Pranks let USA break tension before big tests

The team of U.S. women's soccer has devised a unique way to relieve tension during their World Cup campaign in Germany - which employ a series of elaborate pranks.


Pia Sundhage peloton takes on Colombia in its second group game in Sinsheim on Saturday and the players have admitted to feeling the pressure of trying to take back the United States to the top of women's football.

And while the effort to try to regain the trophy for the World Cup is a serious matter, far from the football team spends downtime trying to make fools of each other.

"We have a lot of free time when we are together as a team," said striker Abby Wambach Yahoo Sports. "And that inevitably leads to some fun. Everyone likes to try to get the best from each other with jokes and jokes and all part of the fun. "


A joke involving buckets of water placed on top of the hotel room doors, to ensure that the victim receives an unwelcome shower from. Another trick people, a team source said, is to "Jello and a pillowcase."


Coach Sundhage is a popular figure among his players and promotes clowning, thinking it only adds to a sense of camaraderie and team spirit.


"It certainly helps," said Wambach. "Just the feeling that we can be comfortable in the company of others and enjoy being around each other. Having fun away from football is a big part of it it. It prevents you from getting too bored all the time on the road. "


Find constructive ways to use idle time is a regular problem for the international soccer teams. Bob Bradley's team USA men engaged in countless competitive video game during the Battles of the World Cup last summer in South Africa.