The hero in 2019, Megan Rapinoe handed new role in fourth World Cup

NEW YORK – The United States’ Megan Rapinoe will take on a different role in her fourth Women’s World Cup appearance, coach Vlatko Andonovski said on Wednesday, as he named his 23-player squad for the quadrennial tournament.

The pink-haired forward’s heroics led the US to a fourth title in 2019, as her larger-than-life persona also helped cement her as the biggest celebrity in American soccer, drawing legions of fans.

But, when the 2023 World Cup kicks off on July 20 in Australia and New Zealand, the 2019 Ballon d’Or winner may take a backseat to a new generation of talent.

“Rapinoe is probably going to have a different role than the last World Cup or the previous two World Cups,” Andonovski said.

“She certainly is going to have different types of minutes. But her leadership role is so important.”

The 2019 Golden Boot and Golden Ball winner turns 38 in July, some two decades older than the youngest member of the squad, 18-year-old forward Alyssa Thompson.

She became only the fourth National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) player to record three assists in a regular season game in May but has not been immune to challenges.

Rapinoe suffered a calf injury in June playing for her club OL Reign.

But Andonovski expects her to be ready in time to play for the Americans in their final warm-up match against Wales on July 9.

“Her performance on the field... is very valuable for us,” he added.

The NWSL’s 22-year-old Most Valuable Player Sophia Smith, who was 10 when Rapinoe competed at the 2011 tournament, is poised to have a major role up front at the World Cup.

But Smith still believes she has plenty to learn from the veterans.

“I’m excited to kind of take players like Alyssa under my wing and just go through this with her,” she said, referring to Thompson, who made her debut last October.

“But also, you know, look beside me and see players like (veteran forward Alex Morgan) and Rapinoe and ask questions and learn and know that I have so much room to grow.”

Morgan, like Rapinoe, will play in her fourth World Cup as the Americans bid for an unprecedented third consecutive title.

But the Americans are fielding one of their least experienced squads in recent memory, with 14 of the 23 players going to their first World Cup, compared to 11 in 2019 and seven in 2015.

Defender Naomi Girma, 23, earned a spot after bursting on to the scene in 2022 and the uncapped midfielder Savannah DeMelo, 25, was a surprise inclusion.

Up front, Andonovski has put his faith in Smith and Trinity Rodman, 21, along with Morgan, 33.

Only five players, Rapinoe, Morgan, midfielder Julie Ertz, defender Kelley O’Hara and goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher were part of the victorious squads of 2015 and 2019.

Off the pitch, the four-time champions hold a coveted place in American culture as crusaders for gender equality. In 2022, they resolved a lengthy dispute with their federation over equal pay.

US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden appeared in a celebrity-filled video unveiling the squad.

“From lifting trophies to fighting for gender equity, these women have been a source of inspiration to Americans of all ages – our family included,” Mr Biden said.

Pop star Taylor Swift announced Morgan’s name while four-time National Basketball Association champion Shaquille O’Neal congratulated Rodman, and Mikaela Shiffrin, the most successful Alpine World Cup skier, cheered for her fellow Coloradoan Smith.

“Colorado kids and World Cups? That sounds like a winning combo to me,” said Shiffrin.

The squad will, however, travel to the tournament without several key players due to injuries.

Leading scorer Mallory Swanson has a serious knee problem, while captain Becky Sauerbrunn said last week she would miss out due to injury and midfielders Catarina Macario and Sam Mewis were also ruled out.

The Americans begin their World Cup campaign on July 22 against debutants Vietnam. They also play the Netherlands, who were runners-up in 2019, and Portugal in Group E. REUTERS