2011 FIFA Women's World Cup: Why Americans Will Win in Germany

The US is off to a resounding Women's World Cup start, as usual. While they consistently shine in the group stages, the same can't always be said for the remainder of the tournament.

The US is trying to win the tournament for the first time since 1999. It's going to be a tough road, as there are many capable competitors involved. Even so, the US is considered to be one of the favorites to win it all.

One of the reasons the US should have a successful run at the World Cup is goalkeeping. Hope Solo is coming off major shoulder surgery, but it's not keeping her from performing at a world-class level. She's been criticized for not being a team player in the past, but she's one of the best keepers in the world.

The US also has a ton of veteran leadership that should be able to keep them focused. When the US struggled during a scoreless first half, they didn't panic. Instead, they rebounded to take a 2-0 victory.

Players like Christie Rampone, who is the lone member remaining from the 1999 World Cup team, help to provide leadership for the players who are experiencing this tournament for the first time.

Abby Wambach was able to step up and help right the ship with a big-time assist in the opening match, one that helped the US regain confidence.

The US also has depth. Coach Pia Sundhage was heavily criticized for inserting Lauren Cheney into the lineup in a late change, but her critics were silenced when Cheney scored the first goal for the US vs. North Korea.

Having that sort of depth allows the team to bench a talented midfielder like Heather Boxx in their next game vs. Colombia. By inserting Lori Lindsey into the lineup, the US can see exactly what they have in her. They give Boxx a rest, and Lindsey gets valuable minutes. Most teams don't have that sort of flexibility.

It's exciting looking forward to the possible match between Germany and the US. Taking down not only Germany, but also their home crowd, will be a difficult mountain to climb for the US.

Even so, they have the star power, leadership and goalkeeping to win it all in the 2011 Women's World Cup.