Hell. Yes. After a blowout win against Germany Tuesday night, America is heading to the finals of the Women's World Cup. The U.S. is one of the most dominant countries in the sport, but you might not have known that: Soccer is barely noticed in the States, and women's soccer gets ignored even more. But here's why you absolutely have to watch Sunday's finals.
1. Team USA breaks records.
This is the fourth time the U.S. has made it into the finals, and that's a world record. And if they win against England or Japan, they will have won a world record third trophy, on top of four Olympic gold medals. They just beat the number-one ranked team in the world, so they have a great shot at making history.
2. You will be mesmerized by Abby Wambach's skills.
Check out this insane goal she made during a 2011 match against Brazil. Or just Google "Abby Wambach insane goal" and lose an entire afternoon.
3. The team is fighting for equal rights.
For some reason, all female players at this year's World Cup have to play on artificial turf, not natural grass. And that not only changes the way the ball bounces but creates a potential for players to get injured. Guess who doesn't have that problem? The men. Team USA's Abby Wambach, along with players from various other countries, sued FIFA for that injustice. She told NBC News that it's a "gender issue through and through." Here's how that gender issue affected teammate Sydney Leroux back in 2013. Ouch.
This is why soccer should be played on grass! pic.twitter.com/fsNGi27oRYApril 15, 2013
4. They shrug off haters in the best way possible.
Leroux doesn't just have to deal with banged-up legs. She also has to deal with sexists. The forward has been criticized for wearing false eyelashes on the field. And though she has never even claimed to wear them, people give her all sorts of crap for daring to look nice while playing a sport. (Tell that to David Beckham or Cristiano Ronaldo, and see how it goes.) She seems to give zero fucks though, and even posts hilarious Instagram videos about ridiculous makeup tutorials:
A post shared by Sydney Leroux (@sydneyleroux)
A photo posted by on
5. They're about to be immortalized in a big way.
For the first time, women will be included in the insanely popular FIFA video game series. American players suited up in motion-capture outfits to showcase their skills, and now you can live vicariously through their video game avatars.
6. It's the first big moment since soccer's massive scandal.
In case you missed it, FIFA, the governing body of world soccer, has been under a blockbuster investigation for alleged racketeering and bribery, especially around the locations for the men's World Cups in 2018 and 2022. FIFA chief Sepp Blatter, who says he'll resign once they find a replacement, says he won't be at the women's match because of "personal reasons." So this match really represents a new chapter in the history of the sport, which has huge effects around the world. It's a news event as much as it is a sports event.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
7. There's a chance for the perfect Independence Day victory.
If England beats Japan to make it to the finals, the U.S. will face off against the Brits the day after the Fourth of July. How amazing would that be?
Megan Friedman is the former managing editor of the Newsroom at Hearst. She's worked at NBC and Time, and is a graduate of Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism.
-
All the Easter Eggs and Name Drops on Taylor Swift's 'The Tortured Poets Department,' Explained
Digging through the fan theories so you don't have to.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
This Week's Best On-Sale Picks Include a Tory Burch Bag and Pretty Silver Ballet Flats
Warm weather is finally here—it's time to dress like it.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
A Sporty It-Sneaker Era Is About to Begin
Nike's next Air models are designed for Olympic athletes, but they'll soon be all over street style.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Flag Football Star Diana Flores on the Collective Power of Women's Sports
"I bet if you see a female athlete succeed, you're going to cheer with her."
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
The Best Bollywood Movies of 2023 (So Far)
Including one that just might fill the Riverdale-shaped hole in your heart.
By Andrea Park Published
-
‘Bachelor in Paradise’ 2023: Everything We Know
Cue up Mike Reno and Ann Wilson’s “Almost Paradise."
By Andrea Park Last updated
-
Who Is Gerry Turner, the ‘Golden Bachelor’?
The Indiana native is the first senior citizen to join Bachelor Nation.
By Andrea Park Last updated
-
‘Virgin River’ Season 6: Everything We Know
Here's everything we know on the upcoming episodes.
By Andrea Park Last updated
-
The 60 Best Musical Movies of All Time
All the dance numbers! All the show tunes!
By Amanda Mitchell Last updated
-
'Ginny & Georgia' Season 2: Everything We Know
Netflix owes us answers after that ending.
By Zoe Guy Last updated
-
35 Nude Movies With Porn-Level Nudity
Lots of steamy nudity ahead.
By Kayleigh Roberts Last updated