World Cup 2023: Why are American women so good at soccer?
The United States have won the last two Women's World Cups. And while the gap between them and Europe has narrowed, the question remains: Can the Old Continent catch up?
When Steph Houghton stepped up to take a penalty in the semifinals in Lyon four years ago, she had the chance to deal a devastating blow to the U.S. women's World Cup's illusion of invincibility.
The Power of American Girls
On that tumultuous evening in Lyon, England and America played out a match that was physical, fast-paced and unforgiving. Christen Press opened the scoring in the 10th minute, but Ellen White equalised just nine minutes later. But Alex Morgan restored their advantage with more than half an hour to play, and celebrated in a “tea-drinking style” that enraged the England crowd.
England had a chance to equalise from the penalty spot, but Houghton missed the ball and the US advanced to their third consecutive World Cup final. Their jubilant celebrations afterwards proved that the biggest obstacle had been overcome. The American girls cheered and danced as Houghton tried to hold back his grief for an interview. It was obviously rude and upset the England captain, but the Americans didn't care. They were happy to be hated for winning.
A few days later, the US comfortably won the final, beating Sarina Wiegman’s Netherlands 2-0 to win their fourth World Cup. They had also won in 2015, extending their World Cup winning streak to 12. In Australia and New Zealand this summer, Alex Morgan and his teammates are still the favourites to win the title.
While the US men's team is still far from the elite on the world stage - they were eliminated by the Netherlands in the round of 16 at last year's World Cup in Qatar - why are the US so strong in women's soccer? It's worth noting that they have never finished outside the top three at a World Cup, a dominance that stretches back more than two decades.
Historical reasons
When soccer first became popular in the United States in the 1970s, the sport spread without the burden of traditional prejudices. There was never the same prejudice attached to women playing soccer in the United States as there was in Europe, South America, and beyond, so there were no barriers placed in front of girls who wanted to participate.
From the American perspective, it was a new sport for everyone to enjoy. Soccer quickly became the most popular women's sport in the country, and with full college scholarships available to the best young players, the sport attracted many of the best athletes.
“Women’s soccer has been evolving for many years,” explains Julie Foudy, who won two World Cups and two Olympic gold medals during a glittering playing career. “When we won Olympic gold in Atlanta in 1996, and then were world champions on home soil in 1999… that was a huge turning point. But if you look back further, you can see that there was never the same stigma attached to women playing soccer, starting in the 70s and 80s. That was a big factor in the U.S.’s success.”
"Girls aren't going to get teased by boys because they're going to practice with a soccer kit and a ball under their arm. It's just normal. I wouldn't say it's considered a women's sport in America, it's just that the participation numbers for women are much higher," Foudy added. "With men, they lose a lot of young prospects to other American sports, and we don't. The fact that soccer is part of the college system means girls can play soccer and go on to get a really good education, which means parents see the benefit. That gives us an advantage too."
Still the number one candidate
The US women's team is ranked No. 1 in the world heading into the 2023 World Cup, and has a promising new generation of young players competing with superstars Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, Rose Lavelle and Julie Ertz. Forwards Sophia Smith and Trinity Rodman have made waves, while 18-year-old Alyssa Thompson is tipped to become the best player in the world.
The US women's players are big names in their home countries, with the earning potential to match. They are also fierce campaigners, having successfully fought for equal pay with their male counterparts. If the rise of women's soccer is to be described as revolutionary, the Americans have been at the forefront.
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has had its ups and downs – and is now being challenged, especially financially, by European nations. But it remains a great environment for developing and improving talent. That’s why only one player of the US women’s squad for the 2023 World Cup is playing overseas: Lyon midfielder Lindsay Horan.
The Americans have of course been wary of the rise of women’s football in Europe over the past few years, and they did lose to England at Wembley last year in a friendly, but they have something else: an absolute belief that they can dominate anyone. They also have an unshakeable mental strength. They are used to winning, and they expect it. Their track record of success on the international stage is unmatched, and everything over the past four years has been done to ensure they are in the best possible shape to defend their crown in 2023.
As Morgan once said, “There’s no secret to success, you have to create your own.” America simply does it better than anyone else. It always has. Soccer is the top women’s sport in the world’s richest and most powerful country. It’s a formidable combination. The gap between America and the best teams in Europe has narrowed, but has it narrowed enough?
US Women's Team
FIFA Ranking: 1
Number of World Cup appearances: 8
Number of World Cup titles: 4 (1991, 1999, 1015, 2019)
Number of Olympic appearances: 7
Number of Olympic gold medals: 4 (1996, 2004, 2008, 2012)
Number of North and Central American championships: 9 (1991, 1993, 1994, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022)
Biggest win: 14-0 against Dominica (January 20, 2012)
Biggest loss: 0-4 against Brazil (September 27, 2007)
Top scorer in history: Abby Wambach (184 goals)
Most capped player: Kristine Lily (354 matches)
List of women's teams participating in the 2023 World Cup
Goalkeeper:Aubrey Kingsbury (Washington Spirit Club), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars 90).
Defender:Alana Cook (OL Reign), Crystal Dunn (Portland Thorns FC), Emily Fox (North Carolina Courage), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave FC), Sofia Huerta (OL Reign), Kelley O'Hara (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Emily Sonnett (OL Reign).
Midfielder:Savannah DeMelo (Racing Louisville FC), Julie Ertz (Angel City FC), Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyon, France), Rose Lavelle (OL Reign), Kristie Mewis (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Ashley Sanchez (Washington Spirit), Andi Sullivan (Washington Spirit).Forward:Alex Morgan (San Diego Wave FC), Megan Rapinoe (OL Reign), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC), Alyssa Thompson (Angel City FC) and Lynn Williams (NJ/NY Gotham FC).
