Four-time Olympic champions United States have put their disastrous campaign at the Women’s World Cup behind them, captain Lindsey Horan said Monday, as young talent is eager to take the podium in Paris.
The Americans settled for bronze at the COVID-delayed Tokyo Games three years ago and last captured gold in 2012.
This time, their honour is at stake after their worst performance at last year’s Women’s World Cup, when they were knocked out in the round of 16.
“After the World Cup we really bounced back,” Horan told reporters in New York.
“You look at the young players coming in, the leaders in this team, you know, just (a) great mix of what we have. I think what you’re going to see and what’s in store for us is incredible.”
The team will face a lot of new faces, as only eight members of the Tokyo team will travel to Paris, out of the 18 players competing in the Olympics.
The biggest change of all is new coach Emma Hayes, the hugely successful former Chelsea manager who only appeared on the American touchline last month with a pledge not to change the ‘American DNA’.
“We are fully prepared to go into this tournament despite the short preparation time,” said Hayes.
“A lot of that work has been done over the past year. We looked back at the World Cup and then we put the selection together bit by bit, over the course of the year. A lot has been done already.”
The U.S. women’s national team begins its Olympic campaign on July 25 against Group B opponent Zambia.
