The United States has named its final squad for the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup in Germany later this month. The USA had an usual qualifying route for this World Cup, as it didn't win the 2010 CONCACAF Gold Cup or even play in the finals. After losing to Mexico 2-1 in the semifinal of the tournament, the U.S. had to beat Italy in a playoff to make the field of 16 teams participating in Germany.

At an average age of 27.09 years old, the USA will be bringing the oldest team to Germany for the World Cup. The No. 1-ranked team in the world will be counting on defender and captain Christie Rampone's extensive experience (228 caps) to guide them to the final match of the World Cup for the first time since 1999. Rampone was on the 1999 World Cup winning team for the United States.

The USA will play in Group C at the World Cup against Colombia, North Korea and Sweden. The United States will play a rematch of a group stage game from 2007 against North Korea on June 28. The USA will then play Colombia on July 2 and another 2007 World Cup group stage rematch against Sweden on July 6.

The United States is obviously the favorite to win Group A. After perhaps underestimating the North Koreans and leaving the match with a 2-2 draw in 2007, I think our side will be more focused on June 28. The USA, as always, has the talent to go undefeated in group play. However, the Americans have had some disappointing results in 2011, including a 2-1 loss to group-mate Sweden. I don't think the United States is playing good enough soccer right now to beat Germany or Brazil, but I hope I'm wrong about that.

Here's the complete United States 2011 World Cup roster (current team in brackets):

Goalkeepers: Hope Solo (magicJack), Nicole Barnhart (Philadelphia Independence), Jill Loyden (magicJack)

Defenders: Heather Mitts (Atlanta Beat), Christie Rampone (magicJack), Becky Sauerbrunn (magicJack), Amy LePeilbet (Boston Breakers), Alex Krieger (unattached), Stephanie Cox (Boston Breakers), Rachel Buehler (Boston Breakers)

Midfielders: Kelley O'Hara (Boston Breakers), Shannon Boxx (magicJack), Heather O'Reilly (Sky Blue), Carli Lloyd (Atlanta Beat), Megan Rapinoe (Philadelphia Independence), Lori Lindsey (Philadelphia Independence), Tobin Heath (Sky Blue)

Forwards: Amy Rodriguez (Philadelphia Independence), Lauren Cheney (Boston Breakers), Alex Morgan (Western New York Flash), Abby Wambach (magicJack)

As an American soccer fan, I'm counting down the days until the USA begins play in the World Cup. I think it's going to be a really fun tournament to watch.

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