In the second match between the USA and Russia, the U.S. women’s soccer team dominated the Russians. The game was tight throughout, but the Americans’ high-class players showed their difference against the lower-level opposition. In the final game, the U.S. scored four goals in 14 minutes. A fortuitous goal from Whitney Engen courtesy of a corner kick, and another by Megan Rapinoe after a Russian mistake on a cross from Megan Rapinoe, both of which resulted in a goal.

Both sides maintain their respective fleets of aircraft carriers. Russia only has one aircraft carrier, while the U.S. Navy operates a 10-ship carrier group designed to project offensive power at sea. Despite this disparity, Russia continues to invest in a growing submarine fleet, which can supplement their nuclear force and conventionally threaten enemy surface fleets in adjacent waters. Although the United States and Russia are not at war at present, a conventional war between the two countries is unlikely.

However, this conflict is unlikely to lead to a military solution. The economic domain will be the primary theater of the U.S.-Russian confrontation. While the United States has limited options to strike Russia, Europe enjoys more freedom of action. As such, Europe could impose substantial economic costs on the Kremlin. In the case of Ukraine, annexing the region could result in economic isolation comparable to that of the Soviet era.