{"id":582889,"date":"2023-07-15T22:05:38","date_gmt":"2023-07-15T19:05:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/everything-to-know-about-the-3-peat-bid-video\/"},"modified":"2023-07-15T22:05:38","modified_gmt":"2023-07-15T19:05:38","slug":"everything-to-know-about-the-3-peat-bid-video","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/everything-to-know-about-the-3-peat-bid-video\/","title":{"rendered":"#Everything to know about the 3-peat bid [Video]"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_89 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6af160cbef8b8\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6af160cbef8b8\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/everything-to-know-about-the-3-peat-bid-video\/#In_50_words_what_is_the_story_of_this_2023_USWNT\" >In 50 words, what is the story of this 2023 USWNT?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/everything-to-know-about-the-3-peat-bid-video\/#Whats_happened_since_2019\" >What\u2019s happened since 2019?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/everything-to-know-about-the-3-peat-bid-video\/#Who_are_those_young_stars\" >Who are those young stars?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/everything-to-know-about-the-3-peat-bid-video\/#Which_USWNT_veterans_are_still_around\" >Which USWNT veterans are still around?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/everything-to-know-about-the-3-peat-bid-video\/#Who_else_is_injured\" >Who else is injured?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/everything-to-know-about-the-3-peat-bid-video\/#When_and_how_can_I_watch_the_US_games\" >When and how can I watch the U.S. games?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/everything-to-know-about-the-3-peat-bid-video\/#Will_the_US_have_any_trouble_getting_out_of_the_group\" >Will the U.S. have any trouble getting out of the group?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/everything-to-know-about-the-3-peat-bid-video\/#What_will_the_USWNTs_knockout-round_path_look_like\" >What will the USWNT\u2019s knockout-round path look like?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/everything-to-know-about-the-3-peat-bid-video\/#Who_are_the_other_contenders\" >Who are the other contenders?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/everything-to-know-about-the-3-peat-bid-video\/#Why_is_the_US_still_the_favorite\" >Why is the U.S. still the favorite?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/everything-to-know-about-the-3-peat-bid-video\/#How_have_other_back-to-back_champs_fared_on_their_three-peat_quests\" >How have other back-to-back champs fared on their three-peat quests?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/everything-to-know-about-the-3-peat-bid-video\/#What_is_the_USWNTs_biggest_flaw\" >What is the USWNT\u2019s biggest flaw?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/everything-to-know-about-the-3-peat-bid-video\/#What_are_the_other_flaws\" >What are the other flaws?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/everything-to-know-about-the-3-peat-bid-video\/#Who_is_this_Andonovski_guy\" >Who is this Andonovski guy?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/everything-to-know-about-the-3-peat-bid-video\/#What_will_Andonovskis_World_Cup_starting_lineup_be\" >What will Andonovski&#8217;s World Cup starting lineup be?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/everything-to-know-about-the-3-peat-bid-video\/#So_thats_who_will_start_the_World_Cup_opener_against_Vietnam\" >So that\u2019s who will start the World Cup opener against Vietnam?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/everything-to-know-about-the-3-peat-bid-video\/#Will_that_Vietnam_game_be_a_bloodbath_like_Thailand_4_years_ago\" >Will that Vietnam game be a bloodbath like Thailand 4 years ago?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/everything-to-know-about-the-3-peat-bid-video\/#Whos_replacing_Sauerbrunn_as_captain\" >Who\u2019s replacing Sauerbrunn as captain?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/everything-to-know-about-the-3-peat-bid-video\/#Wait_what_about_Megan_Rapinoe\" >Wait, what about Megan Rapinoe?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/everything-to-know-about-the-3-peat-bid-video\/#Is_the_USWNT_still_fighting_for_equal_pay\" >Is the USWNT still fighting for equal pay?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/everything-to-know-about-the-3-peat-bid-video\/#How_else_will_the_2023_USWNT_be_trailblazers\" >How else will the 2023 USWNT be trailblazers?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/everything-to-know-about-the-3-peat-bid-video\/#How_did_the_USWNT_fare_in_its_send-off_game\" >How did the USWNT fare in its send-off game?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/everything-to-know-about-the-3-peat-bid-video\/#Anything_else_I_need_to_know\" >Anything else I need to know?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<div>AUCKLAND, New Zealand \u2014 The <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:1;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/uswnt-world-cup-roster-2023-153010848.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:U.S. women\u2019s national team;cpos:1;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">U.S. women\u2019s national team<\/a>&#8216;s unprecedented World Cup quest kicks off here, amid rippling winds, beneath gray wintry skies, Down Under. But it was defined, in the simplest terms, on the USWNT&#8217;s very first day together last month. They&#8217;d gather in California. They are <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:2;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/uswnt-world-cup-without-captain-becky-sauerbrunn-222834560.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:depleted by injuries;cpos:2;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">depleted by injuries<\/a>, surrounded by pressure and doubted by history, which is why head coach Vlatko Andonovski was asked whether anything short of a <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:3;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/womens-world-cup-2023-start-date-schedule-game-times-watch-tv-uswnt-190047476.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:2023 Women\u2019s World Cup;cpos:3;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">2023 Women\u2019s World Cup<\/a> title might be satisfactory \u2014 but the question baffled him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWould I be h<a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/download-scripts-themes-apps\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"9\" title=\"Download Scripts &amp; Themes &amp; Apps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">app<\/a>y with anything short of a third straight win? No!\u201d Andonovski responded. \u201cAbsolutely not.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere&#8217;s only one thing in mind going to this tournament,\u201d he continued. \u201cOur goal is to win the World Cup.