9781422275962

CHAPTER 1

USA Few teams in FIFA Women’s World Cup history have had as much continual success as the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT). Unlike the men’s team, which has yet to rise to the top ranks of the sport, the women’s team has been successful from the very beginning. The USWNT was the first champion in the event’s history in 1991, winning six matches out of six and outscoring opponents 25–5. The United States then won a second title in 1999 by winning five matches and tying one while outscoring opponents 18–3. The most recent USWNT championship win was in the 2015 event, where it won six games, tied one, and outscored opponents 14–3. These were not just occasional bright spots in an otherwise lackluster history. The USWNT has finished in the top three in every World Cup and is almost always considered one of the best teams in the event. A combination of dedication and skilled youth development leagues has made the United States the best women’s soccer team for decades.

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