Here’s a sentence you see every four years: The United States is a favorite to win the Women’s World Cup.
Why should the public not believe the hype this time?
The United States’ résumé is top of its class: The team will head to this summer’s tournament in Australia and New Zealand as the No. 1-ranked women’s soccer team in the world and the two-time defending champion. And unlike any other Women’s World Cup team, it has four tiny golden stars sewn above its jersey crest to show the program’s pedigree of four World Cup titles. When the tournament begins next month, the Americans will arrive with a roster dotted by nearly 10 players who have lifted the trophy before.