GROUP D
The second place team will more than likely to face the USA, enough said.
.
Brazil
A footballing stronghold in the men’s game As Canarinhas are relatively new but have really looked to intrude on the traditional powers in the game.
The team focus around one player, Marta. She’s recognised as the best player in the game and has formed a devastating attack with her co-forward Cristiane. As ever the main issue is whether you can rely on one player to win you a tournament. If she stays fit then Brazil have a solid chance.
Australia
The Matildas (what else?) come into the competition in good nick having won the 2010 Asian Cup.
The Matlidas are an interesting bunch, goalie Melissa Barbieri played for Richmond FC (a men’s team), defender Elyse Perry has played for Australia Women’s cricket team whilst Collete McCallum is a Glaswegian. As for their footballing credentials expect plenty of pace from both Sarah Walsh and Lisa De Vanna. The latter is a bit of a supersub. Goals are likely to come from Kyah Simon, a general attacking player who was converted to an out-and-out striker with good domestic results.
The Matildas (what else?) come into the competition in good nick having won the 2010 Asian Cup.
The Matlidas are an interesting bunch, goalie Melissa Barbieri played for Richmond FC (a men’s team), defender Elyse Perry has played for Australia Women’s cricket team whilst Collete McCallum is a Glaswegian. As for their footballing credentials expect plenty of pace from both Sarah Walsh and Lisa De Vanna. The latter is a bit of a supersub. Goals are likely to come from Kyah Simon, a general attacking player who was converted to an out-and-out striker with good domestic results.
Norway
The Norwegians have been one of the superpowers in Women’s football. They’ve always made at least the quarter finals and this year looks like they could continue the trend.
Isabell Herlovsen has football in the blood, her father playing for Borussia M’bach and Norway. The 22 year old striker will be looking to score goals and get herself a new club after becoming a free agent. She’ll look to Lene Mykjaland, a diminutive attacking midfielder to supply the ammo.
The Norwegians have been one of the superpowers in Women’s football. They’ve always made at least the quarter finals and this year looks like they could continue the trend.
Isabell Herlovsen has football in the blood, her father playing for Borussia M’bach and Norway. The 22 year old striker will be looking to score goals and get herself a new club after becoming a free agent. She’ll look to Lene Mykjaland, a diminutive attacking midfielder to supply the ammo.
Equatorial Guinea
The temptation to write these off as minnows wouldn’t be that unreasonable, except that Guinea have made some amazing progress, they beat Nigeria in the African Championship in 2008 and made the final in 2010. There was controversy in the recent game versus Ghana in which allegation were made about fielding male players. Guinea deny this. There are also allegations about overseas players who have been fast-tracked into citizenship, again this is denied;
Either way they arrive as debutants and a lack of experience in this competition will be likely to work against, rather than aid and abet their chances.
As with any underdog the keeper can look to be busy and Miriam Silva will certainly expect a workout. Jade Boho is a naturalised player after initially playing for Spain U19s and she’ll look to be the threat upfront.
The temptation to write these off as minnows wouldn’t be that unreasonable, except that Guinea have made some amazing progress, they beat Nigeria in the African Championship in 2008 and made the final in 2010. There was controversy in the recent game versus Ghana in which allegation were made about fielding male players. Guinea deny this. There are also allegations about overseas players who have been fast-tracked into citizenship, again this is denied;
Either way they arrive as debutants and a lack of experience in this competition will be likely to work against, rather than aid and abet their chances.
As with any underdog the keeper can look to be busy and Miriam Silva will certainly expect a workout. Jade Boho is a naturalised player after initially playing for Spain U19s and she’ll look to be the threat upfront.
Group D Fixtures29th June Brazil v Australia 17:15 29th June Norway v E. Guinea 14:00 3rd July Brazil v Norway 17:15 3rd July Australia v E. Guinea 13:00 6th July E. Guinea v Brazil 17:00 6th July Australia v Norway 17:00 (For the full Word Cup fixture list click here) |
Results1-0 1-0 3-0 3-2 0-3 2-1 |
Group D table
P W D L F A PTS
|
|
