U.S. goalkeeper Naeher has big boots to fill at World Cup

FILE PHOTO: May 24, 2019; New York, NY, USA; Alyssa Naeher answers questions during the U.S. Women's National Team World Cup media day at Twitter NYC. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports

(Reuters) - United States goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher has big boots to fill at the Women's World Cup as she belatedly earns a chance to be the leading lady on the biggest stage after graduating from her previous role as understudy.

Naeher was on the bench at the 2015 World Cup and 2016 Olympics when the larger-than-life Hope Solo was the custodian in goal for the Americans.