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>No international soccer team of men or women has ever done so thrice in a row. But of course, no international soccer team has ever been as ruthless as the inimitable American institution known as the USWNT. In 2019, it <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:4;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/world-cup-final-2019-usa-netherlands-champions-score-result-165429554.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:joined an exclusive club of back-to-back winners;cpos:4;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">joined an exclusive club of back-to-back winners<\/a>. In 2023, fueled by unshakable confidence and youthful ambition, it will attempt to create a new club, one in which it would stand alone.<\/p>\n<p>Its campaign begins Saturday here in Auckland \u2014 Friday night in the States. With the opener approaching, here are 23 questions and answers about the team and its 2023 Women\u2019s World Cup journey.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_50_words_what_is_the_story_of_this_2023_USWNT\"><\/span><strong>In 50 words, what is the story of this 2023 USWNT?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:5;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/uswnt-world-cup-without-captain-becky-sauerbrunn-222834560.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:captain;cpos:5;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">captain<\/a>, <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:6;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mallory-swanson-injury-193737933.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:leading scorer;cpos:6;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">leading scorer<\/a> and <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:7;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/catarina-macario-world-cup-status-injury-uswnt-acl-173820758.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:brightest playmaker;cpos:7;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">brightest playmaker<\/a> are all injured. Performances and results since July 2021 have also sparked legitimate concern, and eroded the team\u2019s dominant aura. But it is still the <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:8;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.md.betmgm.com\/en\/sports\/soccer-4\/betting\/world-6?tab=outrights\" data-ylk=\"slk:betting favorite;cpos:8;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp\">betting favorite<\/a>, and the <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:9;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fifa.com\/fifa-world-ranking\/women?dateId=ranking_20230609\" data-ylk=\"slk:world\u2019s top-ranked team;cpos:9;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp\">world\u2019s top-ranked team<\/a>, because, well, it\u2019s <em>the USWNT<\/em>. Doubts often prove excessive and unfounded.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Whats_happened_since_2019\"><\/span><strong>What\u2019s happened since 2019?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A lot. Jill Ellis, the two-time champion head coach, <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:10;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/jill-ellis-uswnt-final-match-family-075122796.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:retired in 2019;cpos:10;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">retired in 2019<\/a>. U.S. Soccer replaced her <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:11;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/uswnt-officially-hires-vlatko-andonovski-as-head-coach-who-is-he-and-whats-next-194521239.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:with Andonovski;cpos:11;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">with Andonovski<\/a>, who extended a multi-year unbeaten run to 44 <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/game\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"7\" title=\"Game\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">game<\/a>s. In fact, entering the <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:12;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.yahoo.com\/now\/olympics-coronavirus-2020-postponed-canceled-tokyo-130054336.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:postponed 2021 Olympics;cpos:12;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">postponed 2021 Olympics<\/a>, since July 2017, the U.S. had won 66, tied seven and lost just once. All was well.<\/p>\n<p>But an <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:13;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/uswn-ts-dreams-of-olympic-gold-dashed-in-listless-1-0-loss-to-canada-095810960.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:aging squad flopped in Tokyo;cpos:13;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">aging squad flopped in Tokyo<\/a>. (It <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:14;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/sweden-snaps-uswn-ts-44-game-unbeaten-streak-to-open-olympics-raising-questions-about-this-american-team-102554167.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:lost to Sweden;cpos:14;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">lost to Sweden<\/a> and Canada, though <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:15;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/megan-rapinoe-goal-olympics-corner-kick-bronze-medal-match-082757626.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:still took bronze;cpos:15;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">still took bronze<\/a>.) Then it evolved. Young stars seized opportunities, and pushed entrenched veterans. Together, in 2022, they lost three straight games for the first time in nearly three decades, but <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:16;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/uswnt-2023-world-cup-qualification-041309090.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:qualified for the World Cup with ease;cpos:16;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">qualified for the World Cup with ease<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_are_those_young_stars\"><\/span><strong>Who are those young stars?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Defenders worldwide are trembling at the thought of facing Sophia Smith, the 22-year-old forward who\u2019ll spearhead the U.S. attack. She\u2019s the reigning National Women\u2019s Soccer League MVP, and an all-around menace.<\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:17;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/trinity-rodman-uswnt-mom-dad-dennis-120046680.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:Trinity Rodman, 21;cpos:17;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">Trinity Rodman, 21<\/a>, and <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:18;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/alyssa-thompson-goal-nwsl-debut-angel-city-031206736.