Cup win with yet another Nations League title. 3-0 on aggregate over Germany, which is no easy feat. All three goals coming in Madrid and all without the star that is Aitana Bonmati. We're going to talk about that a little later. But this moment is all about Natalia.

39:32As you know already, she's dressed in her Spanish red. And Spain now is a dynasty. It truly is a footballing dynasty, a powerhouse in world football. Ali knows a thing or two about being like that. They like to say it's easy to get to the top. It's harder to stay there. But Spain almost make it look so easy nowadays. It really is an untouchable dynasty, do you feel?

39:56Natalia Astrain:I don't think it's an untouchable, but I think these ladies deserve that. You know, they were really hard. And I think in Spain, they were really good like a lot of years ago, but they needed to have this successful with this championship. The World Cup, the National League, and I think it's the dessert and the best point to finish. And I think with all happened after the World Cup with all the controversial situation, Spain needed to win something in the field, on the field, like playing soccer and so in the world that, yeah, they continue being really well. Ali, do you agree as well that they look untouchable but not quite untouchable, especially when you compare them to you guys who really were untouchable.

40:37Yeah, I mean, you see how they performed in the World Cup and then you see how they performed in the Euros. Obviously, they didn't win the Euros. Maybe they should have against an English team who didn't really start out that match as well as we thought. And then they win the Nations League. So you win two huge tournaments out of the three in the past three years. And their depth is outrageous. The way that the style of play continues to grow grow and become interesting year after year. They have so many incredible players and powerhouse performances. They just deserve to be in the spot that they have a new coach now, not a new manager to bring new flair if they even need it.

41:19They have players who can they could put in any position and really count on. So it's so fun to watch the style. And I think they are building a dynasty. They have been so good in the recent performances that they played in these big tournaments. And that's when you really have to shine. And Natalia, it's interesting to hear Ali say that. Just speaking about the depth of this Spanish squad, if not dynasty that we're looking at right now, because they're not just dependent on an Alexia Puteas or Aitana Bonmatí. There seems to be many layers to this Spanish team.

41:51Natalia Astrain:Yes. I think this confirmed in the under-20s, under-17s, they are winning a lot of World Cups and in Europe as well. So they are building this identity, this way to play. And when this player play in the first team, they know how they need to play. But for me, the most important thing that highlight for the performance of Spain is how they play without ball, because Spain always feel really comfortable. And years ago, when we have the ball, we feel good. But when the team didn't have the ball, they suffer and they lose the game. And now Spain know how to suffer without the ball. And this is what we see the other day against Germany in the game.

42:33Natalia Astrain:They tied 0-0, but they were low block, defending, and managing the situation that years before was impossible. I feel like Spain is now capable to manage different moments of the game that before this was not possible. Alex, you noticed that as well, because as a defender, we all know that it's easier said than done when you're talking about a team that pretty much has perfected that style of football. but you just disrupt their passes, make them feel uncomfortable when they don't have the ball. We've seen England do it as well to them. I know, again, easier said than done, but not only layers to the Spanish squad, but maybe another layer to their game and their style.

43:07Yeah, and usually you think of Spain and how they perform in the attacking, you know, half of the field in the final third. But now, you know, they are defending. They are structurally set up to hurt you defensively and give the attack so many more chances to create opportunities in the way that they are compact, they are connected. And then they always try to play that first ball forward, which is the type of pass that you need in order to start the attack. So those transitional moments are even more dangerous than they used to be because they are focusing now more on the defensive side of the game as well, just as important as the attacking side of the game.

43:47So, yes, I'm seeing a complete Spanish team who is performing so well and so connected even without, you know, now one of their best players. Natalia, do you agree with that? Just the fact that Ali said this is a complete Spanish team. Is this the most complete Spanish team that you think we've seen?

44:04Natalia Astrain:Yes, I believe that. I think that every time they improve, another lawyer and another lawyer, and I think we are saying the best Spain team. Yeah. Yeah, it's really true that Spain just have been looking so good, which is why I say do they look untouchable? Where do they rank with you now, Ali, when we start to compare them to the Englands, to the U.S. women's national team, to the Germanys? Of course, they got the better of Germany this time around, and maybe even the Frances, et cetera, going into the next World Cup cycle. Well, I think they just have, it reminds me of the U.S. women's national team where you have these young, fearless stars coming up through the ranks, and you can really count on them because they have gained that experience over the last few years and really have been put in situations to have to perform well because they've had fire underneath of them, and they have the best players in the world around them continue to make them better every single day.

