GROUP B
Not the most difficult of groups and the one which sees England looking to qualify from
Japan
Recent situations in Japan threatened their participation in the competition and it’ll be interesting to see how well prepared the team are. Recent games versus the US saw back-to-back defeats, which is hardly devastating. The important thing will be whether the team can compete with other teams of a similar level.
To continue the running trend of midfield generals Japan has Homare Sawa. A Scholes like figure she is a defensive midfielder who will get stuck in. Unlike Scholes she doesn’t have the “that was a forward’s challenge” excuse that warded off many a yellow card despite playing in midfield for many seasons.
In the land of the rising sun the rising star is undoubtedly Manu Iwabuchi, a forward who has been talked up a lot in recent years. Only 5’5 she will require the ball to her feet but has good technique, flair and speed.
Oh, and pointless trivia of the day is that their nickname is the Nadeshikos, which is a pink carnation and is part of the concept of the ideal Japanese woman.
New Zealand
New Zealand share a few things with Japan, firstly they’ve had a rough year
With natural disasters and secondly they have a flora nickname, namely the Footballing Ferns.
The ferns haven’t had a distinguished pedigree at the World Cup, only qualifying for two and not winning a game. This year thing can only get better.
In terms of the team the rising star is certainly Rosie White. The 18 year old striker was prolific in her U17 and U20 career. How that translates to a higher level of competition remains to be seen. Other players to note are Hayley Morwood, who has just signed for Chelsea and defender Anna Green. Anna’s looking to do a Perrotta as she was born in England (Stockport) but looking to lift the cup for another international team. Why Anna, why?
Mexico
Las Tricolor are outsiders for the tournament and sit within that group of teams who did well to qualify, finishing second in their group. Perhaps the fact that the Mexico Football Federation sent pictures of the men’s team to Panini for the Women’s World Cup sticker album indicates how they rate their chances.
The veteran forward Maribel Dominguez is the key player. If she can get good supply she’ll score, but you get the feeling that Mexico will be simply looking not to finish bottom.
Las Tricolor are outsiders for the tournament and sit within that group of teams who did well to qualify, finishing second in their group. Perhaps the fact that the Mexico Football Federation sent pictures of the men’s team to Panini for the Women’s World Cup sticker album indicates how they rate their chances.
The veteran forward Maribel Dominguez is the key player. If she can get good supply she’ll score, but you get the feeling that Mexico will be simply looking not to finish bottom.
England
I won’t harp on about England as there will be a fair amount in the press. Suffice to say that we have a decent chance. The group we are in isn’t that difficult and Hope Powell shouldn’t be relying on her forename to get us through. Given the improvements and change in women’s football overt the past five years this tournament will give a real gauge on how far the game has come.
Team wise it’s all about Kelly Smith. Smith is the team leader, goal scorer and pretty much England’s most potent player. Fara Williams is useful at set pieces and skipper Faye White is an impressive 6 feet, perhaps the two can combine for a few goals.
I won’t harp on about England as there will be a fair amount in the press. Suffice to say that we have a decent chance. The group we are in isn’t that difficult and Hope Powell shouldn’t be relying on her forename to get us through. Given the improvements and change in women’s football overt the past five years this tournament will give a real gauge on how far the game has come.
Team wise it’s all about Kelly Smith. Smith is the team leader, goal scorer and pretty much England’s most potent player. Fara Williams is useful at set pieces and skipper Faye White is an impressive 6 feet, perhaps the two can combine for a few goals.
Group B Fixtures27th June Japan v New Zealand 14:00 27th June Mexico v England 17:00 1st July Japan v Mexico 14:00 1st July New Zealand v England 17:15 5th July England v Japan 17:15 5th July New Zealand v Mexico 17:15 (For the full Word Cup fixture list click here) |
Results2-1 1-1 4-0 1-2 2-0 2-2 |
Group B table
P W D L F A PTS
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