With the group stages completed at the Women's World Cup, I must say I have been captivated by the tournament. The level of play has surprised me and the lack of the theatrics that mar that men's game are not on display. The three big favorites still remain in Germany, the United States and Brazil with the only surprise, if you can even call it that, is that Canada were sent home early. Of course with the conclusion of the group stage, there is only one thing left to do . . . here are the PBP Power Rankings, Edition #2.
First here is an excellent recap video from ESPN, who in my opinion have had outstanding coverage of the tournament in comparison to their Canadian counterparts, CBC and Sportsnet.
Sidenote: Odds are given as a multiplier and provided by www.betbrain.com
THANKS FOR PLAYING . . . .
16. Canada (0W-0T-3L, -6GD, 0 Points)
At the beginning of the tournament Canada were considered a serious darkhorse for the semifinals . . . well we know how the story ended, by the end of the tournament Canada exits in last place overall, with one goal scored and three shots on target in three matches. The video from this tournament will not be making its way to the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame any time soon . . . or never.
15. Equatorial Guinea (0W-0T-3L, -5GD, 0 Points)
The difference between Equatorial Guinea and Canada is simple in the fact that the Guineans tried harder and played with the passion and tenacity that was surprisingly lacking from Canada, a country that prides itself on those traits. Even though Equatorial Guinea lost all three of their matches, a star was born in captain Anonma.
14. Colombia (0W-1T-2L, -4GD, 1 Point)
Colombia entered this tournament with a very young squad and in a group with Sweden and the United States they played very well and honestly developed the necessary experience in order to progress in future competitions. They should continue their upward trend and become one of South America's better teams just a notch below Brazil.
13. North Korea (0W-1T-2L, -3GD, 1 Point)
As correctly predicted North Korea put all their eggs in their match with the United States. That strategy lasted exactly 45 minutes until the United States stepped up in the second half for the victory. The North Koreans are an interesting team and when your head coach blames lightning on why you lost, you gotta love it.
12. New Zealand (0W-1T-2L, -2GD, 1 Point)
New Zealand celebrated their first ever point at the Women's World Cup with the same fervor as if they had won the entire tournament. That passion is what makes these tournaments so special and New Zealand have come a long way from four years ago, when they were completely annihilated in all three of their matches.
11. Mexico (0W-2T-1L, -4GD, 2 Points)
Mexico's best moment from the World Cup was from their first game when they drew with England courtesy of a wonder goal that would be worthy of any top ten list. After that, they struggled against Japan before throwing away a two goal lead to New Zealand. All in all, a fantastic learning experience for the Lady Aztecas.
10. Nigeria (1W-0T-2L, -1GD, 3 Points)
Nigeria lost their first two matches against France and Germany by a solitary goal before grabbing a deserved victory against Canada in their final game. Nigeria played an athletic brand of football that caused trouble for all of their opponents and as along as they continue to develop athletes Nigeria will always be able to do well in the group stages at the World Cup but never advance to the next stage.
9. Norway (1W-0T-2L, -3GD, 3 Points)
Norway's tournament was lost in the opening match when they struggled to beat Equatorial Guinea. After that everything went downhill for this former soccer power. Norway struggled to generate any attacking flow during their matches and that eventually led to their demise when they could not score against Australia until it was too late.
ANYTHING MORE IS JUST A BONUS . . .
8. Australia (2W-0T-1L, +1GD, 6 Points) (Odds To Win - 67.00)
Australia fell behind in their final group match against Norway and were on the verge of being eliminated from the World Cup, but within 60 seconds of conceding a goal they came down and scored the goal to take them to the knock-out stage. That type of determination is what has defined Australian football for the past decade, something that surely Canada can learn from.
7. Japan (2W-0T-1L, +3GD, 6 Points) (Odds To Win - 35.75)
Japan lost a golden opportunity to avoid Germany in the knockout stage but their defeat to England sent them to a date with the tournament favorite. The surprising thing with Japan is that they are shying away from playing their younger players who have the dynamic qualities and skill set to potentially cause problems for their opposition. In order for Japan to have any chance against Germany they must present one tactical surprise in their quarterfinal match.
6. England (2W-1T-0L, +3GD, 7 Points) (Odds To Win - 31.75)
Even though England advanced as the group winners they are slight underdogs in their match against France. Furthermore, Katie Smith, England's best striker, has yet to burst into life on the world's stage and as long as she continues to stutter England will not advance to the semifinals. Who wants to bet that if British women had the same press as their male counterparts they would have already been eliminated?
5. France (2W-0T-1L, +3GD, 6 Points) (Odds To Win - 20.75)
France thoroughly dominated Canada which essentially booked their ticket to the knockout stage. The skill and pace used in that match were a joy to behold for the football purist and taught a lesson to the slower and more physical Canadians. However, if I have to assume I would believe that France are happy to advance this far and anything more would just be the cherry on the proverbial sundae.
WE HAVE A SHOT IF WE CAN JUST BEAT . . . .
4. United States (2W-0T-1L, +4GD, 6 Points) (Odds To Win - 7.15)
After their loss to Sweden, the United States are in tough against Brazil in the quarterfinals. The United States have used their physicality to dominate against smaller teams like Colombia and North Korea. However, against an equally physical side, Sweden, they failed to capitalize on the half-chances they created in order to grab the point that would allow them to avoid Brazil till the final. The weakness for the United States has to be their wingbacks and defensive organization. Any team that attacks the US with speed through the middle or even from the flanks will cause plenty of problems for Hope Solo's goal. That is why you have to give the smallest of edges to Brazil just due to their speed and attacking tenacity.
IT WOULD BE A SURPRISE, BUT NOT TO US
3. Sweden (3W-0T-0L, +3GD, 9 Points) (Odds To Win - 17.00)
Sweden took advantage of two American mistakes in order to win the group. Now, they are faced with a fairly straightforward quarterfinal against Australia before a potential date with Germany in the semifinal. Sweden have used a combination of physicality in the middle of the park coupled with speed and flair along the wings to break down their opponents. It would not be a surprise if they won the World Cup, but it is still unlikely.
C'MON NOW, WE HAVE TO PLAY THEM THIS EARLY
2. Brazil (3W-0T-0L, +7GD, 9 Points) (Odds To Win - 6.15)
So Brazil wins all three of their group matches, doesn't allow a goal, and their 'reward' for outstanding football is a quarterfinal date with the #1 ranked team in the world, the United States, just hard luck. Brazil struggled in their first match against Australia but after that they thoroughly took advantage of a weaker Norway and World Cup debutante Equatorial Guinea. The question with any Brazilian football team, men's or women's, is their defensive structure and their ability to defend set-pieces. Because they lack the height of some of their rivals, I would not be surprised if any team scores a set-piece goal to knock-out the heavily favored Brazilians.
THE FAVORITE PLAYING WITH HOUSE MONEY
1. Germany (3W-0T-0L, +4GD, 9 Points) (Odds To Win - 1.91)
Germany's biggest problem so far at the World Cup is how to handle the form of captain Birgit Prinz, who has been playing rather poorly for the defending world champions. However, if this is your biggest problem while still winning all three of your group matches, I would say you are in a good position. A straightforward semi-final against Japan followed by either Sweden or Australia should setup Germany with at least a final appearance between likely the winner of the Brazil/United States quarterfinal. So who is going to bet against Germany in a packed stadium full of crazy Germany fans, I'm not . . . well not yet.
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