I still remember the buzz surrounding the 2017 Tournament of Nations, that unique women's soccer tournament that brought together four powerhouse teams - the United States, Australia, Japan, and Brazil. What made this tournament particularly fascinating was how it served as a crucial testing ground for teams preparing for bigger competitions. I recall reading about the Australian team's preparation strategy, where their coach emphasized, "We are trying to get maybe about, if we can, 18 practices together including two-a-day practices. We are hoping to get 18 practices including friendlies before we actually get into the first game proper on August 5th." This intensive preparation period of approximately 18 sessions, including those grueling two-a-day practices, really set the stage for what would become one of the most memorable tournaments in recent women's soccer history.

The opening match between the US and Australia on July 27th was absolutely electric. I was particularly impressed by how the Matildas' rigorous training regimen translated onto the field - their coordination and stamina were remarkable despite facing the world champions. The 1-0 victory for Australia, with that stunning goal from Tameka Butt in the 67th minute, perfectly demonstrated how their 18-practice preparation paid off. Meanwhile, Brazil's 1-1 draw against Japan in the other opening fixture showcased Nadeshiko's technical brilliance, though I must admit I found Brazil's flair and individual skill more captivating to watch. The tournament's structure, with all matches played in the United States across three different venues, created this wonderful festival atmosphere that I think other tournaments should emulate.

As the tournament progressed to its second round on July 30th, we witnessed what I consider one of the most thrilling comebacks in recent memory. The US versus Brazil match had everything - drama, skill, and that incredible turnaround where the Americans rallied from behind to secure a 4-3 victory. Megan Rapinoe's performance that day was simply masterclass, and I'd argue it was one of her best displays in the national jersey. The simultaneous Australia-Japan match ended 2-0 in Australia's favor, further cementing their status as genuine contenders. What struck me most during these matches was how the teams' preparation, particularly Australia's emphasis on those 18 practice sessions including friendlies, directly influenced their ability to maintain intensity throughout the tournament.

The final round on August 3rd delivered exactly the kind of spectacle we football enthusiasts crave. The US team's dominant 3-0 victory over Japan, while Australia edged past Brazil 1-0, created this perfect climax to the tournament. I've always appreciated how the Tournament of Nations format ensures every match matters, unlike some other round-robin tournaments where dead rubbers can occur. The final standings saw Australia lift the trophy with 7 points, followed by the US with 6 points - a result that, in my view, perfectly reflected the growth and development of women's soccer globally. Looking back, what made the 2017 edition special wasn't just the quality of football, but how it demonstrated the importance of proper preparation. That focus on getting those 18 practices right, including those challenging two-a-day sessions, truly separated the contenders from the pretenders and gave us a tournament to remember for years to come.