Here’s the easiest way to tell the difference between men’s and women’s soccer: In women’s soccer, when the quadrennial World Cup tournament rolls around, the Americans are among the most feared and respected teams in the field.
The Americans have won two of the previous five World Cups and three of four Olympic tournaments, and are ranked No. 1. They have every expectation of being in this year’s World Cup final on July 17 in Frankfurt, Germany.
Of course, it’s still soccer; things happen.
Last November, for the first time in 26 meetings, the Americans lost to Mexico, a shocker that required three subsequent qualifying-round victories just to get Team USA into this World Cup field.
When the Yanks and Mexico met again three weeks ago at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J., the U.S. thoroughly dominated — but needed a goal in extra time to escape with a 1-0 victory.
“I think the road to the World Cup has been bumpy,” said Pia Sundhage, the former Swedish international player hired to coach the Americans following their upset loss to Brazil in the 2007 World Cup semifinals. That was the second consecutive time the U.S. was ousted unexpectedly in the tournament’s semifinals. In 2003, the U.S. was ousted by Germany.
So nothing is promised this year.
Germany, ranked No. 2 and the two-time World Cup defending champion, and Brazil (ranked No. 3) lurk.
But Sundhage raved about the U.S. possibilities, saying, “It’s so fun to coach this team because you have so many different options.”
Start with 31-year-old Abby Wambach, an imposing 5-foot-11 striker who ranks third all time in Team USA goals with 118. Only Mia Hamm and Kristine Lilly scored more.
Wambach missed the 2008 Olympics because of a broken leg and has returned as fit and aggressive as ever. Sundhage, with a 64-4-5 record in her 3 1/2 years as coach, emphasizes the need for strong midfield play, quality crossing passes and a deep bench.
