Wambach ready to do what it takes for World Cup glory

Abby Wambach insists she doesn't care if she's on the bench or on the pitch come Sunday, all she wants when the final whistle blows is that the United States have one goal more than Japan in the Women's World Cup final.

The 35-year-old forward, the United States' all-time top scorer in men's or women's football, has been the star of the American female game for nearly 15 years.

She won her first cap in September 2001 and since then has scored 183 goals in 248 appearances for the 'Stars and Stripes'.

But one date remains engraved in her memory - July 17, 2011.

"Why is that day special?" she asks. "It was the World Cup final and we lost it. Don't forget it.

"It's constantly in our minds."

She has won two Olympic gold medals and was named FIFA Women's World Player of the Year in 2012.

In May this year Time Magazine listed her among the 100 most influential people in the world.

But none of this can erase the painful defeat on penalties to Japan in Frankfurt four years ago.
Wambach had put her side ahead early in extra-time with the scores locked 1-1 after 90 minutes, only for Japan captain Homare Sawa to score with a header in the 117th minute.

In the final penalty shoot-out Wambach was the only US player to score from the spot as Shannon Boxx, Tobin Heath and Carli Lloyd missed.

All are back with the US team, and all are determined to win in Vancouver's BC Place Stadium on Sunday.

"There's no more heartbreak because we've done everything we can now," said Wambach.

"I'm ready to help my team in this game in any capacity.

"If it means coming off the bench, staying on the bench, all I want when the final whistle blows is that we have one more goal than them.

"Defeat is not an option."

Her teammates are not short of motivation but winning for Wambach is one of them.
"Knowing this is most likely her last go obviously it's very important to her," said Alex Morgan.

"She basically has the best resume that any player could ask for apart from she hasn't got a world title."

"She's a tremendous leader and she's awesome to be around," said Lloyd. "She doesn't give herself a lot of credit, but she reads the game very well."

Midfielder Megan Rapinoe added: "Abby is a legend. She deserves that we send her off with a world title."

Wambach helped the USA to a third-place finish at the 2003 World Cup, and again in 2007, before the runners-up spot in 2011.

The USA last won the title in 1999, also winning the first edition of the tournament in 1991.

Despite being largely a substitute she has played a key role, scoring a 14th World Cup goal against Nigeria, just one shy of the record of Brazil's Marta, with a wonderful volley.

She missed a penalty in the following game against Colombia.

- 'team player' -

In the past two games she has played just fifteen minutes but coach Jill Ellis prefers to talk about "players who change the course of a match".

"Abby from the first day chose to win the World Cup and to do everything necessary for that. She's an example for all this team," said Ellis.

"She embodies a lot of the spirit of this team and our programme.
"Her leadership is tremendous. Her spirit is fantastic."
Wambach said: "Of course I want to play, even more because being on the bench is stressful.

"But you know what? I know I've gotten a bit older and my teammates are as good as me and maybe better than me in certain aspects.

"I always considered it as a team sport. And your role can be to take a penalty kick or to go talk to a teammate who isn't feeling well. That's what I am. A team player."

"I want it for people like (Christie) Rampone, Shannon, Heath. It's humbling to hear that they want it for me, but guess what? Carli Lloyd has had a great tournament.

"(Alex) Morgan I'm expecting her to do good. We have to stick to our game plan, it's business as usual."

A win would give the US an unmatched third world title.

"That is what I want my legacy to be," said Wambach.

"A world Cup champion. If I do it I might just give you all a kiss on the mouth - don't tell my wife."
Source: AFP