Women's World Cup: Team USA, Families Cheered on by Presidential Delegation

FRANKFURT, Germany, July 17, 2011— -- As Team U.S.A. geared itself up for the Women's World Cup championship, the hype was already beginning this afternoon for family members and supporters.

Families of the U.S. women's national team were greeted by members of a presidential delegation led by Dr. Jill Biden.

As resounding cheers for the ladies in cleats filled the main room of the U.S. Counsel General's home, revelers felt the anticipation and excitement hours before the final game between the United States and Japan.

"It's like, what a day," said Judy Wambach, proud mother of team forward Abby Wambach. "It's a wonderful way to spend some time. Otherwise we'd be a wreck."

Abby Wambach has scored some major goals in this tournament, including clinching the game-winner earlier this week in semi-finals against France.

However, high stakes are not only in mind for this team as they hope for their third straight world title win; Japan is sure to bring the heat, as well.

Japan is only the second Asian team to reach the Women's World Cup final, and their rise to a No. 4 ranking has come unexpected.

"I think that Japan is a very good team," Judy Wambach said. "I think it'll probably go down to the wire."

But it wasn't just an afternoon reserved for nerves.

As families celebrated the victory thus far for USA, they were also acknowledged by the delegation for their efforts and contributions to the team's success.

"Behind every athlete is a network of people and communities supporting them, cheering them, and driving them to practices and games," said Biden, a former soccer mom. "So thank you for all you do."

Chelsea Clinton told the crowd about her family's love for the game, and appreciation of true athleticism.

"In my family we really believe that life is a team sport," she said. "And you all being here today is the greatest testament to that quintessential American ethos."

The U.S. delegation also included Phillip D. Murphy, the ambassador to Germany, and Carin Jennigs-Gabarra, former member of the women's national team.

As they chatted with families in the room decked in red, white and blue the resounding theme of a hopeful win could be heard from everyone's lips.

And though it was a bit too early to tell who could take the cup in the final, Judy Wambach said she could already predict a nail-biter.

"I'll need a manicure after this," she laughed.