USA’s Sauerbrunn pens open letter to New Zealand ahead of World Cup

• USWNT's Sauerbrunn writes open letter ahead of World Cup
• Captain praises nation for commitment to gender equality

The captain of the US women's national team, Becky Sauerbrunn, has written an open letter to Kiwis in which she praises New Zealand for its commitment to gender equality and women's rights, saying there could not be a more fitting host for our base camp during the first round" of the Women's World Cup later this year.

Sauerbrunn's letter was published Tuesday by the New Zealand media organization Stuff. She said the World Cup from 20 July to 20 August in New Zealand and Australia will not only showcase the supreme talent and skill of the world's best female soccer players but will also demonstrate the value of empowerment and the growth of the women's game.