Rapinoe’s farewell begins as the U.S. opens Women’s World Cup vs. Vietnam

AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — Megan Rapinoe’s ultimate run on the worldwide stage begins Saturday when the United States opens its quest to win an unprecedented third consecutive Women’s World Cup title.

The 38-year-old American stated this month she is going to retire after the event — an announcement timed to assist the squad keep away from distracting questions on Rapinoe’s future.

“I’m just grateful to be able to do it in this way,” Rapinoe stated. “I understand that it is incredibly rare for athletes of any stature to be able to go out in their own way, on their own terms, at the time that they want, in a way that feels really peaceful and settled for them.”

Her ultimate World Cup begins Saturday when the U.S. performs Vietnam in Auckland. Although it was Rapinoe’s need to assist her teammates give attention to the event and never her future, her looming sendoff has nonetheless weighed closely on the squad.

Kelley O’Hara almost broke down in tears this week when requested what Rapinoe has meant to the group, and the sport of soccer.

“I know that the world sees the Megan Rapinoe that the world sees, but we get to see her up close and personal, and the `Pino’ that the world sees is an incredible person and human and that is her. She brings a sense of humour and lightness, but intensity and empathy,” O’Hara stated. “She’s one in every of a sort. There’s by no means been one like her, there’s in all probability by no means going to be one near her.

“It’s sad to think about this being her last, but she’s done such incredible things for this team and for the world,” O’Hara continued. “I hope that we all send her out on a high.”

And midfielder Andi Sullivan stated she’s but to simply accept that there will probably be a U.S. group that doesn’t embrace Rapinoe every time the Americans finish the event.

“I don’t really think about the team without her, and even as she announced it, she did it with such grace and humour and joy and light,” Sullivan stated. “We’re trying to just soak up as much `Pino’ as we can.”

Rapinoe isn’t anticipated to have a significant function for the Americans, and Vietnam shouldn’t be a troublesome problem in its World Cup debut. Vietnam is one in every of eight nations making its first look on the event and has by no means performed the United States.

The U.S., in the meantime, has by no means misplaced to an Asian nation within the World Cup.

Vietnam ready for the event with a good 2-1 loss to Germany, however then misplaced to co-host New Zealand 2-0 and was routed by Spain 9-0.

ENGLAND-HAITI

One of the event favourites faces a Women’s World Cup newcomer when England performs Haiti in a Group D match in Brisbane, Australia.

England is the reigning European champion and attempting to affix Germany as the one groups to win the World Cup whereas holding that continental title. Germany did it in 2003 and 2007. The Lionesses have certified for 5 consecutive World Cups and, together with the United States and Germany, is one in every of solely three groups to make it to the quarterfinals in every of the final 4 tournaments.

England and the U.S. are the one two groups to succeed in the semifinals within the final two World Cups.

The match in Brisbane marks the primary assembly between the 2 groups, and the Lionesses have by no means misplaced a group-stage recreation towards a CONCACAF group.

Haiti is one other one in every of eight groups making its World Cup debut and certified by beating Senegal and Chile within the inter-confederation playoffs. Haiti is led by Daelle Dumornay, who’s also referred to as “Corventina.” She scored each targets in Haiti’s win over Chile.

Haiti is attempting to turn out to be the primary CONCACAF group to win a match in its first World Cup because the U.S. received all six video games on the inaugural event in 1991. Four CONCACAF groups have tallied a mixed three attracts and 9 losses of their first World Cups. And regardless that England is favoured, the Lionesses have received solely one in every of their final eight video games towards CONCACAF groups.

But Haiti arrived in Australia in a droop, dropping 4 video games over the past month.

ZAMBIA-JAPAN

Zambia makes its Women’s World Cup debut towards Japan as a questionable participant within the elite event.

The Copper Queens certified due to Africa’s qualifying format. Because they’re ranked 77th on the planet, critics have questioned if the group can be right here if it had competed for every other continental confederation.

But then Zambia stunned in a three-match tour via Europe, main in each match whereas drawing towards Switzerland earlier than notching an upset win over Germany.

It’s subsequent problem is a Group C match towards Japan to be performed in Hamilton, New Zealand. The group additionally contains Spain and Costa Rica.

Zambia has a long-term plan and just one participant in its squad is over the age of 28. Barbra Banda, the captain and group’s finest participant, is barely 23 years previous. She has scored 22 targets in 10 appearances for Zambia.

Zambia is just not identified for its defence and infrequently appeared drained on the finish of its current matches, giving up eight targets on the European tour. The group is also shrouded in controversy amid experiences coach Bruce Mwape has been accused of sexual misconduct. He has denied wrongdoing however FIFA is investigating.

Japan is clinging to its standing as a powerhouse after successful the title in 2011 and making the ultimate in 2015. Its squad is essentially comprised of gamers that received the Under-20 Women’s World Cup 5 years in the past. More than half the roster is 24 or youthful.

The veteran is 26-year-old Yui Hasegawa, a central midfielder who began every of Manchester City’s 20 Women’s Super League matches final season.

DENMARK-CHINA

China is making its third consecutive look on the Women’s World Cup and opens with a Group D match in Perth, Australia, towards Denmark, which is again within the event for the primary time since 2007.

Denmark ended its 16-year absence by successful all eight of its qualifying video games behind a powerful 40 targets scored. Denmark should proceed that degree of play to have a shot to advance out of its group — which additionally contains England and Haiti — for the primary time since 1995.

China is making its eighth World Cup look after successful the Asian Cup for the ninth time. China, which has reached the knockout spherical in its earlier seven World Cup appearances and misplaced within the 1999 ultimate, has not received its opening match since 2007.

The Danes will probably be attempting to go deep into the event as a send-off for coach Lars Søndergaard, who will finish his almost six-year run with the nationwide group after the World Cup. He’ll depend on captain Pernille Harder, who’s making her event debut. Harder just lately ended her time enjoying for Chelsea and signed with Bayern Munich.

China is led by striker Wang Shanshan, who was named the nation’s participant of the 12 months in April and scored 5 targets within the Asian Cup. She’s additionally scored in a earlier World Cup, with two targets in 2015.