Megan Rapinoe (middle) celebrates with teammates Abby Wambach (left) and Meghan Klingenberg (#22) after scoring the first goal in the USA's win over Australia in the FIFA Women's World Cup on June 8, 2015 in Winnipeg, Canada. (Photo: FIFA via Getty Images)
WINNIPEG, Canada – After a 3-1 win over Australia in its 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup opener, the United States is back in action on Friday, squaring off against Group D rival Sweden at Winnipeg Stadium.
Here are Three Points to consider ahead of the game:
1) World class pairing
Friday’s matchup is not just a clash between the two of the best teams in Group D, but also two of the top five sides in the world. While the Americans (No. 2 in the latest FIFA World Rankings) are inarguably one of the most well-regarded national team set-ups in the world, having won two previous World Cup in 1991 and 1999; the Swedes (No. 5) feature one of the world’s most dangerous strikers in Lotta Schelin, an experienced manager and the confidence that comes along with having won all 10 games in European qualification, earning a plus-31 goal differential along the way.
2) A familiar face
Leading Sweden at this year’s tournament is former USWNT manager, Pia Sundhage. The 55-year-old — a native Swede — led the U.S. team to two Olympic gold medals in 2008 and 2012, as well as the 2011 World Cup final. In December of 2012, Sudhage officially signed off as U.S. manager in order to take the reins of the team she represented as a player in both the 1991 and 1995 World Cups. While at the helm of the U.S. team, Sundhage racked up an impressive 91W-10D-6L record.
3) What role will Alex Morgan play?
Of all the stories yet to be written at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, one of the most interesting for American soccer fans is deciphering what role will Alex Morgan play. As a 21-year-old, Morgan dazzled at the 2011 World Cup in Germany, before being named U.S. Soccer’s Female Athlete of the Year in 2012 and earning a nomination for FIFA’s prestigious Balon d’Or award (given to the world’s top player). In 2013, she captured CONCACAF Player of the Year honors. However, after sitting out most of the U.S’s pre-World Cup tour, Morgan was limited to a bit part in Monday’s opener against Australia, playing just 12 minutes. However, the Portland Thorns FC forward — who last played a full 90 minutes in February — seems to be gaining in both strength and fitness to the extent that she may see more time against the Swedes. When fully fit, Morgan is undoubtedly one of the world’s best attacking players, having scored 51 goals in 85 international appearances.
Bonus Points
• In its last ten matches, the U.S. has scored 23 goals, while conceding just three times.
• In World Cup play, the U.S. has a 3W-0D-1L record v Sweden. The Swedes won the last Women’s World Cup meeting between them, 2-1, on July 6, 2011. Abby Wambach (67’) scored the only U.S. goal.