The American selection, quadruple world champion, has in its ranks some of the stars of the football world such as Megan Rapinoe or Alex Morgan – who are participating in their fourth World Cup -, but also 14 new recruits, integrated into the list of 23 players selected for the competition in Australia and New Zealand (July 20 – August 20) by coach Vlatko Andonovski. “I am delighted with the energy and enthusiasm brought by the young players,” said the 46-year-old American-Macedonian technician. “I think that will be one of our strengths.”
Injuries to captain Becky Sauerbrunn, forward Mallory Swanson and the talented Catarina Macario have all been a blow for the Americans, but the ground is ripe for their young players to blossom. Among them, Sophia Smith, 22, voted best player in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL, the American League) with Portland last year. She scored 12 goals in 30 appearances with the United States. Trinity Rodman, 21, 2021 NWSL Rookie of the Year and daughter of former NBA star Dennis Rodman, is also among the new signings, as is Angel City FC forward Alyssa Thompson, 18. who is the second youngest player in the history of the American selection to have been selected for a World Cup.
Alongside these novices, Rose Lavelle (28), Lindsey Horan (29) and Crystal Dunn (31) are almost old-timers: they were all present during the last campaign in 2019 which saw the Americans triumph against the background of the battle with the American Federation for Equal Pay. Their efforts culminated in May 2022 in a historic agreement with US Soccer establishing equal treatment between the men’s and women’s teams – and a model for players around the world who have followed suit and risen to the occasion. power, bridging the gap that separated them from Team USA. The World Cup in Oceania will perhaps answer a big question: is Europe making the mighty United States tremble?
England, France, Germany and even Sweden or Spain believe in their chances of winning the trophy. Although the American selection occupies the first place in the FIFA rankings, the players remain cautious, careful to present themselves simply as “one of the best” teams in the world. They remember in particular having had to settle for bronze at the last Olympic Games, in 2021 in Tokyo, beaten (1-0) by their Canadian neighbors in the semi-finals just two years after their world title against the Netherlands (2-0 ). And last year, the USA lost in quick succession against England, Spain and Germany, a first since 1993 for the American steamroller.
Andonovski considers that his mission is to extend the dynasty, during the planetary tournament in Oceania but also beyond, and that only a new title could fill it. “Would I be happy if we got something other than a third straight win? No, absolutely not,” he assured. “Our goal is to win the World Cup. I don’t think anyone on our team thinks differently.” The challenge will start early in a group that includes the Netherlands, for a remake of the 2019 final, as well as Vietnam and Portugal. “It’s obviously one of the toughest groups, if not the toughest group in the World Cup,” Andonovski said. “We had to dissect three different styles, have three different approaches (…), but we have enough time to prepare for it.” The experience of some and the youth of others are so many reasons to believe in it.
