Rapinoe Hopes To Bow Out On Top Of The World
US women's soccer legend Megan Rapinoe is preparing for another World Cup appearance Down Under, but she's hoping to be on top of the world by the end of the tournament. The 38-year-old midfielder has announced that this will be the last time she will be seen in the US jersey, as she plans to bring an end to her glittering career after 200 appearances for her country.
American Legend
The USA are defending champions in the 2023 World Cup, and currently lead in the outright football betting markets at a price of 23/10. They'll be counting on another strong performance from Rapinoe after her heroics of four years ago.
The Netherlands, who are available at a price of 22/1 in the Women's World Cup bet options, were seen off by the US in the final of France 2019, with Rapinoe on target and named the player of the match. She may be on the cusp of retirement, but Rapinoe still has a huge part to play in her team's attempt to win their third tournament in a row, and fifth in total.
As one of the most recognisable female athletes in the States, Rapinoe has enjoyed one of the greatest careers of any sports star the world over. Well-travelled after playing stints in Australia, France, and her home country, Rapinoe has garnered respect from players and coaches the world over, as well as collecting a huge following among fans.
200 USWNT appearances for Megan Rapinoe:
— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 22, 2023
▫️ Two World Cups, going for a third
Olympic gold medalist
▫️ 63 goals
▫️ 73 assists
pic.twitter.com/gkRJGrccMq
World Cup Wonder Woman
Amazingly, this will be the fourth time that Rapinoe will be appearing at a World Cup tournament. What is even more impressive is the fact that in the previous three competitions, she has been part of the winning team twice, with the other ending with a runner-up performance.
Not only has the veteran been part of the dominant US Women's National team, but she has also played a huge part in the success. For example, she finished the 2019 tournament with four goals, including a crucial penalty in the final which helped her team to a 2-0 victory over the Netherlands.
To appear at four consecutive World Cup finals, and to win two so far, is a rare achievement for any soccer player whether it be men or women. Having a successful career for such a length of time is a testament to her skill and professionalism, and is unlikely to be seen again for quite some time.
Who Could Spoil The Party?
It is no surprise to see the USA as favourites to lift the trophy once again in Australia and New Zealand, but tournament football is never as straightforward as it may seem. Rapinoe and her teammates should have no trouble qualifying from their group which includes, the Netherlands, Portugal and Vietnam, it will be the knockout stages that will be a real test for Team USA.
The European champions, England, the host nation, Australia, and the likes of Spain, Germany, and France, will be no pushovers, but if the US perform to their highest level, Megan Rapinoe will likely bring down the curtain on her fairytale career with another win o the biggest stage of them all.