July 11 – On the back of a 2-0 friendly win against Wales, world champions the United States have arrived in New Zealand for this summer’s Women’s World Cup.
In search of a third consecutive world title, the Americans have touched down in Auckland, their home during the tournament and ahead of their group games with Vietnam, Netherlands and Portugal.
“For us, preparation for the World Cup started a while ago,” said coach Vlatko Andonovski. “We were here in January, and started our work with the community then. We almost feel like now, like (we’re) home again.
“Like I said in January, we want to become New Zealand’s second favourite team.”
In their last friendly game before the global finals, the US defeated Wales 2-0 in San José, playing without Megan Rapinoe, who announced her retirement from the national team last week. She will feature in New Zealand for her fourth and final World Cup.
“She’s a true pro, she knows what she needs to do to win these big tournaments,” said the US manager. “So having her here with the young ones like Sophia (Smith), Trinity (Rodman) and Alyssa (Thompson) will be very important.”
Elsewhere the co-hosts New Zealand enjoyed an encouraging 2-0 win against Vietnam, who will make their debut at the finals, the first Women’s World Cup to be played in a 32-team format. New Zealand have never won a match at the finals but will seek to make amends against Norway, Switzerland and the Philippines in Group A. They open the tournament on July 20 against the Norwegians.
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