According to Sundhage, there are many strong countries fighting for this summer’s WC gold. Among other things, her Brazil.
— I really believe that the ten highest-ranked teams, which we are, have a chance to go all the way.
In addition, she highlights Canada as a contender for the gold.
— They won Olympic gold (2021), despite being at a disadvantage. If you don’t have any injuries, you have a good team, you gain confidence by winning and having a bit of luck. Any one of them (countries mentioned) can win the gold.
Brazil plays in Group F together with France – the team that just knocked Brazil out four years ago. Jamaica and Panama also play in the same group.
According to Sundhage, Brazil’s supporters will judge her by what happens in the World Cup. Sundhage took the job in Brazil in 2019, her contract expires after the 2024 Olympics in Paris, and she trusts that she is on the right track.
— I am on a fantastic journey towards the WC. Then another fantastic journey towards the Olympics in France. What happens after that I have no idea. The important thing is that I am here, she says.
On the merit list as national team captain, Sundhage has, among other things, double Olympic gold with the USA, an Olympic silver with Sweden and a World Cup silver with the USA. So far she has not won any WC gold.
The World Cup is decided July 20–August 20.