U-17 Women's World Cup: 3/28/2014

Breathtaking is a good word to describe the fixtures that we saw today as Venezuela took on Canada, Ghana faced Italy, Japan fought Mexico, and Spain were paired with Nigeria. As expected, the first of these showdowns was a tight affair as the Latin Americans went ahead in the 6th minute through Deyna Castellanos before the Canadians drew level in the 19th minute. The North Americans then proceeded to make it a 1-2 lead following Marie Levasseur's strike in the 40th minute. Sarah Kinzner was the one who put the maple leaves on even pegging. Fortunately for Venezuela, Yosneidy Zambrano made it 2-2 three minutes after Levasseur's strike meaning the two sides went into the break dead even. It wasn't to last though, as Gabriela Garcia struck a third goal for the Venezuelans, propelling them into the Semi Finals. Canada performed bravely, but despite their stellar effort, they must bow out as the Latin Americans' guns continue to crush all that stand before them.

As for the match-up of Ghana and Italy, the Africans were outplayed yet still managed to force penalties. Striking early through Jane Ayieyam in the 4th minute, Ghana got off to a great start. Ending the game with 58% of possession, you could very well have thought the Italians were the side that would be going out. You would be wrong. Gloria Marinelli equalized in the 8th minute followed closely by a successfully converted penalty off of the foot of Italy's Manuela Giugliano. Honestly, if it had not been for goalkeeper Francesca Durante in particular, the Europeans would be bowing out. While the Italians had 14 shots, Ghana had 20. While each side had more than 50% of these efforts on target, Ghana received 12 corner opportunities - 6 times more than the Italians took from their African opponents. Defensive solidarity, then, saved the Italians. Except Ghana did strike a second, in the 90th minute of play, through Ernestina Abambila. After that, it was down to penalties with the best keeper, and the slightly better team, winning: Italy.

As the last Asian representatives in the competition, you might think that the pressure is on the Japanese ladies to perform. You wouldn't think it after their performance today. Simply put, they blew the Mexicans out of the water. Rather than risking penalty disappointment, the Japanese thankfully charged forward. The two goal cushion that they earned in the 1st half, through Yui Hasegawa in the 12th minute and Hina Sugita in the 44th, was enough to carry them through. Maintaining great pressure, Mexico only occasionally ever looked threatening. Japan averaged 68% of possession and more than quintuple the chances in front of goal as their Latin American competition. A feast of a game, the fact that there were no bookings indicates the caliber of the sides on display: world-class talent playing good clean football.

Last but not least we have Nigeria versus Spain. Fitting with my prediction, the Africans did not go belly up at the sight of the Spaniards. Rather, they conceded in the 14th minute of play before settling down and taking a slight majority of possession. It was to no avail, but it was well-intended. Patri Guijarro was the player to strike the opening and closing goals, on either side of Nahikari Garcia's 58th goal that really got the Nigerian defenses crumbling. While the Nigerians fought hard, it was always a losing battle. Desperation began to seep in, as Ugochi Emenayo and Esther Elijah received yellows. A sore spot for the Spanish was the fact that defender Pilar Garrote received a second yellow in two matches, meaning she will be missed in the match-up with Italy next Monday.

Speaking of the Semi Finals, Venezuela and Japan promises to be an entertaining affair while Spain-Italy will be more tentative. By the goals tally alone, the Latin American-Asian pairing should be differentiated by a one or two point spread. Japan are who I would like to see go through, but if Venezuela can keep the goals fountain flowing, they just might overpower the Asians. Having said that, Japan has refused to conceded thus far in the competition, and I wouldn't put it past the likes of Mamiko Matsumoto in goal and Nana Ichise on the back line to maintain that clean sheet. It will not be easy, but nothing worth having is. As for the all-European encounter, Spain should be able to outplay the Italians, though Italy's goalie Francesca Durante will be a hard nut to crack. I fear the Spanish might just have the right tools in Nahikari Garcia, Pilar Garrote, and Patri Guijarro though. Make sure to check out the games next week!

U-17 World Cup: Costa Rica: 3/24/2014

This one is for the ladies, that is those amazing women who are participating in the U-17 Women's World Cup in Costa Rica. The group stage has run its course and the excitement will continue tomorrow! Let's start with Group A where the hosts had a dismal three and out performance and Zambia's time in the tournament was only slightly better: a 2-1 victory over the Costa Ricans in the last match the two sides would play in the competition. As for the sides who actually progress into the next round, Venezuela took pole position with three wins and no goals conceded. They also scored 8 goals of their own. Italy meanwhile grabbed second with two wins and a loss to the Venezuelans. On to Group B now where Ghana had a turbulent run to the top of the group as Canada edged North Korea to second position with one victory and two defeats. The Koreans had one of each: a victory, a draw, and a loss. Last of all, and somewhat surprisingly, came the Germans with just a point to their name after striking twice against the Canadians in their group opener and losing the remaining two matches. Hopefully the World Cup in Brazil turns out better for them! In contrast to Group B, Group C was a runaway success for two teams: Japan and Spain who seized first and second places respectively with a total of 25 goals combined. The fortunes were reversed for New Zealand and Paraguay who were only separated by goal difference after drawing 1-1 in the group opener before losing their other two matches. Last but not least, Group D was a straightforward affair: Nigeria were undefeated in three matches while Mexico succumbed in their last game of the group to the Africans. China took third with a solitary win over Colombia, who finished bottom of the barrel with 0 points and a negative goal difference.

