Wantagh relishes World Cup win

A day after the 239th birthday of America, the United States Women’s National Team played in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Final. Earning a spot in the final was no easy feat for the 23 ladies from the United States.

The U.S. survived the group stage where they were placed in the “Group of Death.” The format of the World Cup began with a group stage followed by a knockout round. As the second-ranked team in the tournament behind Germany, the United States was placed in a group with friendly foe Sweden, as well as Australia and Nigeria.

As expected, America’s team made its way out of the group stage, with little scare besides a 0-0 draw against Sweden. The United States continued to roll through its following opponents — Colombia in the round of 16, China in the quarterfinals, and Germany in the semifinals. The hard work and belief culminated in a meeting with Japan in the finals, a 5-2 win on Sunday.

Wantagh soccer players were thrilled by the victory. “It will boost the popularity of women’s professional soccer going forward, and hopefully gain the recognition women’s soccer deserves,” said Shannon Kingston, a recent Wantagh High School graduate who played varsity soccer for the Warriors and will continue on with the sport at Georgian Court University in New Jersey.

“With the win, soccer in the United States will gain more followers and more people will become interested in soccer,” said Charlie Mazzer, a sophomore defender on the Wantagh High School soccer team. “It seems to me that more young children of America are choosing soccer over American football or baseball. Soccer is a great sport and is getting the respect it finally deserves.”

“I felt great after the win and I am very proud of the team,” said Liam Ireland, a sophomore soccer player in Wantagh. “The impact of the win is huge for soccer in America. I believe that many young kids who watched this game will develop a new passion for soccer.”

In 2011, the Japanese National Team defeated the United States National Team by a score of 2(3)-2(1) in a thrilling match that ended in penalty kicks. Seeking revenge for their loss in the 2011 final, 12 players from the current roster were members of the 2011 campaign.