To be completely honest I was preparing to write an article or two on the CONCACAF Gold Cup in the past couple of days until I saw a few matches on television. The level of football played is pretty abysmal, first with the US losing to Panama and then with Canada barely squeezing by Guadeloupe. The only team that has accomplished anything of note is Mexico and five of their players have been kicked off the team due to a tainted blood sample because of some sketchy chicken . . . . . hmm, really who is sketchy here, the Mexicans or chicken? Couple that with the accusations of corruption due to ex-CONCACAF president Jack Warner and you really have the ugly stepchild of the FIFA family. So forget CONCACAF, it's garbage, and to be honest why not give some love to the ladies who play the beautiful game. With the Women's World Cup starting in 11 days, why not give you a special Posts By Panos preview. So let's get to it!
Group A
Germany - The Hosts, The Favorites, The Defending Champions
Just before we talk about the 2011 Women's World Cup, let's rewind to 2007 Wayne's World style . . . . and remind ourselves that Germany in 2007, en route to the championship, did not lose a single point or allow a single goal. The expectation for this edition of the Bavarian ladies is a title and anything less would be a complete disappointment, considering that the tournament is being held on their home soil.
Key Player - Birgit Prinz
Prinz, a three-time FIFA World Player of the Year, has scored 14 goals in 22 World Cup matches, an outstanding return. She will lead the line for Germany and will be counted upon to score the goals as the Germans look for the repeat.
Canada - Rugged In The Past, Playing With Flair Now
Canada will be looking to improve on their best finish at the World Cup, their fourth place finish in the 2003 World Cup in the US. Canada, for the first time in their history, won the CONCACAF Qualifying Tournament in Mexico by not allowing a single goal throughout the tournament. Beyond my own personal bias towards the lady Canucks, this is their best team in the past ten years and are viewed as a legitimate dark horse for the tournament.
Key Player - Cristine Sinclair
Cristine Sinclair in her 151 appearances for Canada has scored 115 goals, again another female footballer with a fantastic return. Sinclair is an overpowering striker who uses her skill and physicality to impose her will on the pitch. While she will never be known as a speedster Sinclair possess an innate ability to make cutting runs to the top of the eighteen that could victimize any backline.
Nigeria - Dominant In Africa, Can They Conquer The World
Similarly to Canada, Nigeria have only advanced out of the group stage just once, and it is expected that either themselves or Canada will join Germany in the knock-out stages. Nigeria for a long time have been a force in the Africa, the key question if they can translate their domestic success to the world stage.
Key Player - Perpetua Nkwocha
Nkowcha is a two-time African Player of the Year and again as with the key players mentioned above she will be responsible for scoring the goals for the Nigerians. The key, as with any forward, if the Nigerian midfield is able to provide the service to Nkwocha and her attacking compatriot Stella Mbachu.
France - Back After 8 Years And Going To Have Fun
The French really have no pedigree in this tournament and will be looking to build for the future by using younger players who need the international experience in order to take the national team further. However, based on their qualifying campaign the French would surprise and nick a result or two.
Key Player - Camille Abily
Camille Abily, a 2009 WPS All-Star, is expected to occupy the playmaker role in the French midfield and with her creativity and vision it would be no surprise if any successful French attack is a result of her play. Furthermore Abily is one of the few French players who could handle the physical play from Germany and Canada.
Projected Order Of Finish
Germany
Canada
Nigeria
France
Cheesy Photo Opportunity Of All The Head Coaches
No comments:
Post a Comment