These ways USWNT could improve its chances of staying in World Cup

The US women cannot start from zero in the World Cup even if FIFA allows it.

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The US team will not have Mallory Swanson or Becky Sauerbrunn back at the World Cup.

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The US now faces a round-of-16 game against Sweden on Sunday night.

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For the US team to move forward, Julie Ertz and Crystal Dunn should be kept in the midfield, which will prove to be of great help.

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No one else the USWNT could find matched Julie and Dunn's combination of smarts, speed and skill.

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If Dunn moves to midfield, Emily Fox will have to shift to the left, which creates an opportunity for O'Hara.

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The USWNT needs to show some aggression early against Sweden, which O'Hara can do.

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Alyssa Thompson's speed and unpredictability could be particularly effective against Sweden.

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