Striker Alex Morgan of the United States of America Women’s Soccer Team (USWNT) has observed that several elements have contributed to the growth of women’s football globally.
The US is in Group B and will be going up against Zambia, Germany, and Australia. The latter two teams are in the top 15 of the latest FIFA Women’s World Rankings.
Morgan burst onto the scene at the 2011 World Cup in Germany and ranks in the top 10 in USWNT history with 123 goals and 53 assists in 223 appearances.
Morgan has stated that the presence of leagues in many countries has helped teams get stronger and more competitive.
The 2019 Ballon d’Or Feminin winner is of the thought that having many leagues helps players stay fit and ready for major events such as the Paris 2024 Olympics.
“There are so many leagues in every country and opportunities to play year-round for female soccer players,” she told NBC Olympics.
“Just take the NWSL; for example, now that salaries are higher, our league is around nine months from start to finish, which is the longest it’s ever been. So, I feel like that stability helps with fitness, being informed, and readiness for those major tournaments, and we’re seeing those leagues all around the world now.”
The former Tottenham striker believes that the growth has also helped players extend their playing time with the club and national team, thus increasing experience and competition.
“You’re seeing players play now until they’re 35 to 40 years old, and that’s only increasing the competition and the quality of teams around the world. I think you’re going to see that this summer with the Olympics, although there’s only 12 teams, those teams fought hard to get into the Olympics.”
US to face Copper Queens in Olympics opener.
Morgan said her team will find out early if they still have what it takes to compete against some of the best teams across the world.
The four-time winners will start their campaign against the Copper Queens on July 25, one day before the Opening Ceremony.
Morgan notes that the Stars and Stripes have not been as fierce as in the previous major competitions.
“I always want to play against good competition because opposing players and teams challenge me and the team to show up and be our best on that given day,” the San Diego Wave forward said.
READ ALSO: Copper Queens hit highest point total in latest FIFA ranking.
“If we’re not at our best, we could be beaten, and we’ve seen that in recent years. We haven’t turned up as the best team in the last Olympics or the last World Cup. We want to get back to our winning ways, but we know the competition is bigger than ever. I love to see that, but it also puts the pressure back on us to be able to increase our level of play as well.”
