Rapinoe shaping US next generation at fourth World Cup
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[July 05, 2023]
By Amy Tennery
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Megan Rapinoe is embracing a changed role for
what may well be her last appearance at the Women's World Cup, as
her off-the-pitch leadership shapes the next generation of United
States players.
The ebullient Californian helped the U.S. hoist the trophy in 2015
and four years later became a household name as they retained their
title, with Rapinoe finishing as the tournament's top scorer and
famously sparring with former U.S. President Donald Trump.
En route to her fourth World Cup, Rapinoe is the oldest player in
the U.S. squad, as she turned 38 on Wednesday, and has no issues
with her likely switch from starter to squad player.
"I'm all for longevity, but we don't need to drag it," she told
Time, as she was named one of the magazine's women of the year in
March.
As the U.S., who are chasing an unprecedented third consecutive
title, prepare to field a youthful side at the World Cup coach
Vlatko Andonovski expects Rapinoe to "have a role of a player,
leader - and leading the leaders as well."
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"When she's on the field, she's a great player. So that's the first
reason why she's on this team," he told reporters at a team media
event ahead of the World Cup, which kicks off July 20 in Australia
and New Zealand.
"She's just one of the most creative players that I've ever seen and
a true winner. I mean, she's certainly a great player and that's why
we want her on the team. But also her experience and leadership is
what this team needs as well."
Rapinoe's spot in the squad means some of the U.S. World Cup
debutants will have a chance to compete alongside a player they
watched growing up.
Uncapped midfielder Savannah DeMelo, 25, said her "first real
memory" of the Women's World Cup was watching Rapinoe send a
laser-like cross to retired great Abby Wambach in the 2011
quarter-final, setting up what was later voted the greatest goal in
the history of the tournament.
"(She) makes me feel comfortable even though I'm so young and she's
like much older than me," said 18-year-old forward Alyssa Thompson,
who made the squad despite having just three senior national team
appearances under her belt.
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![](../images/070523PIX/sports47.jpg)
Jun 27, 2023; Carson, California, USA;
USWNT forward Megan Rapinoe during Women's World Cup media day at
Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY
Sports/File Photo
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"She just makes me feel like I'm supposed to be
here too."
'NEVER GETS OLD'
A calf injury suffered last month raised the possibility that the
2019 Ballon d'Or winner might miss out, though Rapinoe insisted she
is not concerned about whether she will be ready for the start of
the tournament.
"Not amazing timing, but you know, such is life of an athlete," said
Rapinoe, who has swapped her trademark pink hair from the 2019
tournament for a vivid blue this time around.
Andonovski, who previously coached Rapinoe in the National Women's
Soccer League (NWSL), said after naming his 23-player squad that he
expected her to have minutes in the team's July 9 sendoff game.
He pointed to her strong season with OL Reign - during which she
became only the fourth player in the top-flight American league to
record three assists in a match - as evidence of what she can bring
to the national team.
"I can't believe we're back at the World Cup again," Rapinoe told
reporters.
"It never gets old. There's always something incredibly special
about being able to compete at the very highest level against the
very highest level and try to go out there and do your thing."
(Reporting by Amy Tennery in New York; Editing by Toby Davis)
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