I still remember the excitement building up as the 2017 Tournament of Nations approached. Having followed women's soccer for over a decade, I could sense this tournament would be special - not just for the competition itself, but for what it represented in the evolution of the women's game. The participating teams understood this too, with preparation becoming more scientific and intensive than ever before.

The Australian coach's comments about their training schedule particularly caught my attention that year. He mentioned they were aiming for "about 18 practices together including two-a-day practices" and hoping to get "18 practices including friendlies before we actually get into the first game proper on August 5th." This level of preparation showed how seriously teams were taking this relatively new tournament. I've always believed that proper preparation separates good teams from great ones, and Australia's approach demonstrated their commitment to making a statement on the international stage.

When the tournament kicked off, the intensity was palpable from the first whistle. The US Women's National Team, always a powerhouse, came out with something to prove after their disappointing Olympic performance in Rio. What impressed me most was how their veteran players like Megan Rapinoe and Carli Lloyd seemed to elevate their games when it mattered most. The 3-0 victory over Japan on July 30th wasn't just a win - it was a declaration that the US was back and meant business. The coordination between players suggested they had put in the kind of rigorous preparation that Australia's coach had emphasized.

Brazil's performance, particularly from Marta, reminded everyone why she's considered one of the greatest to ever play the game. Her technical ability in the final third was simply breathtaking. Meanwhile, Australia's Sam Kerr was announcing herself as the next global superstar with her incredible athleticism and goal-scoring prowess. I have to admit, watching Kerr develop into the player she is today has been one of my favorite aspects of following women's soccer over the past several years.

The final match day on August 3rd provided the drama we all hope for in tournaments like this. The United States versus Australia match was an absolute thriller, ending 6-1 in favor of the Americans. While the scoreline suggests dominance, the match was actually quite competitive for long stretches. The US just had that clinical edge in front of goal that day. Meanwhile, Brazil and Japan played to a 1-1 draw that didn't fully capture the quality of football on display.

Looking back, what made the 2017 Tournament of Nations so memorable wasn't just the results, but the way it showcased the evolution of tactical approaches in women's soccer. The emphasis on extended preparation time, like Australia's planned 18 practices, was clearly paying dividends in the quality of play we witnessed. Teams were better organized, transitions were sharper, and individual technical ability was reaching new heights. This tournament convinced me that we were entering a new era for women's international soccer, one where preparation and professionalism would become just as important as raw talent. The memories from those matches still feel vivid today, serving as a benchmark for how far the game has come and where it might be headed.