The main story of the 2019 NWSL season centers around the absence and return of players due to the World Cup and how each team will fare in the process. This narrative rings especially true for the Thorns, who have nine players, representing four countries, in France this summer. Here’s what you need to know about those countries:
Australia (Group C)
A team with a talented and experienced core group of players, Australia will be one of the most exciting teams to watch in this World Cup. The Matildas have embraced the long-term model of building a team by focusing on the development of youth players, and now they look to reap the rewards of their system.