Dresden, Germany (BDCi) – One of the greatest events in the soccer world has started this past weekend, the FIFA Women’s World Cup. The best 16 teams in the world go head to head in Germany.
Among the great teams playing in this year’s Cup, we highlight the U.S. and Brazil’s team history and prospects.
The U.S. comes to this competition eager to win its third title and Brazil its first; both teams have gone through long journeys to make it to the ultimate FIFA tournament throughout the years, but with a group of devoted soccer players, they always find a way in.
The American team hasn’t won a cup since beating China in the 1999 final, which produced one of the most memorable soccer moments in this country, Brandi Chastain’s winning penalty shot and more infamous shirt-removing. In contrast, the Brazilian team has never won a title in its history, and is extremely hungry to taste glory. The United States, in group C plays their first game at 09:15 a.m. Tuesday (6/28) against North Korea in Dresden, and is eager to bring home another title. Brazil, in group D plays at 09:15 a.m. Wednesday (6/29) against Australia, and is motivated to bring home its first title. “It’s been way too long, 12 years, since we brought home that trophy,” United States goalkeeper Hope Solo told the Associated Press. “Twelve years is a long time.” It won’t be easy. Germany is the two-time defending champions, while Brazil was the runner-up at the 2007 World Cup and a silver medalist at the last two Olympics. And in CONCACAF qualifying for this year’s World Cup, Canada and Mexico finished ahead of the United States.
But the U.S. team — which is ranked No. 1 in the world and has won two World Cups and three Olympic gold medals — is still a heavy favorite.
By Janete Weinstein Source FIFA June 27, 2011
11:35 p.m. PDT