Team USA Embraces Role as Women's World Cup Favorites

The 2015 Women’s World Cup is in full swing and after a full weekend of play, the U.S. Women’s National Team, who are the +284 favorites to win the Cup, have brought the tournament to life, with the help of their dedicated fan base who have traveled north to Canada to watch their team compete.

Not long after Germany humiliated the Ivory Coast 10-0, both Cameroon and Nigeria renewed pride for Africa, while the defending World Cup champion, Team Japan, successfully started their campaign to repeat by defeating Switzerland 1-0 in Vancouver.

Despite making their first World Cup appearance, Cameroon did not disappoint on soccer’s biggest stage with Gaelle Enganamoouit scoring a hat trick in a blow-out of Equador.

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Nigeria and Sweden have made appearances in each of the seven women’s World Cups and found themselves in this tournament’s “Group of Death” which contains three teams ranked in the top 10 in the world. The two teams earned a 3-3 draw to stay afloat, but will need outright wins to advance.

The “Group of Death,” or Group D, features no. 2 ranked U.S., no. 5 ranked Sweden, no 10. ranked Australia and no. 33 ranked Nigeria, the top ranked African Nation. The U.S. made their first appearance in a match against Australia, packing Winnipeg stadium and making for an electric environment.

A USWNT supporters group that call themselves “The American Outlaws” claimed the north grandstand and turned it into a sea of red, white and blue as they chanted “USA, USA” from the moment the players ran onto the pitch from the tunnel.

American supporters have made Winnipeg their home, taking over the downtown area and packing local restaurants and pubs, creating a buzz that hasn’t been seen in the five other Canadian cities where games are being held.

“A couple of players, I heard them as they were taking the pitch for warm-ups say, ‘it’s like we’re playing at home’,” said U.S. coach Jill Ellis.

The Americans were able to continue their unbeaten record against the Australians, defeating the Matildas 3-1. Megan Rapinoe found the back of the net twice while Hope Solo dazzled in a handful of spectacular saves.