It’s almost there! The 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup finally kicks off this week on Saturday and all the teams are finishing their final preparations and making their way to Canada.
So let’s start everyone off with a little history lesson to prepare.
The U.S. Women’s National Team had a busy week, traveling to New York for the final game of their Send-Off Series against South Korea, participated in Media Day and made a special appearance on Good Morning America.
Heath enjoyed her birthday close to home and got a special shout out on GMA, and the USWNT got to meet pop singer Ed Sheeran as well. Check out a social media recap from U.S. Soccer highlighting their appearance.
The United States played to a 0-0 draw against South Korea in its final match before the World Cup. Forward Alex Morgan was unavailable, but midfielder Tobin Heath made an appearance in the match as a second-half substitute.
The match also featured an impressive tifo by the American Outlaws.
FOX Sports has ramped up its coverage leading up to the tournament with a lot of cool features, stories and profiles. Check out this photo gallery that highlight’s Alex Morgan’s career with the USWNT and her rise to fame.
Also fans know the U.S. is one of the favorites to win the World Cup, but here are some others players (and a Thorns FC player you might be familiar with) that prove a threat to the U.S. in the tournament.
Canada has its eyes squarely on the prize and winning the World Cup would be huge for Thorns FC forward Christine Sinclair and company, who open the tournament on June 6. Make sure to read Caitlin Murray’s piece from The Guardian about Canada’s chances to win the World Cup, featuring Kyle.
The host nation played its final match of the tournament on May 29 in Hamilton, Ontario against England, recording a 1-0 win over the Lionesses. Sinclair started and logged 90 minutes, while midfielder Kaylyn Kyle put in a shift as a substitute in the win.
Former University of Portland star Sophie Schmidt scored the game winner, and afterwards Sinclair had a little fun as she ambushed Schmidt’s post-game media appearance.
The captain of the Canada Women’s National Team has the spotlight squarely on her and this piece in the Vancouver Sun tells the story of one of the most talented, yet humble female athletes in the world.
Marc Weber at The Province dug a bit deeper in his most recent piece about the Canadians, reminding everyone not only about the team’s great soccer skills but also about being great role models.
Steph Catley and the Australia Women’s National Team looked poised and ready for their meeting with the U.S. on June 8 and Catley is ready to put the disappointment of not making the 2011 World Cup roster behind her. Watch the video, here.
Nadine Angererer and Germany arrived in Ottawa on Sunday to impressive fanfare.
Check out the video of their arrival, click here.
