da roleta: There are plenty of familiar faces still in the U.S. squad ahead of an upcoming rematch against their rivals from four years ago
da prosport bet: Just four years later, they meet again. In their second World Cup match, the United States women's national team will face the Netherlands, the team they beat in the 2019 final. From the moment that draw was announced, this was one many circled on their calendars, and rightfully so.
Since that day four years ago in France, the one where the U.S. claimed a second World Cup trophy in a row behind a 2-0 win, both teams have undergone change. On the U.S. side, Vlatko Andonovski now sits in the dugout, having ushered in a new era led by rising stars Sophia Smith, Naomi Girma and Trinity Rodman.
The old guard, though, is still very much involved. Seven of the USNWT's 11 starters from 2019 are still in the team, although several have taken on lesser roles. Megan Rapinoe, the Golden Ball winner four years ago, is a prime example, as the iconic winger has gracefully moved into a supersub role in what will be her final World Cup.
Several players from that team, though, are absent. Injuries have robbed a few 2019 champions of a chance to defend their title, while one of that team's iconic stars has settled into retired life.
Now, ahead of this rematch, GOAL looks back at the U.S. team that won it all four years ago and where all involved are now as the 2023 World Cup rolls on…
Please enable Javascript to view this contentGetty ImagesGK: Alyssa Naeher
One of several holdovers still with the team, Naeher is still the go-to starter heading into the 2023 rematch. The 35-year-old Chicago Red Stars goalkeeper now has 92 cpas with the USWNT as she looks to claim a third World Cup crown, having served as a backup in 2015.
AdvertisementGettyLB: Crystal Dunn
Another one still with the USWNT, Dunn is expected to start once again this time around. Perhaps controversially, she remains a key left-back for the USWNT, despite calls for Andonovski to push her up the field.
Shortly after the 2019 World Cup, Dunn earned her 100th cap and has since earned 33 more, making her the fourth-most capped player currently in the U.S. squad.
GettyCB: Becky Sauerbrunn
The USWNT's captain and leader, it's unfortunate that Sauerbrunn won't be around for this rematch. She looked set to lead the U.S. once again as they marched towards this World Cup, but an unfortunate injury knocked her out of contention. Alex Morgan and Lindsey Horan have been named co-captains in her absence, but her presence is sorely missed in central defense.
With 216 caps, four NWSL Defender of the Year awards, two World Cup trophies and two Olympic medals to her name, there's no doubt that Sauerbrunn is among the best defenders American soccer has ever produced.
CB: Abby Dahlkemper
Back in 2019, Dahlkemper started every game besides Sauerbrunn throughout that World Cup run. She was one of only two players to start every match of the tournament, joining Naeher, with Dahlkemper playing all but eight minutes in France.
In recent years, though, the defender has been plagued by injuries. She was announced as San Diego Wave's first signing back in 2021, but missed nearly all of the 2022 season due to injury. She underwent back surgery in November 2022 which has left her out of action.