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:recent high school graduate Alyssa Thompson;cpos:18;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">recent high school graduate Alyssa Thompson<\/a>, 18, will also make their World Cup debuts. And at the other end of the field, center back Naomi Girma, 23, is ready to take the reins of the USWNT defense.<\/p>\n<p><strong>[MORE: <\/strong><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:19;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/trinity-rodman-uswnt-mom-dad-dennis-120046680.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:How Trinity Rodman made her name her own;cpos:19;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\"><strong>How Trinity Rodman made her name her own<\/strong><\/a><strong>]<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_USWNT_veterans_are_still_around\"><\/span><strong>Which USWNT veterans are still around?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Carli Lloyd has retired. Tobin Heath, Christen Press and Ali Krieger are out of the USWNT picture. <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:20;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/uswnt-world-cup-without-captain-becky-sauerbrunn-222834560.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:Becky Sauerbrunn, the current captain, is injured;cpos:20;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">Becky Sauerbrunn, the current captain, is injured<\/a>. In total, 14 of the <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:21;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/uswnt-world-cup-roster-2023-153010848.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:23 players on the plane;cpos:21;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">23 players on the plane<\/a> to New Zealand will be World Cup newbies.<\/p>\n<p>But Alex Morgan is still around. So are Kelley O\u2019Hara and Megan Rapinoe. <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:22;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/julie-ertz-uswnt-return-world-cup-roster-152930015.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:Julie Ertz has returned;cpos:22;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">Julie Ertz has returned<\/a> from a long maternity layoff. Rose Lavelle is on the roster, and now in her prime after a 2019 breakout, but currently <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:23;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/sports\/2023\/06\/27\/megan-rapinoe-rose-lavelle-uswnt-injury-womens-world-cup\/\" data-ylk=\"slk:recovering from an injury;cpos:23;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp\">recovering from an injury<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"caas-figure\">\n<div class=\"caas-figure-with-pb\" style=\"max-height: 840px\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"caas-img-container caas-img-loader\" style=\"padding-bottom:68%;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"caas-img caas-lazy has-preview\" alt=\"Carson, CA - June 27:  Megan Rapinoe, left, smiles as Alex Morgan answers a question during the US women&amp;#39;s national soccer team media day for the upcoming women&amp;#39;s world cup in Australia and New Zealand at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham\/MediaNews Group\/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images)\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/vBsu0dpsVCHen15tEzlJfw--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NDA-\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/aol_yahoo_sports_800\/68f2356b629b9369d80843413499c479\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Carson, CA - June 27:  Megan Rapinoe, left, smiles as Alex Morgan answers a question during the US women&amp;#39;s national soccer team media day for the upcoming women&amp;#39;s world cup in Australia and New Zealand at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham\/MediaNews Group\/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images)\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/vBsu0dpsVCHen15tEzlJfw--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NDA-\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/aol_yahoo_sports_800\/68f2356b629b9369d80843413499c479\" class=\"caas-img\"><\/noscript><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><figcaption class=\"caption-collapse\">Megan Rapinoe smiles as Alex Morgan answers a question during the USWNT <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/social-mediaa\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"1\" title=\"Social Media\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">media<\/a> day for the upcoming Women&#8217;s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham\/Media<a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/news\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"2\" title=\"News\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">News<\/a> Group\/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_else_is_injured\"><\/span><strong>Who else is injured?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:24;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/world-cup-final-2019-usa-netherlands-champions-score-result-165429554.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:U.S. rolled to the 2019 title;cpos:24;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">U.S. rolled to the 2019 title<\/a> in remarkably good health. Four years later, they enter the tournament limping. Sauerbrunn, a would-be starting center back, was felled by a foot problem. Mal Swanson (n\u00e9e Pugh), who\u2019d scored eight goals in her last six national team games, <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:25;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mallory-swanson-injury-patellar-tendon-diagnosis-171605721.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:tore her patellar tendon;cpos:25;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">tore her patellar tendon<\/a> in April.<\/p>\n<p>Knee injuries also <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:26;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/julie-ertz-sam-mewis-uswnt-world-cup-injuries-205229314.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:devastated Sam Mewis;cpos:26;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">devastated Sam Mewis<\/a>, a 2019 starter; <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:27;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/catarina-macario-world-cup-status-injury-uswnt-acl-173820758.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:and Catarina Macario;cpos:27;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">and Catarina Macario<\/a>, a 23-year-old attacker who finished higher than any other American player in 2021-22 Ballon d\u2019Or voting; and Tierna Davidson, who returned from an ACL tear in March but couldn\u2019t recapture enough of her pre-injury form to make the roster.<\/p>\n<p><strong>[MORE: <\/strong><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:28;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/acl-injuries-womens-soccer-world-cup-050034831.