2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup

The 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the sixth since its first in 1991, consists of 16 teams, all vying for the coveted World Cup championship. The Germans have won the past two Cups, in 2003 and 2007 respectively, while the United States won it in 1991 and 1999, and Norway in 1995.

I’ve been a fan of the United States Women’s National soccer team since I was at least 6 years old. I remember dressing up as Mia Hamm, one of the most famous female soccer players, in first grade for Halloween and pretending to be her on the soccer field. I remember being 6 years old, watching the U.S. win the World Cup in front of 90,000 fans at the Rose Bowl stadium. I remember, as so many of us do, Brandi Chastain ripping her jersey off after scoring the winning penalty kick. I remember wishing and hoping to someday be in the crowd, to watch and scream along with the other American supporters. Now, on June 28, I’ll be one of thousands watching as the USA take on North Korea in their group match opener. I will be in Germany for the next month, following the United States on their quest to win a third World Cup.

I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of the CNMI women’s national soccer team for the past five years and have gotten to travel to places like Japan and Taiwan to play in tournaments. Teams like South Korea, Chinese-Taipei, and Hong Kong were absolutely amazing (we lost significantly to each of them), and those teams didn’t even qualify for the World Cup. The level at which these women play is pretty remarkable. Brazil’s Marta is one of the most impressive soccer players I’ve ever seen. She is a true Brazilian soccer player; her footwork is impeccable, her speed is lighting-quick, and it really does seem like she’s dancing on the ball. Hope Solo, the United State’s main goalkeeper, is, in my opinion, the best in the world. She’s great with the ball at her feet for a goalkeeper. In fact, teams going against the United States often simulate her goal kicks and punts by practicing with a male goalkeeper. She is powerful, explosive, and can often make the impossible save possible. Other players to look out for are England’s Kelly Smith, Germany’s Birgit Prinz, Canada’s Christine Sinclair, United State’s Abby Wambach, and many, many others.

Top teams such as the United States, Brazil, Germany, Japan, Norway, and Sweden are all favorites to make it far in the tournament, but unlike World Cups in the past, the competition is better than ever. Expected to be the best Women’s World Cup yet, this every four-year tournament is surely one not to be missed.

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