Group C at the Women's World Cup in Germany sees the United States, take on heated rival North Korea, European power Sweden, and South American minnow Colombia. The United States will be favored to top the group while North Korea and Sweden will both look to advance to the knockout stage. Columbia have yet to play a match against a non-South American opponent and are much outsiders at this tournament.
Group C
United States - The Queens Of The Woman's Game
The United States, contrary to what some may believe, have last won the Women's World Cup in 1999. However, they have consistently won the gold medal at the Olympics with victory coming in Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008. This edition of the Americans might not have the pedigree of their predecessors but they do have their heart and determination. Similar to their male counterparts, the Americans have a never say die attitude on the pitch. Even though their preliminary results have not been up to par the Americans are always a threat at this tournament and should be considered as one of the favorites.
Key Player - Alex Morgan
One can spend paragraphs pontificating on the talents of Amy Wambach, Shannon Boxx and Hope Solo, however the key to the United States might be the play of their latest young superstar, Alex Morgan. Morgan scored the crucial away goal for the United States in their playoff against Italy to qualify for the World Cup. Morgan represents the future of US soccer but she could play a role in its present.
Sweden - The New Generation, Still The Best Looking Team
Sweden in the past four years have completely revamped their international roster. The experienced players from the 2003 and 2007 World Cups have been shown the door to greener pastures with a wave of younger player entering the fray. This edition of the Swedish national team might be young, but they are highly technical and highly skilled. The key for the Swedes in this tournament is whether they can deal with the physicality of the Americans and North Koreans.
Key Player - Lotta Schelin
Lotta Schelin has been compared to Zlatan Ibrahimovic because of her height and offensive flair. I am not going to lie but if Schelin is 50% of Zlatan than Sweden will be in great shape for the tournament.
North Korea - Disciplined, Typically North Korean
To be honest with you, I am not too sure as to what to expect from North Korea. They are typically a powerhouse in the Asian footballing community but they lack the pedigree to translate their domestic success to the international stage as they have only advanced to the quarterfinals on one occasion. Furthermore, North Korea is an inexperienced team on the international level which could cause some problems against the Americans and Swedes.
Key Player - Jo Yun-Mi
Yun-Mi was recently voted the best player in Asia and the fiesty midfielder is the most important player for North Korea. Her play making abilities are absolutely vital if North Korea plans to advance to the next stage.
Colombia - World Cup Virgins Looking For A Good Time
Colombia will be making their first appearance at the Women's World Cup in Germany. By finishing second in the South American region just behind Brazil, Colombia qualified for the World Cup. Colombia, during the qualification round, had eleven different players score a goal for the South American team. So one could say that they generate offense from a variety of players.
Key Player - Yorely Rincon
Rincon is the catalyst for the Colombian attack and her five goals during qualifying helped lead Las Cafeteras. Rincon has competed for Colombia at every level and if though she is young she has plenty of experience in the international game.
Projected Order Of Finish
United States
Sweden
North Korea
Colombia
Cheesy Photo Opportunity Of All The Head Coaches
No comments:
Post a Comment