How about the remainder of the sector?
Brazil arrives because the South American champion. Japan, China and South Korea have lengthy histories of accomplishment in Asia — although solely the Japanese have lifted the World Cup — and will likely be nearer to dwelling than regular. Australia, powered by the high-scoring ahead Sam Kerr, just lately signaled its intent to problem with a victory over Spain in a warm-up match.
Different groups arrive with large stars however longer odds — Denmark (Pernille More durable), Norway (Ada Hegerberg) and Jamaica (Bunny Shaw) — and 7 international locations are simply thrilled, for now, to be coming in any respect: Haiti, Morocco, the Philippines, Portugal, Eire, Vietnam and Zambia all have certified for his or her first World Cup.
Who’s the U.S. taking part in?
The U.S. is the defending champion. Its schedule within the group stage features a acquainted face (the Netherlands) and two query marks (Vietnam and Portugal). The highest two groups will advance to the spherical of 16.
The Individuals’ three video games within the group stage:
Vietnam at Auckland, July 22, 1 p.m. (Friday night time in New York.)
Netherlands at Wellington, July 27, 1 p.m. (Wednesday night time in New York.)
Portugal at Auckland, Aug. 1, 7 p.m. (Monday in a single day in New York.)
How is the equal pay combat going?
That relies upon. The USA girls, after years of tense negotiations, public battles, stinging insults and court docket filings, emerged with an equal pay deal that has made them one of many best-paid nationwide groups — males or girls — on the earth.
Different international locations, even large ones, haven’t made related progress. Whereas many have heralded new contracts guaranteeing equal charges of pay for matches, girls’s soccer groups nonetheless lag far behind their males’s counterparts in terms of prize cash, staffing and different points.
Canada is at present at the forefront of the equal pay combat: Its gamers briefly went on strike this month earlier than a recreation towards the US, and have vowed to press their battle for higher therapy, and higher pay, via future actions and public protests.
Supply: NY Times