Whisper it quietly — but could this be Canada’s year?
Team USA might have marched into the last-16 of the Women’s World Cup but it’s a near neighbor which is being tipped to go far in this year’s tournament by one former American star.
The host nation finished top of Group A after winning one and drawing two of its group stage games.
And Briana Scurry, who won the 1999 World Cup and two Olympic gold medals with the USA, says a Christine Sinclair-inspired Canada could spring a surprise.
“Christine is a wonderful player but she’s got a supporting cast around her now,” Scurry told CNN.
“I think they can be trouble for some teams. I’m not saying they’ll win the tournament but they’ll be very difficult to beat.”
Sinclair, who netted an injury-time penalty in the 1-0 win over China in the tournament opener, has impressed Scurry.
The 32-year-old has scored 154 goals in 226 international appearances and has become an iconic figure in the game since making her international debut as a 16-year-old.
And Scurry says with the home fans backing their team, Canada could yet end up going deep into the tournament.
“You can’t underestimate the power of having a home crowd behind you,” she added.
“Those players will have tens of thousands cheering them on.
“Those fans are eager and excited — they’ve never had an event like this in their own back yard and they’re well up for it.”
It was Sinclair who scored a hat-trick in the semifinal at the 2012 London Olympics when Canada went so close to defeating Team USA.
On that occasion, Alex Morgan headed home a dramatic winner deep into stoppage time of extra-time as the Americans secured a place in the final.
While the USA went on to defeat Japan 2-1 and secure the gold medal, Canada was left to ponder what might have been.
“That result hurt Canada because they were so close,” Scurry said.
“I think they still have a chip on their shoulder because they deserved better at the Olympics where they made a real splash.
“They’ll feel like they’re a real contender and I agree.”
While the hype surrounding Canada continues, the Americans are also aiming for glory.
An integral part of the USWNT which famously triumphed at the 1999 World Cup on home soil, Scurry believes this year’s crop playing in the 2015 tournament in Canada is one of the best in the business.
“When I was in the squad and we were winning the World Cup and Olympic Games we had a great squad — but it was only around 15 or 16 players deep,” the USWNT’s former goalkeeper said.
“Now they have 23 at the same level and could all start — that’s completely different to how it was when I was playing.”
The USWNT started its campaign with a 3-1 win over Australia courtesy of Megan Rapinoe’s double and Christen Press’ effort.
A frustrating goalless draw against Sweden followed before Abby Wambach’s strike earned a 1-0 win over Nigeria to ensure a place in the knockout phase.
Scully, a two-time gold medal winner with the U.S. also tipped midfielder Carli Lloyd and striker Press to shine at this year’s tournament.
Lloyd scored both goals in the 2012 Olympic final and Press is rated as one of the most exciting players on the roster.
“Carli is an unsung hero in that midfield,” Scurry added.
“When the goals were needed, Carli scored them.
“Christen’s another one to watch. Her finishing is insane and she’s deadly accurate. She can be up there with the most goals in the tournament if she gets going.”
