Putellas, Alexia

For Sweden, the Right Way to Play Is the One That Wins

The World Cup semifinal between Spain and Sweden will be a battle of styles, of passing versus pragmatism. Opponents discount the latter at their peril.

By Rory Smith

Kerr, Samantha (1993- ) Putellas, Alexia Soccer United States Women's National Soccer Team Women's World Cup (Soccer)

At the World Cup, the Field Thins and the Contenders Expand

After 48 games, half of the teams have been sent home. And yet it feels as if the field of potential winners is bigger than it was at the start.

By Rory Smith

Bonmati, Aitana Putellas, Alexia Rubiales, Luis Soccer Vilda, Jorge (1981- ) Women's World Cup (Soccer)

Spain’s Team Went to War. At the World Cup, It Has to Win the Peace.

A failed rebellion against Coach Jorge Vilda ended with a dozen players dropped for the Women’s World Cup. Those who remain might be good enough to win it.

By Rory Smith

Kerr, Samantha (1993- ) Putellas, Alexia Renard, Wendie Soccer United States Women's National Soccer Team Vieira da Silva, Marta Women's World Cup (Soccer)

Women’s World Cup Contenders

As the Women’s World Cup has expanded, so, too, has the group of nations with the firm belief that they can win it.

By Rory Smith