The 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup was the United States’ to lose. The US women’s national team entered as the favourite and defending champion, and rode that wave to its fourth Cup title.
There was a lot of talk about goal celebrations, the team’s attitude and situations beyond their control off the field. But on the pitch, the USWNT was focused.
The US used its veteran leadership to outlast its tough competition, including a Netherlands squad that made the finalmore nervewracking than the team would have liked, and even found a new leader in goal.
The win also helped solidify another leader, who made history with her second Cup victory.
US brought depth and experience
When you have an experienced Cup player in Megan Rapinoe starting, a veteran presence like Carli Lloyd waiting to sub in when the team’s in a pinch, and fresh legs that also have over 70 caps like that of Lindsey Horan, it’s safe to say you have a very strong advantage.
The USWNT used its depth and experience to breeze through the group stage and fight through the knockout rounds. In the team’s opening win, a 13-0 victory over Thailand, coach Jill Ellis’ first substitution showed the US could field an entirely different team and still have the same outcome.
Horan, who played in six matches, praised the team then and her words are still relevant now that the tournament has come to an end.
This story is from the July 27, 2019 edition of Sportstar.
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This story is from the July 27, 2019 edition of Sportstar.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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