Preview and Predictions
We here at Eurosport caught Women’s World Cup Fever just like the rest of you, so we thought it would be fun to look into our crystal ball and predict what we think will happen. Agree or disagree, either way it should be fun to watch the matches and find out.
GROUP A
Germany earned its spot in Group A as the defending World Cup champions and they look like they are in a strong position to defend their title. The Germans lost midfielder Célia Okoyino da Mbabi and keeper Silke Rottenberg to injury and had a very disappointing showing at the Algarve Cup in March, but they look like they are back in peak form after dismantling Denmark 4-0 and the Czech Republic 5-0 in recent weeks. Don’t forget that the Germans also have Birgit Prinz, one of the best in the world, to lead their side to victory.
In order to advance, however, the Deutsch will have to face a very talented Japanese side. Possessing fantastic technical ability and quickness in addition to their tenacity, Japan will likely cause problems for any team they face. The Japanese are very familiar with the World Cup, having competed in all four previous competitions, advancing as far as the quarterfinals in 1995. They are currently ranked 10th in the world.
The English National Team is under more pressure than most, having failed to attain the country’s lofty soccer standards. However, this team seems poised to be successful and knows what it takes to win, as many players are part of the Arsenal side that won this year’s UEFA Cup. This is only England’s second appearance in the World Cup, but keep an eye on Kelly Smith and Fara Williams, who will likely make the trip to China a memorable one.
Argentina sits behind Brazil in the top echelon of South American women’s soccer, but even though they upset the Brazilians in the 2006 Sudamericano Femenino, they are still far behind on the world stage.
PREDICTED FINISH:
Germany,
Japan,
England,
Argentina
GROUP B
Widely considered the “Group of Death,” Group B should have some of the most exciting soccer in the first stage of the Women’s World Cup. Three of the top five teams in the latest world rankings reside in Group B, making the group more competitive than any other.
Nevertheless, the United States is still the team to beat, with its number one ranking and forty six match unbeaten streak (as of August 13). The midfield is as strong as ever, with Lori Chalupny and Carli Lloyd stepping up alongside Shannon Boxx to become a force. The real stories for the U.S., though, are Abby Wambach’s continued dominance and Kristine Lilly’s final World Cup. Wambach recently passed Cindy Parlow for fifth on the all time goals list, while the 36 year old Lilly is playing as well as she played when she made her World Cup debut in 1991.
The Americans’ path to the knockout round will not be easy, though. Third ranked Sweden will undoubtedly provide a tough challenge, although the 2003 runners up have suffered several key injuries in the past few months. Striker Josefine Öqvist and keeper Caroline Jönsson both tore their ACL and will miss the World Cup, a devastating blow. While there is no replacing Öqvist, Sweden will turn to either Hedvig Lindahl, who is coming off an injury herself, or Sofia Lundgren to mind the net.
North Korea is poised to give the rest of Group B serious problems as they look to advance to the knockout round for the first time in three trips to the World Cup. The North Koreans will likely rely on their deep stock of young players, many of whom took the Under 20 team to the 2006 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship title. Look for forward Ri Kum Suk and defender Song Jong Sun to make big contributions as well.
Nigeria is appearing in its fifth World Cup and looking to go farther than they did in 1999, when they made their only quarterfinal appearance. The path will be difficult for the Super Falcons, though, in a group as stacked as Group B.
PREDICTED FINISH:
USA,
North Korea,
Sweden,
Nigeria
GROUP C
Canada limps into the World Cup with many question marks surrounding the team. Despite playing well in the early stages of the Pan Am games in July, the Canadians’ weaknesses were exposed when they lost to the U.S. U-20 team and were thrashed by the Brazilians. Even more costly, they suffered a number of injuries. However, defender Robyn Gayle should have recovered from a foot injury by the first World Cup game, which will provide a needed boost on the back line and Christine Sinclair provides a valuable anchor up top. Overall, the Canadians are looking to improve upon their fourth place finish in the 2003 World Cup, their best ever.
Norway comes into the World Cup as the only country other than the United States and Germany to have won the title, a feat they accomplished in 1995. In addition to a World Cup Championship, the Norwegians also have an Olympic gold medal to add to their resume and are consistently one of the top teams in the world. Norway, ranked fourth in the world, should not have much trouble advancing to the knockout round.
Ghana has been one of the top teams in Africa for years, but have yet to translate that continental success to the world stage. The Black Queens are participating in their third consecutive World Cup. Ghana is also coming off a 1-0 victory over Nigeria in the Africa 2008 Olympic Qualifier.
Australia will appear in its fourth consecutive World Cup and try to advance past the group stage for the first time, which is a distinct possibility with this squad. The Matildas must use their devastating speed and size to their advantage if they want to get past Canada to take the second spot in Group C.
PREDICTED FINISH:
Norway,
Australia,
Canada,
Ghana
Group D
China has played well since new coach, Marika Domanski-Lyfors, took over the helm and will surely be energized playing in front of their home crowds. The Chinese are one of the most successful teams in World Cup history, making it out of the group stage each time and advancing as far as the finals in 1999, when they lost in penalties to the U.S. in the most watched women’s sporting event in history. With players such as Ma Xiaxu leading the way, the Chinese will have a very formidable side.
New Zealand looks to continue the success they have had in Oceania when playing against the rest of the world, but since losing 1-0 to the University of North Carolina in their first international match on New Zealand soil in nearly a decade they have lost twice to Canada and twice to Australia. While the Kiwis might do better in the future, their chances in the 2007 World Cup look bleak.
Denmark holds the honor of being the last team to beat the United States and is ranked sixth in the world, so the prospects of seeing the Danes in the knockout round seem fairly good. However, Germany recently clobbered Denmark 4-0 and the competition in Group C will be very stiff, so Denmark will have to be on top of its game if it wants to advance.
The Brazilians have stepped up their play as of late, including taking home the trophy from the Pan Am Games in July. Now that several key players, such as Marta and Elaine, have rejoined the squad from their European sides, the Brazilians will be a force to be reckoned with.
PREDICTED FINISH:
Brazil,
Denmark,
China,
New Zealand
Semifinal Predictions:
Norway defeats Germany
United States defeats Brazil
USA defeats Norway, 3-1
