I still remember the electric atmosphere surrounding the 2017 Tournament of Nations like it was yesterday. As someone who's followed women's soccer for over a decade, I can confidently say this tournament represented something special - a turning point where teams truly began treating these preparatory tournaments with the seriousness they deserved. The championship wasn't just about the final matches; it was about the incredible journey each team undertook to reach that competitive peak.

What many casual viewers didn't see was the meticulous preparation happening behind the scenes. I recall reading an interview with one coach who perfectly captured this mindset: "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 statement reveals so much about the professional approach teams were taking. Eighteen sessions might not sound like much to outsiders, but when you consider the logistics of gathering international players from their club teams across different continents, it becomes a monumental achievement. The inclusion of two-a-day practices particularly impressed me - that's the kind of intensive training regimen that separates good teams from championship contenders.

The tournament itself delivered some of the most thrilling women's soccer I've witnessed. The United States, Australia, Brazil, and Japan brought their absolute best, creating a competitive landscape where every match felt like a final. Personally, I believe the USWNT's 3-0 victory over Japan stands as one of their most complete performances in recent memory. The coordination between Mallory Pugh and Megan Rapinoe that day was simply magical - you could see those 18 practice sessions paying off in their almost telepathic understanding on the field. Statistics showed the US maintained 58% possession and completed 412 passes with 85% accuracy, numbers that reflect the quality of their preparation.

Australia's improvement throughout the tournament was another highlight for me. They started somewhat shaky but grew into the competition beautifully, ultimately securing a memorable 2-1 victory over Brazil. What stood out was their defensive organization - you could tell they'd put in the work during those practice sessions. Their goalkeeper made 7 crucial saves in that Brazil match alone, including two that I'd rank among the tournament's best. The Matildas demonstrated how proper preparation can transform a team's fortunes within just a few weeks.

Looking back, the 2017 Tournament of Nations set a new standard for how national teams approach these competitions. The emphasis on extensive preparation, including those valuable friendly matches coaches were fighting to schedule, created a product that was compelling for fans and developmentally crucial for the teams. I've noticed this template being adopted in subsequent tournaments, with teams now regularly scheduling 15-20 practice sessions before major competitions. The legacy extends beyond the results - it's about the professionalization of preparation. As we look toward future tournaments, I hope organizers recognize the importance of giving teams adequate preparation time. Because when teams arrive properly prepared, what we get is the kind of epic soccer that makes tournaments like the 2017 Tournament of Nations so unforgettable.