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:Inside women's soccer's ACL 'epidemic' and the search for cures;cpos:28;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\"><strong>Inside women&#8217;s soccer&#8217;s ACL &#8216;epidemic&#8217; and the search for cures<\/strong><\/a><strong>]<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>All five players mentioned above were potential starters if healthy, and Lavelle \u2014 who has not played in almost three months while rehabbing a mysterious knee injury \u2014 would be a sixth.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_and_how_can_I_watch_the_US_games\"><\/span><strong>When and how can I watch the U.S. games?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>You can watch some in U.S. prime time, on Fox and Telemundo, but others will require early mornings or late nights.<\/p>\n<p>The U.S. was drawn into Group E alongside the Netherlands, Portugal and Vietnam, and handed the following schedule:<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Friday, July 21 vs. Vietnam (9 p.m. ET, Fox)<br \/>\u2022 Wednesday, July 26 vs. Netherlands (9 p.m. ET, Fox)<br \/>\u2022 Tuesday, Aug. 1 vs. Portugal (3 a.m. ET, Fox)<\/p>\n<p>If the U.S. wins the group, its semifinal path goes:<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Saturday, Aug. 5 vs. Group G runner-up (10 p.m. ET, Fox)<br \/>\u2022 Thursday, Aug. 10 vs. 1A\/2C (9 p.m. ET, Fox)<\/p>\n<p>If the U.S. finishes second, its semifinal path goes:<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Sunday, Aug. 6 vs. Group G winner (5 a.m. ET, Fox)<br \/>\u2022 Friday, Aug. 11 vs. 1C\/2A (3:30 a.m. ET, Fox)<\/p>\n<p>The semifinal and final would be:<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Tuesday, Aug. 15 (4 a.m. ET, Fox)<br \/>\u2022 Sunday, Aug. 20 (6 a.m. ET, Fox)<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Will_the_US_have_any_trouble_getting_out_of_the_group\"><\/span><strong>Will the U.S. have <\/strong><strong><em>any<\/em><\/strong><strong> trouble getting out of the group?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The widely held and probably accurate assumption is that the U.S. and Netherlands, the two <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:29;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/world-cup-final-2019-usa-netherlands-champions-score-result-165429554.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:2019 finalists;cpos:29;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">2019 finalists<\/a>, will top Group E in some order.<\/p>\n<p>Vietnam will be overmatched. Portugal, a soccer-obsessed nation, is nowhere near as accomplished on the women\u2019s side as it is on the men\u2019s \u2014 and nowhere near as accomplished as the USWNT. This will be Portugal\u2019s first Women\u2019s World Cup; the U.S., meanwhile, has qualified for every edition and only lost once at the group stage.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s a real scenario where the U.S. beats Vietnam, then loses to the Dutch, and enters a decisive third match consumed by pressure. But even in that scenario, you\u2019d assume the U.S. would enter level on points with Portugal, with a superior goal differential; it would therefore only need a draw to advance in second place.<\/p>\n<p>The only route to calamity is if Portugal holds both the Netherlands and U.S. to draws \u2014 which actually doesn\u2019t seem outlandish after the Portuguese held England\u2019s A-team to a 0-0 draw in a July 1 tune-up match.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_will_the_USWNTs_knockout-round_path_look_like\"><\/span><strong>What will the USWNT\u2019s knockout-round path look like?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The Americans will \u2014 or should \u2014 be gunning for Group E\u2019s top spot, because it could earn them a Round of 16 cakewalk. A second-place finish, on the other hand, would likely yield a showdown with Sweden, which <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:30;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/sweden-snaps-uswn-ts-44-game-unbeaten-streak-to-open-olympics-raising-questions-about-this-american-team-102554167.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:drubbed the U.S., 3-0, in their last meeting at the Tokyo Olympics;cpos:30;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">drubbed the U.S., 3-0, in their last meeting at the Tokyo Olympics<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>In <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/general\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"3\" title=\"General\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">general<\/a>, the U.S. landed on the weaker side of <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:31;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/06\/WC2023_Bracket-1.pdf\" data-ylk=\"slk:FIFA\u2019s strange World Cup bracket;cpos:31;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp\">FIFA\u2019s strange World Cup bracket<\/a>. It can\u2019t meet England, Germany, France or co-host Australia \u2014 four of its top-five challengers \u2014 until the final. Those four are all clumped together on the strong side, along with Brazil and reigning Olympic champion Canada.<\/p>\n<p>The USWNT\u2019s title path, therefore, will only go through <em>one<\/em> of those six teams. Its most likely quarterfinal and semifinal opponents are Spain, Japan and the Netherlands. (Yes, the same Netherlands from Group E, hence our use of the word \u201cstrange.\u201d)<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_are_the_other_contenders\"><\/span><strong>Who are the other contenders?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>This, according to data and testimony from people throughout the sport, is the deepest Women\u2019s World Cup field ever. All 11 countries mentioned above are legitimate contenders. Betting markets would rank them in the following order (<a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:32;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/mediaserver.partyaffiliates.com\/renderBanner.do?zoneId=1612499&amp;btag=dcm_23703419_281362685_461007406_127700618_1f06ce24-4914-488a-9048-af41b7efc61a\" data-ylk=\"slk:odds via BetMGM;cpos:32;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp\">odds via BetMGM<\/a>):<\/p>\n<p>1. U.S. (+225)<br \/>2. <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:33;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/soccer\/teams\/england-women\/\" data-ylk=\"slk:England;cpos:33;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp\">England<\/a> (+400)<br \/>3. <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:34;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/soccer\/teams\/spain-women\/\" data-ylk=\"slk:Spain;cpos:34;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp\">Spain<\/a> (+550)<br \/>4. <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:35;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/soccer\/teams\/germany-women\/\" data-ylk=\"slk:Germany;cpos:35;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp\">Germany<\/a> (+700)<br \/>5. <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:36;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/soccer\/teams\/france-women\/\" data-ylk=\"slk:France;cpos:36;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp\">France<\/a> (+1000)<br \/>6. Australia (+1100)<br \/>7. <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:37;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/soccer\/teams\/sweden-women\/\" data-ylk=\"slk:Sweden;cpos:37;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp\">Sweden<\/a> (+1600)<br \/>8. Brazil (+2200)<br \/>T-9. <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:38;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/soccer\/teams\/japan-women\/\" data-ylk=\"slk:Japan;cpos:38;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp\">Japan<\/a> (+2500)<br \/>T-9. <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:39;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/soccer\/teams\/brazil-women\/\" data-ylk=\"slk:N;cpos:39;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp\">N<\/a>etherlands (+2500)<br \/>11. Canada (+3300)<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_is_the_US_still_the_favorite\"><\/span><strong>Why is the U.S. still the favorite?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The U.S. remains atop that list for two simple reasons:<\/p>\n<p>1. While the depth of the field has swelled, no challenger has separated itself from the pack. England, the <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:40;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/womens-euros-final-england-germany-soccer-183448098.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:reigning European champ;cpos:40;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">reigning European champ<\/a>, has also lost two of its top five players (Beth Mead and Leah Williamson) to ACL injuries. Spain\u2019s stars hate their coach, so much so that <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:41;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/spain-womens-soccer-national-team-coach-jorge-vilda-resign-223356425.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:some resigned from the national team;cpos:41;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">some resigned from the national team<\/a> in September; and <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:42;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/global.espn.com\/football\/story\/_\/id\/37852116\/spain-stars-miss-women-world-cup\" data-ylk=\"slk:a few are choosing to skip the World Cup;cpos:42;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp\">a few are choosing to skip the World Cup<\/a>. In short, everybody else has problems, too.<\/p>\n<p>2. The women\u2019s soccer world consistently gets punished for doubting the USWNT, and has been conditioned to expect dominance even amid worry.<\/p>\n<p>U.S. defender Kelley O\u2019Hara remembers hearing that doubt four years ago, even when, <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:43;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/womens-world-cup-2019-favorites-uswnt-195356051.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:as I wrote at the time;cpos:43;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">as I wrote at the time<\/a>, the U.S. was \u201cpretty clearly the best team in the world.\u201d O\u2019Hara remembers all the hand-wringing about goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, and the questions about defensive frailties. \u201cI remember being so annoyed by it,\u201d O\u2019Hara said Tuesday. \u201cBecause I&#8217;m just like, \u2018I know how good we are.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n<p>On the surface, four years later, they are no less assured. They have more resources, more institutional support than any other team in the world. They have a self-belief, an aura that is backed by decades of substance. It buoys them, and spooks opponents, and laughs in the face of external doubt.<\/p>\n<p>Some will argue that the aura has dissipated since 2021. \u201cThere&#8217;s not many teams that fear playing the U.S. anymore,\u201d Carli Lloyd, who now works as an on-air analyst for Fox, told Yahoo Sports last week. But one simple fact remains: Through eight editions of the Women\u2019s World Cup, since 1991, the U.S. has only lost four games. Four.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"caas-figure\">\n<div class=\"caas-figure-with-pb\" style=\"max-height: 828px\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"caas-img-container caas-img-loader\" style=\"padding-bottom:67%;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"caas-img caas-lazy has-preview\" alt=\"Jul 1, 2023; Stanford, California, USA; (L to R) United States women&amp;#x002019;s national team member Kelley O&amp;#x002019;Hara (center) sounds the San Jose Earthquakes siren with teammates (L to R) Andi Sullivan and Alana Cook and Naomi Girma and Sophia Smith before the game against the Los Angeles Galaxy at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/.j27FEX2B2PkxQkLJyMe0A--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/aol_yahoo_sports_800\/79d9e03679b4e237ab2eac84d798a808\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Jul 1, 2023; Stanford, California, USA; (L to R) United States women&amp;#x002019;s national team member Kelley O&amp;#x002019;Hara (center) sounds the San Jose Earthquakes siren with teammates (L to R) Andi Sullivan and Alana Cook and Naomi Girma and Sophia Smith before the game against the Los Angeles Galaxy at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/.j27FEX2B2PkxQkLJyMe0A--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/aol_yahoo_sports_800\/79d9e03679b4e237ab2eac84d798a808\" class=\"caas-img\"><\/noscript><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><figcaption class=\"caption-collapse\">USWNT&#8217;s Kelley O\u2019Hara (C) sounds the San Jose Earthquakes siren with teammates (L to R) Andi Sullivan, Alana Cook, Naomi Girma and Sophia Smith before the game against the Los Angeles Galaxy on July 1 at Stanford Stadium. (Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports)<\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_have_other_back-to-back_champs_fared_on_their_three-peat_quests\"><\/span><strong>How have other back-to-back champs fared on their three-peat quests?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>That stat, though, is partially fueled by luck \u2014 and luck tends to run dry eventually, especially after back-to-back World Cup titles.<\/p>\n<p>Germany\u2019s women, the last repeat winners in 2003 and 2007, lost their first 2011 knockout match to Japan.<\/p>\n<p>Brazil\u2019s men, after dazzling in 1958 and 1962, failed to advance from their 1966 group.<\/p>\n<p>Italy\u2019s men were the only other back-to-back champs, way back in 1934 and 1938. They had to wait 12 years to defend their title (because of World War II), and also failed to advance from their 1950 group.<\/p>\n<p>So, all three previous three-peat quests have ended without a single knockout-round win.