(Reuters) - United States goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher has big boots to fill at the Women's World Cup as she belatedly earns a chance to be the leading lady on the biggest stage after graduating from her previous role as understudy. Naeher was on the bench at the 2015 World Cup and 2016 Olympics when the larger-than-life Hope Solo was the custodian in goal for the Americans. Nearly three years later the 31-year-old Chicago Red Stars player is poised to finally play in a World Cup instead of looking on from the bench. "There's one difference this World Cup team has, the U.S.A., that no other team previously has had, and that's a question mark at the goalkeeper position," Scurry said at a reunion for former national team players in New York City. The U.S. open their World Cup campaign against Thailand next Tuesday in Group F, which also comprises Sweden and Chile.

Source: The Star June 05, 2019 15:22 UTC