99ers Captain Carla Overbeck Proud Of Current United States Womens National Team
PASADENA, : Carla Overbeck (C) holds up the World Cup trophy along with the rest of the US team ... [+]
AFP via Getty ImagesTwo-time World Cup winner and captain of the legendary 99ers team Carla Overbeck has told me she is proud of the way the current generation of United States team stand up for what they believe in, just like her generation did.
The United States are currently without a nominated captain after an injury to Becky Sauerbraun forced her to pull out of the squad travelling to New Zealand to begin the defence of the Women's World Cup trophy which they have won four times in eight editions.
Earlier this week, the three players in contention to lead the world champions - Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan and Lindsey Horan - used every opportunity they were given during a media day to speak out about the injustices that continue to plague the women's game around the world.
CARSON, CA - JUNE 27: Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan and Lindsey Horan of the United States talk to the ... [+]
Getty Images for USSFFour years after successfully defending their world title against a backdrop of an equal pay dispute with their federation and criticism from then United States President Donald Trump ringing in their ears, Rapinoe denied the team were no longer playing with something to prove, on what she described as "a razor's edge."
MORE FOR YOU
"This is not a team that does any sort of resting on its laurels, it's always about the next game, the next part of progress we can make, the next thing we can fight for, where we can use our platform and how we can continue to be, on the field, the absolute best team we possibly can."
Speaking to me from her home in North Carolina, the former captain Overbeck told me, "I'm really proud of them because they continued the legacy and they're really strong women who I believe fight for what they think is right. They know they have a responsibility to continue to grow our game globally. What they're really passionate about, they fight for. That's what we did a long time ago. I'm really excited that they are continuing that fight."
Overbeck was part of the first United States World Cup squad in 1991 which travelled to China for the inaugural FIFA-recognized global tournament. Such was the uncertainty of its success, it was not even given the official title of 'World Cup', instead labelled the '1st FIFA World Championship for Women's Football for the M&Ms Cup'.
Then known as Carla Werden, Overbeck played sweeper as Anson Dorrance's team playing a revolutionary 3-4-3 formation barnstormed their way to a first global title with over half a million people attending the 26 matches. Overbeck lifted the M&Ms Cup (since replaced by the FIFA Women's World Cup trophy) not knowing if there would be a second championship four years later.
The American girls pose on November 24, 1991, in Guangzhou stadium at first FIFA World Championship ... [+]
AFP via Getty Images"You were hopeful right?" she told me. "We went to China and had never played in front of crowds like that. So, for us we thought this is incredible how this game worldwide; people get excited about it and they come to watch women play football."
"We were hopeful that after the success of the 1991 World Cup, that would happen in 1995 and every four years. We wanted it to continue to grow and be more successful each tournament."
Like many of the 1991 team, prior to the tournament Overbeck had been playing college soccer at the University of North Carolina. Her time at the Tar Heels overlapped with that of the current England women's national team coach Sarina Wiegman, the winner of the last two UEFA Women's Euros and three-times voted as The Best Women's Coach in the world.
Overbeck was a guest at the Women's FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium last month but did not get to meet her former team-mate in London. "I talked to her on the phone, which was great, it's always great to catch up with her. She's doing incredibly well."
"I just remember her at North Carolina as this little midfielder that was so technical. You couldn't get the ball from her. She came all the way from the Netherlands and made a huge impact on our college team. I was just happy to be her team-mate."
"She was kind, I remember she would have us over for dinner to her house. She would cook Dutch meals. She was just a really good person and obviously an amazing player and now she's doing incredible things."
SAN DIEGO, CA - MARCH 18: Carla Overbeck presents the Carla Overbeck Leadership Award at the U.S. ... [+]
Getty ImagesNow 55, Overbeck continues to coach the women's soccer team at Duke University and last August US Soccer unveiled the Carla Overbeck Leadership Award, a role which means she is still involved with the current national team players. "I just did something with a few of them just a few weeks ago," she told me. "They're very gracious and they thank us for what we have done."
"What would I say to them? I'd tell them just to continue to be good people and I would reiterate just what a great job they're doing and how proud I am. Continue to do that and fight for issues you think are right. You have this platform - equal pay, equality - I'm really proud that they have done so many things to contribute to the successes of those."
View the rest of the story here
Comments
Post a Comment