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_USWNTs_biggest_flaw\"><\/span><strong>What is the USWNT\u2019s biggest flaw?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Here\u2019s the three-step explanation:<\/p>\n<p>1. In many ways, the USWNT built its 2017-2021 dominance around Julie Ertz, a converted center back who became a one-woman thwarter of counterattacks as a defensive midfielder. She not only shielded the back four; she allowed the five players in front of her, plus fullbacks, to attack unrestrained by defensive responsibilities.<\/p>\n<p>2. Ertz stepped away from soccer for 20 months, after the Tokyo Olympics \u2014 first to rehab an injury, then to have her first child, Madden. Without her \u2014 and without a comparable replacement \u2014 the U.S. had to restrain its attacking-minded players, or expose its defenders, or in some cases both. Its midfield has often looked unsettled and unable to control games.<\/p>\n<p>3. <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:44;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/julie-ertz-soaks-in-emotional-return-to-pitch-for-uswnt-shes-back-like-she-never-left-041006482.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:Ertz is back;cpos:44;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">Ertz is back<\/a>, but not <em>back<\/em>. She\u2019s <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:45;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/uswnt-world-cup-roster-2023-153010848.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:on the roster;cpos:45;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">on the roster<\/a> because a return to her 2017-2021 form is the USWNT\u2019s best hope of reprising its 2017-2021 dominance. But, having only played four full 90-minute matches since returning in April, it\u2019s very unclear whether she\u2019s capable of being even 90% of her former self.<\/p>\n<p>And so, it\u2019s very unclear whether the USWNT will be able to derive all the benefits that it used to derive from Ertz\u2019s presence. (Ertz didn&#8217;t play in the USWNT&#8217;s send-off match.)<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_other_flaws\"><\/span><strong>What are the other flaws?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Remember the defenders who, as we just detailed, were occasionally exposed in Ertz\u2019s absence?<\/p>\n<p>Well, the most reliable one, Sauerbrunn, won\u2019t be in New Zealand. Girma and Alana Cook are capable of deputizing, but neither has proven herself against the world\u2019s best. And their only backup is Emily Sonnett, who has started at center back just once for the USWNT (in a friendly versus Colombia) since 2016.<\/p>\n<p>There are also plenty of valid questions about Andonovski\u2019s tactical acumen, and specifically his ability to build a coherent, rhythmic attack that isn\u2019t over-reliant on moments of individual brilliance from players like Swanson and Smith.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_is_this_Andonovski_guy\"><\/span><strong>Who is this Andonovski guy?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>He was <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:46;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/vlatko-andonovskis-unlikely-path-from-macedonia-to-uswnt-coach-215908184.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:born and raised in Macedonia;cpos:46;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">born and raised in Macedonia<\/a>. After an unremarkable six-year playing career there, he came to the American midwest to try indoor soccer. From there, he began coaching indoor and youth soccer, which somehow qualified him to become the head coach of FC Kansas City in the club\u2019s inaugural NWSL season \u2014 largely because the club\u2019s owners already employed him as the coach of their Major Indoor Soccer League team, the Missouri Comets.<\/p>\n<p>Hardly anybody in the women\u2019s game had heard of Andonovski. But he succeeded immediately. With Sauerbrunn as his captain, he won two titles in his first three seasons. Then, after two mediocre campaigns, and after the franchise was folded and moved to Utah, Andonovski jumped to the Seattle Reign.<\/p>\n<p>Two years later, he <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:47;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/uswnt-officially-hires-vlatko-andonovski-as-head-coach-who-is-he-and-whats-next-194521239.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:got the single biggest job in women\u2019s soccer;cpos:47;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">got the single biggest job in women\u2019s soccer<\/a>, seemingly with endorsements from USWNT veterans, including Sauerbrunn and Megan Rapinoe.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_will_Andonovskis_World_Cup_starting_lineup_be\"><\/span><strong>What will Andonovski&#8217;s World Cup starting lineup be?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Andonovski\u2019s preferred starting 11 heading to New Zealand appears to be this:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Goalkeeper:<\/strong> Alyssa Naeher<br \/><strong>Right back:<\/strong> Emily Fox<br \/><strong>Center back:<\/strong> Naomi Girma<br \/><strong>Center back:<\/strong> Alana Cook<br \/><strong>Left back:<\/strong> Crystal Dunn<br \/><strong>Defensive midfield:<\/strong> Julie Ertz<br \/><strong>Central midfield:<\/strong> Lindsey Horan<br \/><strong>Attacking midfield:<\/strong> Rose Lavelle<br \/><strong>Right wing:<\/strong> Trinity Rodman<br \/><strong>Striker:<\/strong> Alex Morgan<br \/><strong>Left wing:<\/strong> Sophia Smith<\/p>\n<p>There are several caveats. Andi Sullivan has been the nominal Ertz replacement over the past two years, and could retain her starting place. Further up the field, if Lavelle can\u2019t recover from her injury, Ashley Sanchez or Savannah DeMelo would be in line for more minutes. And the front three are <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:48;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/uswnt-world-cup-send-off-game-wales-trinity-rodman-223452867.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:now a bit uncertain;cpos:48;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">now a bit uncertain<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>And although Naeher is the presumed No. 1 goalkeeper, Andonovski has rotated Naeher and Casey Murphy over the past year; he hasn\u2019t yet publicly named a starter.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"caas-figure\">\n<div class=\"caas-figure-with-pb\" style=\"max-height: 828px\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"caas-img-container caas-img-loader\" style=\"padding-bottom:67%;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"caas-img caas-lazy has-preview\" alt=\"United States midfielder Lindsey Horan speaks during a press conference for the 2023 FIFA Women&amp;#39;s World Cup United States Women&amp;#39;s National Soccer Team (USWNT) Media Day at Dignity Health Sports Part in Carson, California on June 27, 2023. