FIFA 2011 Women's World Cup: Eight Things You Should Know About Team USA
The 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup is looming on the horizon, and there is nothing better than to follow the showcase event of the women's game in Germany. Team USA, ranked first in the FIFA World Rankings, are a team that will not sneak up on anyone this year, but do pack a punch.
Bleacher Report talked with Heather Mitts about Team USA and the prospects for success at this year's FIFA Women's World Cup.
1. A Mix of Youth and Veteran Leadership
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Team USA may go down as one of the youngest squads in football, but they feature some holdovers from the 2008 Beijing Olympics squad. This team features able veterans like Mitts, Abby Wambach, Shannon Boxx, Lori Lindsey and Christie Rampone.
"It’s a new crop of players and, you know, I think we have a career crop of veterans, also a very young team," Mitts said in an interview with Bleacher Report. "We have a lot of rising stars that are getting their first opportunity to play in a World Cup and, you know, a lot of veteran leadership as well."
2. A Proven Coach in Pia Sundhage
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Manager Pia Sundhage has done a lot for the USA women's national team, and regardless of the outcome this summer, fans can expect her services for the long haul.
"I would like to think that she brings a special quality to our team, which is why we won the 2008 Olympics," Mitts said. "She’d already been there for a couple of months, you know, with us. What she brings to this team…I don’t think we necessarily have to win, but I think it would be great if we could under her as a coach.
"But I also think that she has brought so much to this team already that, you know, her job’s pretty safe."
3. They Won't Sneak Up on Anyone
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It seems the world has the USA's number in terms of talent. The parity is spreading, which can only mean one thing: this year's USA women's national team will not sneak up on anyone in Germany.
"Everybody’s getting better," Mitts admitted. "They are catching up to us. It’s not like back in, you know, the 1999 team, when you’re beating teams 5-0. It’s not like that anymore. All these teams are improving.
"They’re all catching up. They’re all competitive. We’re not gonna have one easy game while we’re over there in Germany, and we realize that."
Which makes them all the more fascinating to watch.
4. They Are a Peaking Side
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The best teams that win FIFA Women's World Cups are those that are in form and ready to produce on any given day.
Team USA fits the mold.
"I think in the last two games against Japan," Mitts said, "everybody’s starting to peak—to find a rhythm and to peak at the right time. So it’s really exciting for us and we’re really looking forward to going over there and playing our style of soccer."
5. They Fear No One
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Not even the hosts Germany. Actually, the USA would love to settle the FIFA Women's World Cup against the hosts. A dream match. Similar to the friendly from last year, which the Yanks, of course, prevailed in. Twice, to be exact.
"You know, it would be great because it would mean we’re in the Final," Mitts remarked. "And if we can beat all those other great teams to get to that point, you know, I think…why not? Why not try to beat Germany on their own country, hosting the World Cup?
"You can’t ask for a better challenge than that."
6. New Stars Will Shine
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Watch out, world; here comes the new wave of American talent invading a stadium in Deutschland near you! While Team USA have their share of veteran leaders, it's the youth that will really turn the tide in the Yanks' favor, should all go well...
"You know, you’re gonna see Rachel Buehler playing her first World Cup," Mitts said. "You’re gonna see Alex Morgan, who is the young rising star on the national team, who brings speed and, you know, just strength and just so many different things she can bring off the bench. You know, you have a lot of players that are playing in their first World Cup, you know, and I think that’s exciting. They all bring something to this team.
"We have Tobin Heath, who is a pretty young player, and Amy Rodriguez is still young. You forget that she’s still young. She’s been at the Olympics, and she’s still young. So we have a relatively young team and we have a lot of veterans, and I think that’s just good enough."
7. They're the Favorites
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If you believe the FIFA Women's World Rankings, the USA are favorites to win this. Don't tell that to Heather Mitts, though. They are favorites in name only, but then again, they're a pretty competent bunch.
"I would like to say that based on the rankings, you know, it’s us, but, you know, it’s kinda hard to ignore the fact that there are so many great teams," Mitts said. "You know, it’s really difficult to say that there’s just one person or one team that’s really standing out. You know, it’s gonna be really hard to beat Germany on their home soil in front of their fans. We all know that. They’re a great team.
"You have Brazil. You have North Korea. You have England. There are so many teams now that…that’s why it’s going to be an interesting World Cup. But, I mean, we always have to say that we’re gonna be the winner."
8. It's All About American Pride
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You can never count out a team that fights for the colors and the country that it represents. Such is the case with Team USA, who are looking to right the injustices of four years ago.
"We already have that American grit to go over there," Mitts said. "And then on top of that, we’re trying to play a better style of soccer. You know, whenever you’re able to play for your country, it’s an immense opportunity. And to be able to play in a World Cup, I mean, this is what soccer’s all about.
"To be able to go to Germany, a great soccer country and to play in front of the fans and in a World Cup…I mean, it’s the pinnacle of this sport, and to be selected to be part of this team of 21 players, I mean, it’s just a real honor that I’m really looking forward to."
