Top Storylines from the Women’s World Cup

By Noah Rosendorf ’17

Players Bitter about Playing on Turf

FIFA, the international soccer association, has stuck to its controversial decision to play the 2015 Women’s World Cup on artificial turf. A number of prominent players have complained about the decision to play on turf because there is an increase in injuries, there is more heat on the field and the ball moves faster and bounces in unexpected directions.

Many players participating in the tournament signed a petition requesting that the artificial turf to be removed from the venues. Some players, like American star Abby Wambach and Brazilian star Marta, have filed a lawsuit against FIFA because the feel that their human right laws that protect against gender discrimination have been violated, because the men did not have their World Cup on artificial turf fields, and their next two Men’s World Cups are already planned to be played on grass fields.

FIFA has stood by its decision saying that the Women’s World Cup will remain on artificial turf. This is the first ever World Cup to be played on artificial turf.  

Will the U.S. Win it All?

The U.S. women’s soccer team, along with Germany, France and defending champion Japan, are considered top contenders to win the World Cup. The U.S. women has not won a World Cup since 1999, and has been drawn into a very strong group, along with Australia, Sweden and Nigeria. In the FIFA power rankings, Germany is ranked number one, the U.S. is ranked number two, France is ranked number three and Japan is ranked number four.

In the FIFA power rankings, Sweden in ranked No. 5, Australia is ranked No. 10 and Nigeria is ranked No. 33. Even if the U.S. manages to advance past their strong group, it will be very difficult for the team to get past powerhouses like Germany and Japan. Germany won the World Cup in 2003 and 2007. Japan had also won the previous World Cup, so they will be going into this one with very high expectations.