44:57And they also play for a club team who throughout their youth have a very similar style and they have an understanding of their roles and responsibilities, the way that they have to show up, the mentality, the effort it takes to play at this level consistently. And their young players, their youngest players, even teenagers have that understanding. So when they finally get to this level and they get these opportunities, they perform well. And they feel comfortable. They feel confident. They even look it to us and the fans. And that's why they have been so successful. Because even their youngest stars and the depth of their squad, you don't really notice a huge shift from the experienced players and the younger players and the stars, which is what makes a team like this so great.

45:43Natalia, when you compare Spain now, and I know you're going to be modest, but when you compare Spain now to the other countries that I just mentioned, including the usa the germany's the england's as well how big is the gap is it a lot bigger than we probably are thinking just to see spain be this dominance in the last couple of years

45:59Natalia Astrain:in comparison with other countries i think yes and now spain i think is like a truly believing in themselves like oh we are the number one in the world and we can be here it's not something that happened randomly oh casuality we won and we are but now they believe that they can be there And I feel like in Europe, the difference is a little, not very big, but I think that the style of play, and we see with Germany, the style of play probably very physical and was very hard, the first leg. But Spain has this quality. For me, the game understanding, the soccer IQ of the player in Spain is very different in comparison with other countries.

46:38Yeah, well, we've been waxing lyrical about Spain, but they didn't get through this international break unscathed. I like things my way, my coffee, my schedule, and my treatment. So I talked to my doctor about self-injecting with the Vivgard Hytrulo Pre-Filled Syringe, which contains F-Gartigamide Alpha and Hyaluronidase QVFC. It's injected under your skin subcutaneously. It means I can inject in my space on my time. It's my treatment, my way. Visit VivgardMyWay.com. That's V-Y-V-G-A-R-T MyWay.com. And talk to your doctor about Vivgard Hytrulo. Brought to you by Argenics. Save money on your next oil change with O 'Reilly Auto Parts.

47:20Get a$15 O 'Reilly gift card after rebate when you buy five quarts of Mobile One full synthetic motor oil for just$35.95. Stop by your local O 'Reilly Auto Parts. Bad news as it surrounds probably their biggest star, and that's Aitana Bonmati. That's a huge story around Spain and Barcelona that Aitana Bonmartie has had surgery on a broken fibula in her left leg. Barcelona confirmed the surgery and say that she will be out for about five months. That's pretty much feeling like the rest of the season. Natalia, how big of a blow is this for España as well as Barcelona?

48:00Natalia Astrain:Yeah, for me it was heartbreaking because Aitana is one of my favorite players. And for me it's like the game changer. with the Spain and with the national team and in addition Patrick Harrell Salma Paraguelo there are other players that are injured as well Osea is not only the one because you can say okay you can play with Aitana probably no it's very difficult play without her but in addition there are other players that that are injured as well so I think that this could be very difficult for Barcelona we saw the other day the game in Champions League against Chelsea was very equal and if you don't have this player.

48:35Natalia Astrain:I think that Barcelona, for me, the difference between this year and last year is the deep of the roster. And not only about number, it's about names, international names. Marione is not there. Rolfo is not there. Enger is not there. I think they miss some big players that could be impactful in the long term for the competition. Ali, this is Aitana Bonmatia. And even though we just waxed lyrical about how Spain have the depth, Barcelona may not have the depth that they did last season, but they still are Barcelona. What exactly are club and country missing now for the next five months without her?

49:11Well, yeah, it's so difficult. You're missing the best player in the world for your team. She's, you know, she's the engine of the team. Everything runs through her. She dictates the play. She dictates the tempo. She's a problem solver. I think pressing both Spain and Barcelona is going to be a little bit easier now that she's not in the squad. She's the escape valve for both teams. And a lot goes through her. She's the experienced player. She's the leader in the squad. She was in the middle of the park. She everything runs through her, whether that is the attacking part of the game, the defensive part of the game.

49:42She's involved in almost every attacking opportunity, whether she's the one who starts it or creates it or finishes it. They're really going to be missing her. But that just gives other players like a Pina and a Vicky Lopez, for example, who have performed outstanding today against Germany. That opportunity to just fill that hole and to step up a little bit more in a leadership position, whether they are young or not, they can take the reins now and really step up a little bit more, knowing that they are missing one of their key players. I know since Natalia had a little twinkle in her eye when you said it's going to be a lot easier to press Spain now because she said, hmm, so you think.

50:19But of course... We have here legend of US national team. Ali wants to get out there. She's like, let me ask Spain now. Let me ask Spain now.

50:25Natalia Astrain:They always think about, hmm, let's do a positive thing for U.S. national team. But, I mean, Ali has a huge point there because Aitana, not just, she is the engine. She's the heart of that midfield as well. And that Spanish midfield, of course, for Spain and for Barcelona is really what makes us love their style of play so well. So what kind of changes need to be made for both club and country to cope with Aitana's loss for the next five months? Well, another point that she touched that I think is really important is the leadership of Aitana. off the field. She is like the extension of the coach.

