Wintry mix spreads across Minnesota

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

It's here. It's today. It's the game the United States Women's National Soccer Team has dreamed about for four years. A return to the final of the World Cup.


And, oh by the way, the team that beat the U.S. in the last World Cup is the same one they'll face today: 

"For me, it's a constant reminder. It's been a constant reminder since July 17, 2011. It's kind of been that thing that's been within us, that fuels our fire, that motivates us," said star forward Abby Wambach. "It's always there and that's what happens in heartbreak."

The Americans are playing with loads of confidence right now. Midfielder Carli Lloyd says she and her teammates are focused.

"This is the final. This is where you put everything on the line," she says. "There is no holding back. There's no reserving energy. It's full-throttle and I'm really confident in the way we're looking right now."


The U.S. made it through the finals and to the championship match on the strength of its defense. The U.S. has played six games in the World Cup and hasn't given up a goal since its opener against Australia — a stunning scoreless streak of 513 minutes. Not surprisingly, the three 

 from the United States for FIFA's 'Golden Ball' award play defense and midfield.
The last time the United States won the World Cup was 16 years ago: 1999. This year's team (and the others before it) has lived in the shadow of that 

 in front of 90,000 people at the Rose Bowl.


If downtown Vancouver is any indication, it will be a pro-U.S. crowd today. This picturesque Canadian city has been taken over by a sea of red, white and blue.

Hotels are booked up. The stadium sold out long ago. Tickets are selling for five and six times face value. World Cup fever is in full effect. It's Game Day!

Sports

Russell Lewis

Author

It's here. It's today. It's the game the United States Women's National Soccer Team has dreamed about for four years. A return to the final of the World Cup.


U.S. Women head into World Cup Final with dominant defense

Go Deeper.

Like this?

News you can use in your inbox