World cup rivalry womens 2010

The US and the 2010 World Cup




Our series on the US at the World Cup continues with a look at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.


Following its poor showing at the 2006 World Cup, the US was clearly in need of new leadership, and three weeks after it’s exit from the tournament, the US Soccer Federation announced that head coach Bruce Arena’s contract would not be renewed. When negotiations to hire Jurgen Klinsmann as the new head coach could not be completed, Bob Bradley was named as interim head coach in December of 2006. In May of 2007, the interim tag was removed only weeks before the start of the 2007 Gold Cup tournament. There, Bradley coached the US to the final on June 24 in front of 60,000 spectators at Chicago’s Soldier Field where a 2-1 win over Mexico capped a six game run in which the US outscored its opponents 13 goals to three.

Four days later, the US played its opening group game at the 2007 Copa America in Venezuela, its first appearance in the tournament since 1995. With little time to rest, and using a squad largely comprised of young MLS players, the US was grouped with, Argentina, Colombia, and Paraguay in Group C. It was a disappointi

Women's Water Polo World Cup 2010: World's best women's water polo teams head to Christchurch (NZL)


As in Sydney 2000, Australia beat the United States of America in the final. The USA has dominated the sport since 2000, winning three Olympic medals, three FINA World Championship crowns and five FINA World League titles but a World Cup gold medal still eludes this current crop of players. The USA won its only gold in 1979 when international women's water polo was in its infancy.

Gracing the team in Christchurch is the most decorated player in the world, Brenda Villa, a member of that silver-medal-winning team in Sydney, as well as every USA team since. Captaining the team, she leads by example and still has the scoring prowess that makes her a superstar of the sport.

Another medallist from 2000, Russian captain Sofya Konukh who played as a 20-year-old in the bronze-medal-winning team, had enough presence in a match in Sydney last week to score six goals and show that she still has the right stuff to play at this level.

Australia's most-celebrated water polo athlete, Melissa Rippon, boasts Olympic bronze from Beijing in her medal cabinet, which contains a further 11 medals ha


The Women’s World Cup has always been a stage for fierce competition, dramatic encounters, and unforgettable rivalries. While the official FIFA Women’s World Cup rivalry 2010 was not held (the tournaments took place in 2007 and 2011), the years surrounding it were filled with intense matches and growing rivalries that shaped women’s football.

This article explores the key rivalries, memorable moments, and standout matches from the 2007-2011 era, focusing on the battles between top teams like the USA, Brazil, Germany, and Sweden. Whether it was heated group-stage clashes, knockout-round drama, or rising stars making their mark, this period laid the foundation for modern women’s football rivalries.



The Rise of Women’s Football Rivalries (2007-2011)


Before diving into specific matches, it’s important to understand the context of women’s football at the time. The late 2000s and early 2010s saw:


The USA and Brazil emerged as dominant forces, with stars like Abby Wambach, Marta, and Hope Solo leading their teams.

Germany’s reign as back-to-back World Cup winners (2003 & 2007).

Japan’s rise as a tactical powerhouse, culminating in their 2011 World Cup victory.

Incr

Three Women’s World Cups, three defining moments this decade




The 2010s in women’s soccer can very much be defined by the three World Cups played during the decade. This may not seem so novel, but it is quite possible that in 25, 50, or even 100 years, the World Cups of the 2010s will maintain a pivotal place in the growth of women’s soccer in the United States.

I know what you’re going to say. It was 1999 that came first and will always be at the top of the mountain. And it’s true, every nugget of women’s soccer can be traced back to the organizers of that tournament, who instead of wishing it would be a big deal, went out and
made it into a big deal.


But the unpopular reality is that much of that momentum had been stunted by the time 2011 rolled around. The
United States
had not won a World Cup since, and when they were shocked by Mexico in qualifying, they played a two-leg, intercontinental playoff against Italy in virtual anonymity. The top story in the interceding years was Hope Solo’s tirade after the 2007 World Cup semifinal loss. But Solo did not play in that match, and beyond the inner circle of die-hard fans, there was not much in the way of analysis of w