50:57Natalia Astrain:And it's really important to have this kind of player. It's a nice, the typical player that she is like a 360 all the time. Not only when she has the ball, but this trying to organize the player around. I think for Barcelona, they have like a young player and Vicky today. So I'm like, hey, I'm here. Is she ready to be that person there? I think, yes. She usually play a little more like a forward, but she can play as well in the middle. And there are another players like in the Barcelona second team that can join, of course, not her level. But yeah, I think yes. And in Spain, I think that Sonia opened the roster a little bit.

51:37Natalia Astrain:I can call some names new that I think this player are doing really well. Well, for the last couple of years, of course, we've had to speak a lot about Aitana Bon Mati for both club and country. But we forget that Spain and Barcelona still have someone called Alexia Puteas, who we know exactly what she can do. Do you see in Aitana's absence maybe more responsibility falling on her shoulders, Ali? Yeah, for sure. I mean, she's also wears a captain armband often for Spain. And she's come back in this resurgence form in recent years where she's, you know, also that leader that everyone looks to to really hold the team together and and perform well.

52:15and dictate the tempo. Her vision is unmatched, and the way that she moves off the ball as well is incredible for Spain and how they have counter-movement, how they interact and connect from midfield to the forward line. The way that they perform in the final third and create opportunities all stem from her and Aitana. And I think she just will have to step up a little bit more than she already does, but also encourage the other players to step up and perform as well as they can and as well as we all know that they can in order to fill that hole that will be almost impossible for Spain. Well, as we speak about Barcelona as well now, because when we speak Barcelona, we speak about the Champions League, and after what happened last season, you know they're going to be gunning for it again without Aitana Bonmaty for most of it now.

53:07Natalia, do you feel like this affects Barcelona's status as favorites or one of the top favorites to win it?

53:15Natalia Astrain:I would love to say no, but I will tell you yes. Wow. Yeah, because I think that Aitana is very big inside the roster for everything. We talk on the ball, off the ball, on the field, off the field. I think that the Barca have different players and younger players, but not the level of experience of Aitana. So I think that Alexia needs to do a lot more, and Vicky. Another player that we miss a lot is Mariona, that she left to join Arsenal. and I think these things will affect. I hope the recovery will be fast. You know, they say five months, and of course we want the best for her, but we want her in the field.

53:54Ali, what about you? Are they still amongst your favorites, if not the favorites, or has this Aitana lost, pegged them back a lot? No, I mean, after you see the performance today and a lot of their teammates who play for Barcelona are out on the field scoring goals left and right, I think they're going to be just fine, But I do think other teams are going to be now willing to, you know, kind of fire on all cylinders, knowing that one of their best players is not there. So they can press a little bit more and disrupt the midfield a little bit more than maybe they would normally if she were in the game.

54:27And also on the defensive side of things for opponents, maybe, you know, now it's going to be a little unpredictable. You don't know who you're going to have to take care of now that she's going to be missing. So maybe it won't be such a worry. But that doesn't mean the fact that they don't have other players who are going to fill the position like we spoke about and really get the job done and be able to perform well. Because they have so much depth. They have so many young players who can outperform anyone. So I'm looking forward to seeing other players step up. But, yes, this is going to hurt them.

54:59And it will affect them, I think, going later rounds and especially in the Champions League. Well, you heard it from Ali. We know Ali's a shark. And she's a defender. And what do sharks do? They smell blood in the water. Did you see that she's providing ideas? Oh yeah, she's already giving ideas, Ali. It's going to be easy. Come on, we need to take Ali to Barcelona.

55:18Natalia Astrain:She's like, taking notes again. First and second balls in midfield, transitional moments, intercepting passes. There's so much. Oh gosh, we're going to call Itana on the phone and let her know exactly what you're thinking. All right, well, as we said, defenders everywhere in Europe are going to be smelling some blood in Barcelona's water, but there's going to be plenty more Women's Champions League action coming your way. Here's a look at all of the fixtures for match week number five. And all of those games you can definitely watch on our networks. It's on ESPN Plus as well as ESPN Deportes. We cannot wait for that action.

55:56Well, that's going to be it for us here today. We're going to go listen to more tactical defensive breakdowns from Ali to see how teams can get at Barcelona. I think Natalia is going to tell her no way, but that's it. We're going to be back on December 22nd for another edition of Football W. Do not miss it. It's right before Christmas. If you miss it, we're going to tell Santa to put you on his naughty list. Right? Right. Or we're going to send Ali after you. Right. Of course. She's a shark. Either one. She's a shark. Meow.

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