U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team Shows Vulnerability in Lead-Up to World Cup; France Installed as Favorite
In the 2015 Women’s World Cup, the United States Women’s National Team ended their 16-year drought in the most thrilling way possible. The USWNT defeated Japan with a 5-2 win and redeemed themselves by winning the World Cup trophy for their country. Back in 2011, the USWNT fell to Japan in an intense 3-1 penalty shootout and finished the World Cup tournament as the 2011 runner-up. The U.S. team had been crowned favorites in the tournament and were expected to win the tournament easily, but the ferocious Japanese team came back to stun the U.S. and the crowd, denying the U.S. team the World Cup trophy.
For four years, the USWNT has been working tremendously hard on finding the right strategies and techniques to further improve the team for the 2019 Women’s World Cup which got underway yesterday, June 7, with Cup favorite France blanking South Korea 4-0.
Throughout the four years of preparation, friendlies and tournaments have been held to get the World Cup qualifying teams prepared for the storm that is the World Cup. Surprisingly, the U.S. team – installed as the second favorite to win the Cup, showed that it could be vulnerable during the lead-up to Cup play.
Concern started to take place for the USWNT after the 2017 She Believes Cup, when France came out on top against the them in a 3-0 win. Alongside that, the Tournament of The Nations was a struggle for Team USA as they struggled to fight back from a two goal down game to winning 4-3 against the mighty Brazilians. Although that game was the most talked about game of the tournament, the USWNT were placed as runners-up and Australia claimed the championship.
The development of other women’s international soccer teams has been improving since the 2015 World Cup, as other nations are now hungry to defeat the powerful US team. Will the other countries have what it takes to take down Team USA? Will this be the year the USA has its downfall?
France women’s national team is determined to claim the title in their home country. To date, France’s best finish has been fourth place at the 2011 Women’s World Cup. French captain Amandine Henry continues to lead her team this June it what looks to be France’s best chance to claim their first ever World Cup.