Can Ertz And Lavelle Be Factors?

A quality defensive midfielder goes a long way to having success at a major international tournament. Julie Ertz filled that role perfectly in 2019. After missing months of game time due to giving birth to her son, Madden, last August, Ertz has worked herself back into shape, training with the Phoenix Rising Under-20 team (USL Championship) and playing for Angel City FC.

Rose Lavelle, the Bronze Ball winner in 2019 who scored the in the final, has been hobbled by a knee injury and hasn't played since April 8. The 28-year-old has said she’ll be good to go once the tournament starts, but time will tell how effective she’ll be after more than three months without game time.

Can The Defense Rise To The Occasion?

Alyssa Naeher ascended to world-class goalkeeper status in France four years ago, but there are questions about the backline. Veteran Becky Sauerbrunn, who will miss competition due to a foot injury, leaves a gaping hole in the middle. Two cup rookies, Naomi Girma and Alana Cook, have barely played together at center back. How they react to pressure and adversity could mean the difference between survival and elimination. Crystal Dunn is one of the best left backs on the planet, while Emily Fox and Kelley O'Hara could share the right back position.

More headlines are written about goal-scoring, and rightfully so, but the U.S. has won three of its four world championships by limiting the opposition to three goals (1999, 2015 and 2019). The 1991 championship side in the first World Cup conceded five goals. The cliché of “defense wins championships” reigns true in major international tournaments, and this unit’s backline may be the difference between a fifth championship or going home empty-handed.

Can Anyone Dethrone The U.S.?

Gone are the days of the U.S. rolling over its foes. More teams have better talent and greater depth. Germany, the second-ranked team in the world, might have the best chance of ending the dream of a three-peat. England is the defending European champion but must overcome injuries to key players such as attacking midfielder Fran Kirby and forward Beth Mead.

France boasts captain Wendie Renaud, one of the world’s best center backs, while Spain will be led by attacking midfielder Alexia Putellas, who will be returning from an ACL injury after winning the UEFA Women’s Player of the Year Award in 2021 and 2022.

Canada, which won the gold medal in Tokyo two years ago, still pose a threat, as 40-year-old Christine Sinclair — who’s 190 goals are the most in the history of international soccer— will play in her final World Cup. Co-host Australia won its opening match 1-0 against Ireland despite playing without Sam Kerr. The star striker, who scored five goals in four games at the 2019 World Cup, will miss Australia’s first two games with a calf injury.

Sweden, the silver medalists in Tokyo, has been a thorn in the side to the U.S. Sweden played the Americans to a scoreless draw at the 2015 World Cup, eliminated them in the 2016 Olympic quarterfinals and beat them 3-0 at the 2020 Olympics. And then there’s Brazil. Former U.S. coach Pia Sundhage, who managed Sweden at the 2016 Olympics, guides the South American team, which includes 37-year-old Marta, who is playing in her sixth World Cup.

Under the safe assumption the U.S. makes it to the knockout round, it will face stiff competition at that point. When the Americans won in 2019, they got past Spain, France and England by 2-1 results before defeating the Dutch 2-0 in the final. The U.S. can expect similar battles on its quest for a third-straight title.

Can The USWNT Pull Off An Unprecedented Three-Peat?

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