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon \/ AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON\/AFP via Getty Images)\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/gumbhkO25tQXUylapSkGHg--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/aol_yahoo_sports_800\/9a275436675d551fe9e2c08cf4994dd7\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"United States midfielder Lindsey Horan speaks during a press conference for the 2023 FIFA Women&amp;#39;s World Cup United States Women&amp;#39;s National Soccer Team (USWNT) Media Day at Dignity Health Sports Part in Carson, California on June 27, 2023. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon \/ AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON\/AFP via Getty Images)\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/gumbhkO25tQXUylapSkGHg--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/aol_yahoo_sports_800\/9a275436675d551fe9e2c08cf4994dd7\" class=\"caas-img\"><\/noscript><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><figcaption class=\"caption-collapse\">USWNT&#8217;s Lindsey Horan speaks during Media Day at Dignity Health Sports Part in Carson, California on June 27, 2023. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon \/ AFP)<\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"So_thats_who_will_start_the_World_Cup_opener_against_Vietnam\"><\/span><strong>So that\u2019s who will start the World Cup opener against Vietnam?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Not necessarily. The real measuring stick, and therefore the priority, is the second match against the Netherlands. Expect some degree of rotation against Vietnam or Portugal.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Will_that_Vietnam_game_be_a_bloodbath_like_Thailand_4_years_ago\"><\/span><strong>Will that Vietnam game be a bloodbath like Thailand 4 years ago?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The most memorable group game four years ago was the <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:49;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/usa-womens-world-cup-uswnt-thailand-score-205248875.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:13-0 demolition of Thailand;cpos:49;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">13-0 demolition of Thailand<\/a>. And there\u2019s every chance 2023 will deliver a repeat.<\/p>\n<p>Vietnam, though, held relatively firm against Germany in a recent friendly, and only lost 2-1, albeit to a German B-team. So, expect something closer to 5-0, not 13-0.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Whos_replacing_Sauerbrunn_as_captain\"><\/span><strong>Who\u2019s replacing Sauerbrunn as captain?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Alex Morgan and Lindsey Horan will co-captain the <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:50;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/uswnt-2023-world-cup-preview-120056815.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:U.S. women's national team;cpos:50;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">U.S. women&#8217;s national team<\/a> at the <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:51;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/womens-world-cup-2023-start-date-schedule-game-times-watch-tv-uswnt-190047476.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:2023 World Cup;cpos:51;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">2023 World Cup<\/a>, and formally step into the <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:52;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/uswnt-world-cup-without-captain-becky-sauerbrunn-222834560.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:leadership void created by an injury to Becky Sauerbrunn;cpos:52;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">leadership void created by an injury to Becky Sauerbrunn<\/a>. Horan will wear the armband when they&#8217;re both on the field, and will appear at the USWNT&#8217;s first pre-match news conference.<\/p>\n<p>At age 29, Horan isn\u2019t an elder. She\u2019s played at major international tournaments, but hasn\u2019t starred at them. She has far less experience, in every which way, than Morgan and Rapinoe \u2014 who co-captained the team in 2019 \u2014 and often doesn\u2019t seem comfortable serving as the team\u2019s unofficial public spokesperson.<\/p>\n<p>But Andonovski has pushed her into more of a leadership role ever since the fall of 2021. Sauerbrunn recently referred to Horan as \u201cthe co-captain with me.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s not to say that Rapinoe, O\u2019Hara and others won\u2019t have key leadership roles. But those vets have <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:53;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/megan-rapinoe-ready-to-pass-the-uswnt-torch-050018620.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:made a conscious effort to empower the next generation;cpos:53;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">made a conscious effort to empower the next generation<\/a>, and Andonovski has anointed Horan as the leader of it.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wait_what_about_Megan_Rapinoe\"><\/span><strong>Wait, what about Megan Rapinoe?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:54;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/megan-rapinoe-pondered-retirement-then-found-renewed-joy-and-passion-in-new-uswnt-role-032235453.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:Rapinoe isn\u2019t a starter anymore;cpos:54;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">Rapinoe isn\u2019t a starter anymore<\/a>. She\u2019s still talented, and still valued as a locker-room presence, and still the public face of the team alongside Morgan. But she neither expects nor wants to play 90 minutes, and win the Golden Ball, and win the Golden Boot, <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:55;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/megan-rapinoe-2019-world-cup-golden-ball-boot-awards-173200762.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:like she did in 2019;cpos:55;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">like she did in 2019<\/a>. She&#8217;ll <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:56;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/megan-rapinoe-retirement-170808325.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:retire at the end of the 2023 season;cpos:56;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">retire at the end of the 2023 season<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>She is on the team to come off the bench for 15 minutes and create, yes, but more so to lead and teach. Multiple World Cup first-timers have cited her calming, mood-lightening presence.<\/p>\n<p><strong>[MORE: <\/strong><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:57;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/megan-rapinoe-ready-to-pass-the-uswnt-torch-050018620.