How USA Won the World Cup

The Americans found their way to a record third Women’s World Cup title Sunday, casting Japan aside, 5-2, and facing more adversity in the earlier stages of the tournament. How did they do it? According to the Guardian, here are some key factors in the US’s remarkable victory. The Americans faked Japan out with low, driven corner kicks to players’ feet, rather than their heads. It seemed like a counterintuitive choice – until it worked. Twice. Also, The US went into Sunday’s final with 513 minutes without conceding a goal. However, In 2011, the Americans conceded five in their three games heading into the final against Japan, which they lost.