REIMS, France -- The U.S. women's national soccer team has waited four years to begin defending its World Cup trophy, a period that included a humbling fall at the Olympics, the departure of some and the infusion of others, tactical experiments, a strategic re-set and a promising buildup.
So what's a few extra days longer?
When the 24-team tournament began across France late last week, with the reigning champions as slight favorites and the hosts mounting a grave threat, the Americans were forced to wait and watch a little longer.
The last teams to play their first group match, the United States will take on Thailand on Tuesday.