U.S. still a force in Women's World Cup

Here's the easiest way to tell the difference between men's and women's soccer. In women's soccer, when the quadrennial World Cup tournament rolls around, the Americans are among the most feared and respected in the field.

They have won two of the previous five World Cups and three of four Olympic tournaments and currently are ranked No. 1. They have every expectation of being in this year's Cup final, on July 17 in Frankfurt, Germany.

Of course, it's still soccer; things happen. In November, for the first time in 26 career meetings, the Americans lost to Mexico, a shocker that required three subsequent qualifying-round victories just to get the U.S. admission into this World Cup.

When the Yanks and Mexico played again three weeks ago at Red Bull Arena in New Jersey, the U.S. thoroughly dominated play -- but needed a goal in extra time to escape with a 1-0 victory.

"I think the road to the World Cup has been bumpy," said Pia Sundhage, the former Swedish international player hired to coach the Americans following their upset loss to Brazil in the 2007 World Cup semifinals. That was the second consecutive time the U.S. was ousted unexpectedly in the tournament's semis. In 2003, it was given the heave-ho by Germany.

So, nothing is promised this year. Germany, ranked No. 2 and the two-time World Cup defending champion, and Brazil, No. 3, continue to lurk.

But Sundhage raved about the U.S. possibilities. "It's so fun to coach this team because you have so many different options," she said.

Start with 31-year-old Abby Wambach, the imposing 5-11 striker who ranks third, all time, in national-team goals with 118. (Only Mia Hamm and Kristine Lilly scored more.) Wambach missed the 2008 Olympics with a broken leg and has returned as fit and aggressive as ever. Sundhage, with a 64-4-5 record in her 31/2 years as head coach, emphasizes the need for strong midfield play, quality crossing passes and a deep bench.

Christie Rampone, in her fourth World Cup and with 235 national-team appearances, anchors the defense in front of experienced goalkeeper Hope Solo. Among other tested veterans are midfielder Shannon Boxx, Heather O'Reilly and Carli Lloyd. Amy Rodriguez likely will pair with Wambach up front, with two emerging new faces -- Lauren Cheney and Alex Morgan (the youngest on the team at 21) -- available.

The U.S. Soccer Federation, Sundhage said, was "brave" to hire a coach from Sweden and the fact the players quickly "embraced that change made a difference. We talk about the gold medal. We talk about this and that. For me, it's to win the next game, and win it in such a way that you learn from that game and you have a bigger chance to win the next game.

"Hopefully, we'll play many games in the World Cup."

It takes six to win it all.