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:Why Megan Rapinoe is ready to pass the USWNT torch;cpos:57;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\"><strong>Why Megan Rapinoe is ready to pass the USWNT torch<\/strong><\/a><strong>]<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_the_USWNT_still_fighting_for_equal_pay\"><\/span><strong>Is the USWNT still fighting for equal pay?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Nope. The players <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:58;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/uswnt-reaches-24-million-settlement-with-us-soccer-over-equal-pay-lawsuit-134158633.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:settled their lawsuit with U.S. Soccer;cpos:58;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">settled their lawsuit with U.S. Soccer<\/a> for $24 million last winter. Then, <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:59;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/how-usmnt-players-agreed-to-equal-pay-without-formally-entering-the-negotiating-room-153715613.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:alongside the U.S. men\u2019s national team;cpos:59;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">alongside the U.S. men\u2019s national team<\/a> in May, they <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:60;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/us-soccer-equal-pay-cba-uswnt-usmnt-114605051.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:agreed to new collective bargaining agreements;cpos:60;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">agreed to new collective bargaining agreements<\/a>. The CBAs will pay the men and women on nearly identical terms, including equal shares of World Cup prize money.<\/p>\n<p>All involved celebrated the deal, which seemed like a win for both sets of players. The women have now turned their attention to the global landscape, where pay and working conditions are still, in many cases, grossly unequal.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_else_will_the_2023_USWNT_be_trailblazers\"><\/span><strong>How else will the 2023 USWNT be trailblazers?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>This USWNT could break symbolic ground for soccer moms. Three players \u2014 Morgan, Ertz and Crystal Dunn \u2014 are now mothers. They aren\u2019t the first to play for the USWNT, but they\u2019d be the first trio of U.S. moms to start a World Cup game. And they\u2019d represent decades of progress for mom athletes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>[MORE: <\/strong><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:61;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/uswnt-soccer-moms-maternity-policies-120032682.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:How the USWNT past and present blazed a trail for mothers in sports;cpos:61;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\"><strong>How the USWNT past and present blazed a trail for mothers in sports<\/strong><\/a><strong>]<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_did_the_USWNT_fare_in_its_send-off_game\"><\/span><strong>How did the USWNT fare in its send-off game?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Not great. Not terrible, either, but <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:62;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/uswnt-world-cup-send-off-game-wales-trinity-rodman-223452867.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:Rodman's late goals masked an otherwise uninspiring performance;cpos:62;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">Rodman&#8217;s late goals masked an otherwise uninspiring performance<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The players are now in New Zealand, and based in Auckland, training and preparing for their opener.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Anything_else_I_need_to_know\"><\/span><strong>Anything else I need to know?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Here\u2019s an extensive primer on <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:63;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/womens-world-cup-2023-start-date-schedule-game-times-watch-tv-uswnt-190047476.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:2023 Women\u2019s World Cup basics;cpos:63;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">2023 Women\u2019s World Cup basics<\/a>. And all of our stories, rankings, news, schedules and analysis will be housed on our <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:64;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/soccer\/world-cup\/\" data-ylk=\"slk:World Cup homepage;cpos:64;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp\">World Cup homepage<\/a> between now and kickoff.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<blockquote><p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">If you liked the article, do not forget to share it with your friends. Follow us on\u00a0<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/news.google.com\/publications\/CAAqBwgKMLG0nwswvr63Aw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Google News<\/a><\/span>\u00a0too, click on the star and choose us from your favorites.<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">For forums sites go to <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/forum.buradabiliyorum.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Forum.BuradaBiliyorum.Com<\/a><\/span><\/strong>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>If you want to read more News articles, you can visit our <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/news\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">News category.<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"color: black;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aol.com\/sports\/uswnt-2023-world-cup-preview-120056420.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>AUCKLAND, New Zealand \u2014 The U.S. women\u2019s national team&#8216;s unprecedented World Cup quest kicks off here, amid rippling winds, beneath gray wintry skies, Down Under. But it was defined, in the simplest terms, on the USWNT&#8217;s very first day together last month. They&#8217;d gather in California. They are depleted by injuries, surrounded by pressure and&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":582890,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/zhIcTVReqTjvPAAXymltMA--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyMDA7aD04MTE-\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/aol_yahoo_sports_800\/68f2356b629b9369d80843413499c479","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[70897],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-582889","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/582889","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=582889"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/582889\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/582890"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=582889"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=582889"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=582889"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}