Moving into the knock-out stage of the World Cup, the Quarter Finals pose Venezuela against Canada, Japan versus Mexico, Ghana take on Italy, and the Nigerians face the Spanish. So long as the Venezuelans can continue their free-firing nature and hold it together in the back, the Canadians will be hard-pressed to advance to the Semi Finals. Having said that, the North Americans have a fierce defense and proved their attacking discipline in qualifying so expect an explosive encounter. As for the encounter between Asia and South America, that of Japan and Mexico, I anticipate that the Japanese will hope to wrap things up before penalties - their record in that facet of the tournament has not been stellar while the South Americans performed admirably in their qualifying penalty shoot-out showdowns. Both sides are defensively strong, though I would pick the Japanese to break the deadlock. Ghana meanwhile will not be looking forward to facing Italy in the next round. Both teams have tenacious defenses and much will depend on whether the Africans' Jane Ayieyam and Ernestina Abambila can get through the likes of Italy's goalkeeper Francesca Durante and defenders like Lisa Boattin. It won't be easy but I would love to see the Ghanaians do it. And then we have Nigeria-Spain. Africa's other representatives, Nigeria were a surprise package when they arrived in Costa Rica this year having not played a single competitive qualifying game leading up to the tournament. They proceeded to usurp Mexico and deal with China and Colombia to make it this far. Seeing how the Germans fell so abruptly in the group stage, the precedent has certainly been made for the Spaniards to join their German counterparts. I don't see it happening though: Spain has too much in every position and a bench to supplement any injuries or suspensions. Nigeria won't roll over, but Spain will see it through. Enjoy the matches!

International Deciders Tomorrow: 11/18/2013

Tomorrow we'll get the latest qualification results for next year's World Cup in Brazil. Excited? You should be! With the likes of Egypt facing Ghana, France taking on Ukraine, Sweden and Portugal playing after Croatia and Iceland kick-off; Romania vs. Greece and Algeria against Burkina Faso round out the fixtures. In the first of the games, Egypt look incredibly unlikely to progress following a disastrous performance in Ghana saw them lose 6-1! Even if Ghana get cocky and Egypt excel in the home field atmosphere, both of which are unlikely, I just can't see the Pharaohs powering 5 goals in unanswered. If they somehow manage it, it'll be a miracle of epic proportions to say the least.
As for the France-Ukraine game, the Eastern Europeans put in a good shift at home. While that is true, if they lose any of their intensity, panache, and fighting spirit, it will mean the end for their World Cup hopes. A 2-0 lead is great to have, it's true. But the chances of France just rolling over are slim to none. So long as the defense coalesces and the likes of Ribery, Giroud, Benzema, and (hopefully) Mathieu Valbuena are in form, Les Bleus should be able to pull away with a result.
Returning to Africa, Algeria's match with Burkina Faso in Algeria should be a proper affair with the home side needing 2 goals unanswered to seal their way to the next round. Burkina Faso have performed admirably thus far but I would love to see a North African side make it to the World Cup next year.
Romania's hosting of their match with Greece may only bring more pain as improvements have been few and far between for the Eastern Europeans after their 3-1 defeat in Greece. The fighting intensity that we saw from the Greeks, led by Mitroglou and Samaras, will likely be even more evident given that Romania have a deficit to make up.
While many will be watching the Sweden-Portugal game, I would like to focus on the Croatia vs. Iceland game momentarily. Not because I think it will have the star-studded talents and so on but because I enjoy watching two sides with nothing to lose and few preconceived notions muddling their supporters' minds. The home field advantage will probably give the likes of Modric, Mandzukic, and Srna the inspiration to excel. Having said that, the Icelanders are undefeated going back to their friendly against the Faroe Islands which ended 1-0 in their favor (going back to August 14, 2013). Croatia's competition has arguably been sterner with the likes of Belgium and Scotland leaving a sour taste in their mouths. While my heart wants Iceland to win, I have to tip my hat to the Croatians: individual prowess should come together at home for the good of the nation.
Last but certainly not least, Sweden vs. Portugal. Is it bad that I am not excited for this match? That's not to say that I don't think it'll be worth watching. I do, however, find the chronic diving underwhelming. Sweden at home have not lost (except to Germany, but come on, a 5-3 scoreline?) extending back to June 11th at least. With Portugal's defensive frailty and the likes of Ibrahimovic, Elmander, and Kallstrom on-form; I don't mind suggesting the Northern Europeans sink the Portuguese. Except for that Cristiano Ronaldo problem. Raul Meireles will undoubtedly be influential, but Ronaldo and all of his tricks and talent will decide whether Portugal make it or not. Hopefully the officials don't let him get away with all of the farcical antics this time around - but I also hope the Swedes button down on him much as they did the first leg. Enjoy the games!