|
|
Column by
Even Pellerud,
April 27, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
One of the most positive aspects about this summer's Women's World Cup, is the fact that the tournament is being hosted by the German Football Federation - therefore, we know with certainty that the event will run both smoothly and efficiently. While Germany is the expected favourite for top spot when the final takes place on July 17th, another team stands out to challenge for gold - the USA, as expected. Other than that, I see this tournament reinforcing a number of trends that have been evident for some years now:
• The Scandinavian teams (Norway/Sweden) are expected to be strong and do well, but are rarely mentioned as winning candidates. This has been the case for quite some time now.
• The Asian teams are coming back, after a period in which former powerhouse China has lost its footing and is now being replaced by Japan, North Korea and Australia. Even South Korea has closed the gap with China (Neither qualified for this World Cup).
• The group of runners up-countries is steadily increasing. This includes almost all other teams in this finals - with the exceptions of New Zealand, Equatorial Guinea, Colombia and Mexico. These four latter teams cannot realistically be mentioned as being capable of winning the World Cup this time out. Yes, I do know that Mexico beat USA in November, but I account that to the law of big numbers. David will beat Goliath every once in a while.
So, when trying to be a little bit more brave in my predictions on which teams could come out in this tournament and possible wrestle the trophy out of the hands of either the Americans or the Germans, my assessment is that there are a number of genuine possibilities.
The English, the French, the Swedes, the Norwegians, the Nigerians, the Australians, and the Japanese - are all very strong teams and can beat anyone on a good day, but can they sustain such a high level over a lengthy tournament like this is? I doubt it!
My regard is higher for these teams:
Brazil
While most experts hold Brazil up as a top favourite, along with the US and Germany, I am not one of them. On the other hand, with stars and match winners in abundance, this team could go all the way and win. But they need to be fitter and they need a strong coach to keep their ego's in check.
North Korea
A team that I have the utmost respect for. The North Koreans have had a bad habit of unfortunate group draws (and it has happened again this time!), but this is a group with skill, physicality and good harmony. They know the game very well, but have never been able to finish off an entire event. Their weak point has always seemed to be goalkeeping, but maybe this time...?
Canada
When I did my farewell speech to this team after the 5th place finish in the Beijing Olympic Games, I pointed out to them that soccer is a tactical game - and that the peak performance level takes place in an age bracket between 27 and 31 years. This team has played together for a decade with more or less the same basic lineup. They seem to be healthier than ever before and smarter as a team and I believe the last six months have proven that they are indeed peaking.
In addition, they have received a superior means of funding (good job CSA!) and stayed together as a core month after month. I genuinely believe this team could go all the way and win this year's World Cup.
That said, Canada did not have luck in the draw. With their first match being Germany at home in front of a big home crowd - nobody can realistically expect a Canadian win. Nigeria is a tough opponent as well, and so is France. The Canadian girls have been playing for years, having gained valuable experience by traveling and competing around the world, consistently playing big finals (Olympics, World Cups, Gold Cups, Peace Queen Cups, Cyprus Cups) - and all members have played in several U19/U20 and senior World Cups and the Olympic games. Not many teams, if any, can match these women in terms of their volume of international exposure on the world stage. They are ready for everything, even a rough opening game should be tackled with poise. Go Canada!
In conclusion, here are my personal rankings at this time, less than two months before the kick off of the sixth Women's World Cup:
Tier 1:
Germany, USA
Tier 2:
Canada, Brazil, North Korea
Tier 3:
Sweden, Norway, Japan, Australia, Nigeria, England, France
Tier 4:
Mexico, New Zealand, Colombia, Equatorial Guinea
About Even Pellerud
One of the most respected coaches in world football, Even Pellerud is a former Head Coach of the Canadian Women’s Soccer Team for nine years beginning in 1999. He was the head coach for the Norway women's national football team from 1989 to 1996, and led the Norwegian team to a silver medal at the very first Women's World Cup in 1991, a world championship at the second World Cup in 1995, and a bronze medals at the 1996 Summer Olympics. Under Even’s leadership the Canadians Women’s program developed into one of the most recognized in the world and the organizational development that he implemented continues to be one of the factors contributing to Canada’s current success at the International level.
|