USA and England to fire World Cup opening salvos

Photo: AFP

Holders the United States begin their quest for an unprecedented third consecutive Women’s World Cup title against debutants Vietnam in Auckland on Saturday, while European champions England face another newcomer Haiti in their opener.

The Americans are plotting a fairytale sendoff for the retiring Megan Rapinoe, playing at her fourth and final World Cup, with co-captain Lindsey Horan saying they want to send the veteran forward “out on a high” by retaining the title.

“She was a role model for me growing up,” Horan said before the Group E opener.

“It’s hard thinking about someone who has been so close to you on the field, that this is her last major tournament and is retiring.

“But it is also a way to celebrate her. We want to win for this team, this country. But to send her out on a high would be incredible.”

England’s build-up to the tournament has been clouded by an ongoing dispute between the players and the Football Association (FA) over bonus payments on top of the money they will earn from world soccer governing body FIFA.

But the Lionesses have agreed to pause discussions with the FA as they aim to back up their continental triumph with success on the global stage. Coach Sarina Wiegman said the stalled discussions had not been a distraction.

“I haven’t noticed anything about that,” Wiegman said before England take on Haiti in Group D in Brisbane. “When we go on the pitch everyone is aligned and focused on football. So yes, we are ready.”

Japan, who won the title in 2011 and were runners-up in 2015, will get their Group C campaign underway in Hamilton, New Zealand against Zambia – another team making their tournament debut.

Denmark, led by captain and all-time top scorer Pernille Harder, return to the World Cup after a 16-year absence and will face Asian champions China in their first Group D game in Perth.

– Reuters