Christie Rampone, "U.S. is ready!"
FG spoke with U.S. captain, Christie Rampone after the final practice before the U.S. takes on Norway in their opening group match.
Is the team prepared for Norway?
Yeah, we’re ready. We’ve had seven months of preparation and I think everyone’s definitely ready. The last couple days of practice, the energy has been good. We’ve been kind of waiting around and we are ready to go.
Has the team had time to tactically adjust to the loss of Abby?
I think so. The good thing about Pia is that we’ve changed our formation so much throughout the year and players have been playing in different positions. It’s made it easier to adjust.
Emotionally?
It was definitely tough when it happened. Abby was great in the way that she reacted to her injury and not being able to play. That definitely helped the team realize that we can do it. We’ve lost three players this year and each time we’ve bounced back. They’re big losses, three veteran players, but at the same time we have to move on and we have to do the best we can. It is really important with those three gone that everyone has to step up their role, leadership wise and on the field.
Any predications on who is going to step up and fill the gap?
Hopefully, each one of us by the time the tournament is over. We can’t ask for one player to play that role for Abby. I think we all have to be her. We all have to step up and be more vocal and play better. I think you are going to see everybody shine.
This is your first major event as captain. Are you enjoying the role?
I’m excited. It’s been fun. We’ve been here 12 days now and it’s easy with this team. The energy is good and everyone is excited. They’re just ready. I feel like we’re a family right now and everyone is behind each other so it’s making my role easier. I don’t have to do too much, just make sure everyone is in the right frame of mind and they’re focused and just making sure they believe we can do it.
Is it added pressure on you?
I don’t think any added pressure, just making sure everyone is ready and prepared. I have little individual talks with players to make sure they know I believe in them and the team believes in them. That’s the only way you win big tournaments. I’ve shared my experience of when we’ve won and it’s been when we’ve struggled a bit.
Have family and friends started arriving yet?
Tash’s family arrived today and there are lots of people coming in late tonight and tomorrow. We’re all excited for that.
When does Rylie get in?
Rylie comes in tomorrow. She gets into Beijing at 9:00 tonight and I’ll get to see her on game day.
How are the conditions?
I’m glad we came over early because it is definitely hot over here and humid. We’re losing a lot of weight in practice and we’ve got to get it back. We’re realizing how much we have to hydrate here to be prepared for the games. We’ve been losing a lot of weight. It is really hot.
Not being in Beijing and the Olympic Village does it feel like you’re at the Olympics?
Everywhere you go there are Olympic signs. Our hotel is kind of a mini-Olympic village for football. There are eight teams here so you’ve got some of the feel. It’s not quite the same as the Olympic Village but it’s good enough for the start.
How is it different from the World Cup?
For players, you grow up dreaming of being in the Olympics. You watch the sports. You cheer for the United States. The Olympic rings are everywhere so you are reminded every day of why you’re here; you’re playing for your country. That energy has really connected with this team. We understand the stage we’re going to be on and that we’re doing it for our country.
What would you say the mood of the team is right now?
I think excited. Excited and ready. We’re just ready go.
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