THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
Elite footballers from around the world will descend on New Zealand and Australia in July and August for the FIFA Women's World Cup, the ninth in its history after the first tournament in 1991 was hosted by China. That first event involved just 12 teams but in the last two decades the popularity of the women's game, both participating and spectating, has meant that this year's total has risen to its biggest yet with 32 countries, matching the men's tournament's schedule.
The landscape of the game has been dominated by four nations, who have shared the 8 victories to date. Norway won the second World Cup, sandwiched between two USA victories. Germany broke through and won back to back World Cups after the turn of the century. When Germany hosted the festival of football in 2011 it was Japan who emerged winners, beating the USA. That only woke the American giant who then took their silver medals and turned them into gold for the last two World Cups. So the USA are going for an unprecedented threepeat (and five wins in total).
Unsurprisingly the USA enter the competition as favorites. Their expertise at tournament play and the way they can build momentum through a long tournament will no doubt test others, and their squad depth will show they can rotate players without being put off their rhythm.
The USA's main rivals this time around will England's Lionesses, who threatened to break through in the past two World Cups but fell at the semi-final stage. They are the current European Champions, having won a thrilling Euro championship last year on home soil. However they have suffered some injuries to key players and even though the core of the team remains they will have to rely on some of their more inexperienced players at this level.
The draw was kind to the USA, but as always it could contain shocks if they are not fully committed. All teams in the opening group phase will play with caution against the favorites, with some having damage limitation on their minds. Vietnam are the lowest ranked team that the USA will face, in a lowly 33rd in the World. Depending on how the USA sets up, the Vietnam goalkeeper should see a lot of action. Netherlands, ranked 8th, could prove to be the tipping point for the USA, deciding who finishes top in the group. Portugal, currently 21st in the FIFA rankings, should put up a decent barrier. Depending on the USA's result against the Dutch, players could be rested ahead of the next round.
Should the USA progress as group winners - not a formality but it would widely be seen as a shock if they don't - they will face the runners-up from Group G which consists of Argentina, Italy, South Africa and Sweden. Unless one of these carries any particular form going into the second round, it will be hard to see the USWNT not getting into the quarter-finals, and from there the competition will start to stiffen.
The USWNT's form coming into the World Cup is good, but they will be wary that at the end of last year they had a bad run of results when they played the top teams in Europe. They were beaten by England in a thrilling encounter, then by Spain, before eventually sharing a game apiece with Germany. Losing three straight was unheard of and would have dented their pride. Through 2023 though they have regained their winning streak with double header wins over New Zealand and Republic of Ireland either side of sweeping the opponents in the SheBelieves Cup, Canada, Japan and Brazil all beaten while only conceding one goal. On July 9 the USA have a warm up game against Wales in St. Louis before flying off to defend their World Cup trophy.
Key players that will help the USA this summer include goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, a veteran of two World Cups who has almost 100 appearances for her country. Look out too for Crystal Dunn in defense, who rarely puts a foot wrong and has amassed over 130 caps; her leadership will be vital as the campaign goes on. Also at the back, Naomi Girma looks to be one to watch. The midfield is packed with stars and dynamism, Julie Ertz should be on the plane, along with Rose Lavelle, and keep an eye out for Ashley Sanchez. The main strike force looks to be a blend of experience and youth, with Alex Morgan carrying over 200 caps and 120 odd goals aided by Sophia Smith who is very much the future superstar.
The World Cup runs from July 20 to August 20, the final taking place at the 83,500 capacity Stadium Australia in Sydney at 11am KO BST.
Saturday July 22 – 2am KO BST – v Vietnam – Eden Park, Auckland
Thursday July 27 – 2am KO BST – v Netherlands – Wellington Stadium, Wellington
Tuesday August 1 – 8am KO BST – v Portugal – Eden Park, Auckland
