Sundhage says more changes were needed because the Americans nearly missed qualifying for this year's World Cup. They were beaten by Mexico in regional qualifying, 2-1, failing to gain an automatic berth. They had to survive a tight two-game playoff with Italy to earn their spot in Germany.

"If we can deal with that pressure, which we did against Italy - and that was amazing - and we came out stronger after those games," added Sundhage. "And the other thing is I think it is so important to look at whatever the game teaches us. So I look back and there are a lot of chances to bring up certain things and tell the team, 'You know what, we made it.' And I think that's a good feeling."

Coach Sundhage says it was difficult selecting the 21 players who will represent the United States at next month's tournament in Germany. Twelve have no World Cup experience. And only one, captain Christie Rampone, a defender, played on the 1999 U.S. team that won the World Cup.

Star forward Abby Wambach, who missed the Beijing Olympics with a broken leg, is expected to lead the offense.

"It's not going to be easy," said Wambach. "It's going to be the most difficult world championship to win - World Cup or Olympics - and I'm excited to get started. It's going to be an amazing tournament. But what is it going to take? It's going to take some guts. It's going to take some luck. It's going to take some skill, some goals, some defending. You have to do everything."

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