Women's World Cup Kicks Off

It's been 20 years since the first Women's World Cup--then called the Women's World Championship--and this year Germany is playing host to the sixth international festival of female football madness. In the last five meetings, the United States have taken the whole enchilada twice and finished in a respectable third place three times. What do their chances look like in 2011?

When the groups for this year's World Cup were announced, many compared Group C to a clash of the titans. The U.S. was obviously a strong contender in spite of a few difficulties in qualifiers, but they found themselves having to face off against potential powerhouse Sweden and a young and scrappy North Korean team. Colombia--a first-time WWC entrant--rounded out the group.

Well, things got off to a good start yesterday in Dresden, as the US team beat the much celebrated North Korean squad 2-0. As a result of that strong win, the American women find themselves atop Group C with three points. Sweden, who topped Colombia 1-0 yesterday, also have three points, but are edged out of the top spot on the basis of goal differentials. The U.S. face off against Colombia next Wednesday. If they can win that one, they'll be in good shape to move on to the quarterfinals.

Now, there are several reasons to pay attention to the Women's World Cup. Obviously, those with particularly patriotic bones will be keen to wave the flag in support of our ladies on the field. Guys looking for a reason need look no further than some of the cuties on the Sweden squad. And, because citizens of Seattle are a proud bunch, there are two native Washingtonians on the American squad to root for in particular.

The first is starting goalie Hope Solo, who hails from Richland and is a former UW standout (she was a four-time all Pac-10 selection). As the starting goalie in the 2007 World Cup, she carried the team through the group stage only to be pulled in favor of veteran Brianna Scurry in the important knockout game against Brazil, which was lost 4-0. Needless to say, comments were made, fallout was had, but Solo was on hand to help win the gold medal at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. The second is Amy LePeilbet from Spokane. She's a strong defender and a Pac-10 grad too (she played for Arizona State).

So, you've all got a long weekend ahead of you. Why not pull out the shin guards and watch a little Women's World Cup?