In Focus: Horan out to lead USA to glory again

Lindsey Horan has been one of the standout performers for the USA at the Women's World Cup so far. 

The Stars and Stripes captain is her nation’s joint-top scorer at the tournament — alongside Sophia Smith — with two goals to her name in the group stage. 

Despite a slightly underwhelming start Down Under for the four-time world champions, Horan’s form bodes well ahead of a last-16 clash with a strong Sweden team. 

We take a look at what the Lyon midfielder brings to the USWNT as they prepare for the knockout stages.

All-action midfielder

Horan scored her first goal of the World Cup against Vietnam, coolly slotting into an empty net to give her side a convincing 3-0 lead. 

She was also on target in a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands, powering home a header from a corner to level the scores. 

Horan has also made plenty of contributions beyond scoring. She ranked in the top 10 in the group stage for progressive passes (27) and ranked high for interceptions (eight). 

No USA player has completed more take-ons than Horan, with nine to her name.

True leader

Horan is a key player for the USA both in and out of possession. 

But she is equally important in the more intangible area of leadership. 

Amid criticism of their performances in the group stage, Horan spoke out to defend her team-mates. 

She said: "Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and we know that's how it goes. But for me, I always want to defend my team and say you have no idea what's going on behind the scenes. 

"So for anyone to question our mentality hurts a little bit. But at the end of the day, it doesn't really matter. I don't really care."

Vital experience

With the focus on her comments rather than some below-par performances, the USA's younger players may now be able to play with more freedom. 

That kind of leadership plays a big part in a successful World Cup campaign — and Horan knows what it takes, having been part of the victorious 2019 squad. 

She has racked up 132 caps for the national team at the age of 29 and that experience will be invaluable as the USA look to live up to huge expectations in Australia and New Zealand.

Competitive edge

There is no questioning Horan’s will to win. She is exceptionally competitive and does not shy away from a scrap. 

In their group stage draw against the Netherlands, Horan was on the receiving end of a rough tackle from Danielle van de Donk, after which she confronted the Dutch midfielder and needed to be separated from her opponent by the referee.

A few minutes later, she headed home the equaliser.

She said: "I don't think you ever want to get me mad because I don't react in a good way. Usually, I want to win more, I want to score more, I want to do more for my team. 

"So that moment, that tackle, made a shift in my head. I want to do everything for my team and that's to win every game. That's how football is. It's competitive." 

Ahead of the last-16 clash, Sweden’s players will be taking note.