The United States is a slight favorite to defend its world championship in the tournament that begins Friday, but with the host team overdue for a trophy and several programs making notable gains, this World Cup promises to be the most competitive ever.
An unfortunate draw placed the United States (which will open play in Group F) and France (Group A) on a collision course in the quarterfinals. Germany (Group B) has reemerged as a championship threat, while Australia (Group C) and the Netherlands (Group E) have the personnel and ambition to go a long way. In superstar Marta’s last bid for the world title, is Brazil (Group C) a group-stage bust or a serious contender?