The Women’s World Cup kicks off tomorrow in Australia and New Zealand for a month of action.
For the first time ever, 32 nations are competing, with the United States looking to win their third straight title and South Korea looking to reach the round of 16 for the first time in eight years.
Reporter Sunwoo Park reports.
The dream stage for women’s soccer players, the World 토토사이트 Cup kicks off with the slogan ‘Beyond Greatness’.
For the first time ever, the tournament will be co-hosted by two countries, Australia and New Zealand.
The number of participating nations has increased from 24 to 32, and the prize pool has more than tripled.
European teams have thrown down the gauntlet as the ‘World’s Strongest’ USA, ranked number one in the Fifa rankings, looks to win an unprecedented third consecutive title.
[Lee Young-pyo, KBS soccer commentator: “I would say the U.S. and Germany are the strongest favorites, with Sweden, a traditional powerhouse, and France, which has emerged as a dark horse in recent years, also challenging for the title.”]
Brazil’s Marta, a living legend in women’s soccer, is on pace to make her sixth consecutive appearance.
Morgan, with 121 goals, the most by a U.S. player, will look to become the tournament’s top scorer for the second straight year and win the title at the same time.
One of the greatest midfielders of all time and a symbol of gender equality in American society, Ruffino has announced her retirement after this year and is preparing for her last dance.
[Kelly O’Hara/U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team: “It’s sad to think of Ruffino’s last World Cup, she’s done so much for not only our team, but the world.”]
South Korea, in Group H with Germany, Colombia and Morocco, will try to reach the round of 16 for the first time in eight years with the help of the golden generation.
