Team USA hopes to slide in celebration after Sunday's World Cup Final
With the two most popular professional sports leagues locked out, the FIFA Women’s World Cup has been refreshing to sports fans in the United States.
Today, the Americans hope to follow suit of previous US Women’s World Cup teams–getting to the finals and winning it, like they did in 1991 and 1999.
But it has been 12 years since they last tasted victory, so they will be hungry this afternoon against Japan in the finals at 2:45 pm on ESPN.
Led by forward Abby Wambach and goalkeeper Hope Solo, the US has captured the attention of sports fans around the country.
Wambach, a veteran on the team, has scored in each of the last three games and hopes to continue the streak against Japan. Meanwhile, Solo will try to guard the US goal with everything on the line.
The US team features two Indianapolis natives in Lauren Cheney (Ben Davis High School, 2005) and Lori Lindsey (Pike, 1998). Cheney will probably get the start at outside midfield while Lindsey’s time has been limited.
These women posses characteristics that truly represent Americans: determination, focus, and the ability to thrive under pressure. And quite frankly, they are flat out winners. And they are seeking to create their own legacy, much like the 1999 US team. But separate.
The finals will draw a large audience and possibly become the second most-watched women’s World Cup (over 4.5 million) behind the over 17 million that saw the 1999 title team.
This adventure is brand new for the entire team, with the exception of captain Christie Rampone. She is the only player in the final to already have won the World Cup. 16 players on the US team are under 30, and five are older.
The oldest player is Rampone, born on June 24th, 1975. She’s 14 years older than the youngest player on the team, Alex Morgan, July 2nd, 1989. The combination of age, leadership, and experience appear to be a great fit.
Japan will be no easy task for the Americans. After all, playing in a World Cup Finals increasing the pressure the players admit they like.
Japan plays a much different styles than the US, more about maintaining possession of the ball rather than a full-force attack. They truly have earned their way to the final, defeating Sweden and host city/favorite Germany.
Everyone in the country can get into the USAWNT because it’s for America. We all love supporting our country and celebrating appropriately. USA over Japan 3-1, and a new legacy solidified.
Even more amazing as Grant Wahl of SI points out, Rampone is playing with LYME DISEASE…..unbelievable accomplishments so far by our ladies, lets hope they can bring home the cup today
Yeah, that’s remarkable. 36, with a couple kids and she’s played very well all tournament.
Even if they win, the US interest level in soccer won’t change unfortunately.