Wait is over for defending champion U.S.

REIMS, FRANCE» Thailand can dream. It just might not do any good against the U.S. national team.

Thailand kicks off the Women’s World Cup on Tuesday with a daunting challenge against the defending champion United States. The top-ranked Americans are seeking their fourth overall World Cup title, and coach Thailand coach Nuengruethai Sathongwien said the team is not backing down.

“I think if the dream comes true, we can make history to upset one of the best teams in the world,” Sathongwien said. “And it means Thailand can play with the best teams in the world.”

The Thais are ranked No. 34 in the world but in its 2015 World Cup debut the team finished third in its group with a first win on the sport’s biggest stage, a 3-2 victory over Ivory Coast.

Games against top opponents give Thailand an opportunity to see how the team is progressing, with a goal of growing the game back home.

“We are here in the 24-team final, that is our success, and to play one of the best teams in the world, that is also a success,” Sathongwien said.

For the United States, success will be another star above its crest.

The Americans charged through Canada four years ago to the final, beating Japan 5-2 to raise the trophy. Carli Lloyd scored three goals in title game’s first 16 minutes.

The United States is also celebrating the 20-year anniversary of the 1999 team that memorably won the title on home soil, downing China on penalties after a scoreless draw at the Rose Bowl. The ’99ers, as they are known, were credited with raising the women’s game in the United States.