Fans back USWNT to win the Women’s World Cup in official poll

Two-time World Cup champions will clash with heavyweights Germany in the semi-finals of the 2015 edition, being held in Canada.

Ranked 2nd and 1st in the world respectively, the two powerhouses of women’s football will meet for the third time in this competition’s history, with USWNT boasting a better track record, winning twice, though losing the last affair in 2003.

Alex Morgan and Co. can, however, take pride in the fact that they boast the largest fan base of the remaining four teams in the tournament. In a poll on the FIFA Women’s World Cup’s official Facebook page, fans backed Jill Ellis’ crew as favorites to swoop up the trophy.

Out of the 2604 votes, as of Tuesday morning, 1,227 people voted for the USA to clinch the ultimate prize, meaning just over 47% of the voters backed the 2012 Olympic Gold medalists to win it all.

704 voted for their opponents this Tuesday, making them second in the poll with 27% of the votes. Defending champions Japan came in third with 387 votes (14.8%), with England coming in dead last with 286 (10.98%).

This could give USA the little boost they need to overcome Germany at Montreal’s Olympic Stadium, but they should be wary of their opponents. They are number one in the world for a reason.

With Die Nationalelf’s star players, this was something popular women’s striker Alex Morgan reflected in a recent interview with FIFA.com, admitting her team must nullify Germany in order to make the final.

“The two best teams in the world are coming face to face,” said the Portland Thorns ace. “It’s virtually a final. Germany are a great side. We’ve watched nearly all of their games, and they’re very strong in defence and dangerous in the air and with the ball at their feet.

“We need to watch out for the knockdowns too and for Celia Sasic and Anja Mittag, who are both a big threat up front.”