Tonight at 7pm EST the USWNT (United States Women's National Team) takes on Germany in the World Cup semi-finals in what looks to be a very competitive match. Embracing our collective enthusiasm for the US women’s team instills excitement in our youth in something powerful, collaborative, and patriotic. If this World Cup becomes what a new generation of fans expects when they watch WOMEN play sports, with the chanting crowds and beautiful fields, then the sports world that our children enjoy will extend beyond the male dominated NFL/NBA/MLB staples. Expanding our kids horizons in enjoying the "beautiful game" may only begin leveling the playing field of inequality between men's and women's sports but the World cup is a great place to start.
America and Germany are the most successful teams in Women's World Cup history, with two tournament wins each. Only four countries have ever won the World Cup. The Americans lifted two of the first three tournaments, but have not been world champions since 1999. Germany have won two of the last three, although Japan are the current champions, after beating the US on penalties in Germany four years ago. These sides have met in three previous Women's World Cup contests. Each time, the victor went on to lift the trophy (USA in 1991 and 1999, Germany in 2003).
GO USA!!!!