The United States haven’t won the World Cup since 1999 and seem to be hungry for a win this year.
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Although ranked second in the world, behind Germany, the U.S. is a favourite to win the tournament. This is never an easy feat though, especially after being placed into one of the toughest groups in the tournament.
The United States, Australia, Sweden, and Nigeria make up the group of death in Group D. The group has the highest world rank over all other groups, with an average ranking of 12.75. Americans seem to be able to escape these so called groups of death, as the men’s team did so in surprising fashion in last summer’s World Cup.
Despite their competition, the 23 players that make up the United States Women’s National team is tremendous. The mix of seasoned veterans such as Abby Wambach, Hope Solo, Christie Rampone, Shannon Boxx, and Carli Lloyd with the young talent of Alex Morgan, Sydney Leroux, Morgan Brian, and Julie Johnston is a great combination of players that could lead the U.S. to a world championship.
The depth of it’s bench is one of the deepest in the tournament, which will be sure to help lead fresh and dangerous legs onto the pitch when needed.
Morgan’s current status is unknown, while she is recovering from a bone bruise on her knee. Manager, Jill Ellis, is hopeful to bring the forward in in the later games in the group stage, and then using Wambach as a powerful substitute.
Wambach has been a long-time starter for the national team, but will most likely see less time than usual as she is now 35. Although this is not bad news for the Americans. Subbing in Wambach with 30 minutes left and fresh legs could be a nightmare for any defense the team is faced against.
The stars and stripes start their play on Monday June 8 at 12:30 in the morning against Australia.
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