by Megan Cleary
The Women’s World Cup continues this Saturday in Canada with the first elimination matches of the tournament. The teams are set, here’s how they match up.
Germany (No. 1) Vs. Sweden (No. 5)
First ranked Germany remains in the hunt for their third title, winning Group B with relative ease. Nicknamed Die Nationalelf (The Nations Eleven), this is a team that likes to put pressure on their opponents from the first whistle. With quick forwards Celia Sasic and Anja Mittag, each already a hat trick in the tournament, the front line is sure to cause trouble for any team’s defense. Germany’s backline features, arguably, the number one goal keeper in the world, Nadine Angerer. The eight-time European Champions are a team with depth who will be tough to get past.
Sweden, who tied all three of their group matches to squeak into the second stage, has been comparatively quiet this World Cup but has proven in the past that they can take on any team. In fact this will be the third time Germany and Sweden match up in a World Cup, with Sweden leading the series, two games to one. Watch for Caroline Seger to team up with Lotta Schelin, a speedy striker who is dangerously clever up front. Also take note of Swedish defender Nilla Fischer, known for shutting down attacks and being a general pain to any opposition.
Kick off June 20th in Ottawa 1pm (PST).
China (No. 16) Vs. Cameroon (No. 53)
China, back to top international competition after not qualifying for the last Women’s World Cup, finished second to Canada in Group A. A young team, with only two players able to score in group stages: Wang Shanshan and Wang Lisi. If the Steel Roses are going to make it past the next round they need to get a connection between Han Peng and Lisi, who is quick to strike when given an opportunity.
While Cameroon may be a debut nation, they are not playing like one. The indomitable lions started tournament play with a 6-0 thrashing of Ecuador and haven’t let up since. They are dangerous in the front line with Gaelle Enganamouit and Gabrielle Onguene making fast-paced breaks to sneak through back lines. Cameroon is strong, quick, and clever: a formidable combination.
Kick off June 20th in Edmonton 4:30pm (PST).
Brazil (No. 7) Vs. Australia (No. 10)
Brazil is the only nation in the tournament who didn’t concede a goal in group play. Although A Canarinha (The lady canaries) is a team with depth and experience, they have never won a World Cup title. With a solid midfield led by Formiga and Marta, Brazil can be dangerous on all fronts. Defender Fabiana often gets in on the attack with Cristiane an ever-present danger up top. A physical side, Brazil plays with patience. They have yet to be unleashed this tournament.
Australia exceeded expectations, finishing ahead of Sweden in Group D action. A quick and youthful team, the Matildas may have an upset in the works. With a talented front line and a strong back led by defender Steph Catley, Australia can counter quickly and get behind defenders to create havoc in the box. With a speed often unmatched, look for Lisa De Vanna to connect with Samantha Kerr and be all around trouble up front.
Brazil has the historical advantage in this match up – the two sides have met up twice in a World Cup, and both times Brazil came away with the win.
Kick off June 21st in Moncton 10:00am (PST).
France (No. 3) Vs. Korea Republic (No. 18)
Although they had an inconsistent showing in the first stage, France was still able to win the group to advance to the knockout round. With a strong midfield consisting of Louisa Necib, Amandine Henry and Camille Abily, France has the ability to dominate teams. Laura Georges and Wendie Renard add to Les Bleues’ overall strength, with their ability to hold down the back line. While France can be a very tactical side, it will all depend on which team shows up – the team that dominated Mexico or the one that fell apart against Colombia. History is on their side, having won their only other matchup against Korea.
Korea will not be easy to beat, coming back to take the win from Spain and finish second in group play, these women never quit. The Taeguk Ladies have a strong attack led by Ji Soyun, ,their keeper Kim Jungmi will probably be their key player. Only their second time in a World Cup, Korea has shown patience and development throughout the game, adapting to their opponents play. Playing with more confidence, watch for captain Cho Sohyun to get in on the attack against France.
Kick off June 21st in Montreal 1:00pm (PST).
Canada (No. 8) Vs. Switzerland (No. 19)
The host nation won their group to advance to the second stage, carried by the home crowds. With flashes of creativity, the Canadians have not played up to their potential. Look for midfielder Sophie Schmidt to take control and connect with captain Christine Sinclair and Melissa Tancredi. Schmidt is the real key to the Canadian’s success, if she is on target they will be hard to beat.
Switzerland, another debut nation to the World Cup, comes into the second stage with a resilient front line. Forward Ramona Bachmann and midfielder Fabienne Humm both earned hat tricks against Ecuador in group stage and were in on several assists. An important factor will be whether or not captain Caroline Abbe will be fit to play. An almost impenetrable defender, she will be essential in getting Switzerland through to the quarter finals.
Kick off June 21st in Vancouver 4:30pm (PST).
Norway (No. 11) Vs. England (No. 6)
Norway comes into the second stage being the only team to threaten first-ranked Germany during group play. An experienced side with one World Cup title to their name, the Norwegians will need to fight through injuries to make it past this round. Isabell Herlovsen continues to be a threat, creating opportunities up front aided by Ada Hegerberg. If Trine Ronning comes back, Norway will be a strong contender to move through.
England finished second to France in the first stage, but put out a more consistent performance. The Lionesses attack becomes even more dangerous with striker Jodie Taylor back to join Fran Kirby and Eniola Aluko in the front. Karen Carney leads the midfield, already scoring twice in group play. Watch for the Carney-Aluko connection to make trouble for Norway.
You should also be sure to check out Norway’s retort to women’s soccer critics called Dokument Ramm. It’s worth a look!
Kick off June 22nd in Ottawa 2:00pm (PST).
USA (No. 2) Vs. Colombia (No. 28)
The United States put in a mild performance to win Group F and move onto the second stage, looking for their third World Cup title. With Abby Wambach and Megan Rapinoe breaking through the back lines of teams, the US is a force. Julie Johnston and Becky Sauerbrunn are going to be tough to get past in the back and Press is a constant threat up front. The depth of the team means that any one person could be a difference-maker for The States. Watch Sydney Leroux for a break out moment, she’s due.
A confident Colombian side enters the second stage after a surprising 2-0 upset of France during group play. Lady Andrade, well-known for sucker punching Abby Wambach the last time the two teams met up, has become a hero for her side. Colombia is physical and fast, with a solid midfield led by Yoreli Rincon. Las Cafeteras keeper Sandra Sepulveda (just back from injury) has returned with a vengeance, ready to help garner another upset.
Kick off June 22nd in Edmonton 5:00pm (PST).
Japan (No. 1) Vs. Netherlands (No. 12)
Returning champions Japan enter the second stage after easily getting through the group, shared by three debut nations. Suffering a major loss with Ando Kozue leaving the tournament with a broken ankle, the offense is looking to get their rhythm back. Marked by patience and short passes, each member of the Nadeshiko side has the ability to make a difference. Look for Yuika Sugasawa to make her way through the back line, along with fellow forward Yuki Ogimi.
The Netherlands finished third in group play to continue on in their first-ever Women’s World Cup. With a physical midfield, the Dutch need to maintain possession and patience in order to move onto the third stage. Anouk Dekker will need to match up with Manon Melis and the young Vivianne Miedema to get through to the quarter finals. Miedema is the player to watch on this side. Whether it’s her scoring the goals, or her drawing the defenders, she will be a key to Netherlands success.
Kick off June 22nd in Vancouver 7:00pm (PST).
