In the matches leading up to tomorrow’s World Cup Finals versus Japan, Abby Wambach has emerged as the star player of the U.S. Women’s National Team. Wambach’s dramatic header in the last minute of America’s quarterfinals match against Brazil earned her team an ESPY Award for Best Play. “In any play in soccer there is most likely many players involved that allow the play to develop and end in a goal,” said Wambach of her award-winning move. A true team player, she just might be the Mia Hamm of her generation.
O’Reilly has been described as the “engine that never stops” by her teammates, and with good reason: The starting right midfielder on the American women’s team currently holds the record for most consecutive games played (63), but she never tires. "I see her and I say, 'There goes Heather O'Reilly again,' and suddenly everything is okay," said coach Pia Sundhage.
As the oldest, most experienced player on her team, Christie Rampone has seen the U.S. team through fourteen years of heated games, including a World Cup victory in 1999. Rampone is the first to admit that the game has changed over the years. “The growth is amazing. More countries are putting more money and support behind their women’s programs, and it’s showing in the play,” she told FIFA. Now a 36-year-old veteran, Rampone has changed too – but she’s only gotten better with age. She was an unused sub in the 1999 Cup finals on home turf, but is a guaranteed starter in Sunday’s head-to-head match with Japan.
The U.S. team’s goalkeeper Hope Solo is considered one of the best in the world, but she’s equally well known for being a self-described “loudmouth” both on and off the field. Coupled with her talent, Solo’s big personality has made her a target for endorsement deals with Nike and VitaminWater. “She’s one of the few women players in America that has marketing value right now,” said the president of the Chicago Red Stars.
Despite being plagued by injuries in years past, Megan Rapinoe was the second overall pick in 2009’s Women’s Professional Soccer draft. She dealt the game-winning assist in a crucial match against Italy during this year’s World Cup playoffs.
How do you maintain your poise in the final moments of a shootout? Ask Ali Krieger, the 27-year-old defender on the U.S. team who scored the last penalty kick to beat Brazil in the Cup quarterfinals and lead her team into the next round. “I remember jogging up, feeling really confident. I just told myself, ‘You know where you're going. Just keep on target,’” said Krieger in a recent phone interview with the Miami Herald from Germany.
Though they ended up winning the match, the U.S. suffered a blow during the quarterfinals against Brazil when one of the team’s best defenders, Rachel Buehler, was given a red card that sidelined her for the remainder of the game and the semifinals match against France. But Buehler—nicknamed “Bueldozer” by her teammates—will be back on the field for Sunday’s finals.
Sauerbrunn stepped in for Buehler during the semifinals match against France. Though it was the 26 year old’s first World Cup appearance, Sauerbrunn’s teammates knew she wouldn’t buckle under the pressure. “She is an excellent player,” said fellow defender Ali Krieger. “She’s strong, she’s confident and she is going to do an amazing job.” She did just that, helping her teammates advance to the finals in Germany.
