Which teams are peaking at the right time? Which are tripping over themselves? Let's take an uneducated look.
Teams on the UPSWING
Jamaica
The team everyone seems to be talking about. Mainly because they've been playing a lot of high profile exhibition games, and doing well in those games. They've beaten El Salvador 2-1 and Nigeria 4-2 among the bigger ones. So is Jamaica a legitimate contender for the Championship? Here's my thoughts: They've still got problems at the back, and have no depth on the outside. A couple good players like O'Gilvie, Banerjee, Amilcar and Korthius can only take you so far, and then a good team will come along and exploit those weak spots. Jamaica will be a good team, no question, but they're getting hyped up to be better than they are. Still on the upswing though, because winning those games goes a long way towards solidifying your team.
Nigeria
Another team playing a lot of exhibition games. They'll be in game shape by the time they hit the field, and they'll give France a run for their money at the top of the group. When it comes to the playoffs, Nigeria still doesn't have the raw talent to beat the top teams, but with a lot of hustle and solid team play like they've shown, they'll have a much better chance.
Poland
Poland is getting lost in the their group. And this is a good thing. They've got a solid defence and core group of players, and they'll have a couple more Saskatoon players. Last year, the entire aim was to get the ball at the feet of their most dangerous player. He's gone now, replaced by a couple good players. Teams can no longer focus on one guy, they'll have to worry about the entire team. Poland also has great fan support, which does help. Playing good in exhibition games, and going in as an underdog. Recipe for success.
Northern Ireland
Luckily for them, they're in an easy group, where all it takes is a tie and lucky goal for a ticket to the playoffs. They've held their own against teams like Canada, and have the best chance out of their group to be able to repeat that success against Laos or El Salvador.
Portugal
Their team might surprise some people. Younger players and hard-working. Remember, they made it all the way to fourth a couple years ago with a scrappy team, and that scrappiness is back.
Teams on the DOWNSWING
France
Don't get me wrong. They'll be in the playoffs, and they're a definite favorite for the title. But a complete lack of exhibition games and full practices has to be painful. France is in a group where they'll win, but they'll pay for it. Nigeria, Afghanistan, Greece and Botswana have never been known as graceful teams. This group will be the most physical group. France will be hacked often in this group, and for them to do well in playoffs they'll have to avoid any major injuries against these teams. Being away from real soccer for this long won't help them.
Laos
Losing two of their top players won't help. Out-of-towners that can no longer make it won't help. The core group has stayed the same, but like the rest of us, they haven't gotten better. Mix that all together, add in the fact that they won last year and have nothing left to prove, and Laos could have a rough time in this tournament. Poor showings in exhibition games as well. Again, don't get me wrong, they're a fantastic team and will very likely be in the semi-finals. But likely on the downswing.
...
Regarding the Women's portion of the tournament, teams are becoming much stronger. As interest grows in the women's portion, the teams are becoming a lot more even. Take for example the U of R girls against AC in the Women's Div. 2 Final on Tuesday night. An exciting game from start to finish ended with AC winning in a shoot-out. The U of R players, consistently touted as the best players in the WCP Cup, have some up and coming talent to watch out for. Look for these players in the Women's WCP Cup.
...
Any other teams on the upswing or downswing?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
7 comments:
Great points all around. I missed the exhibition games that Jamaica has played, but it sounds like they could do well this year. On the other hand it seems that they are one of those teams that will need to score 6 goals and hope the opponent scores only 5. Especially agree on the Women's side of things. That was a pretty good game tonight from what I saw, and a few nice saves in the shootout as well.
Although Poland had a good showing in last years tournament, they are going to have their hands full in group D. I don't think they have what it takes to make it out. If they got put in any other group they would have a better shot. we still have to remember that all of polands wins in the past have come against teams that arent considered to be top 6 teams. If they are in fact on the upswing, they will have to prove themselves against canada jamaica and germany.
who did laos lose player wise?
I will agree with everything you have said with the exception of the statements about the women's tournament. Personally I think there is still a strong division between the top and bottom in the women's wcp soccer. I mean look at the Poland Ireland game on Tuesday which was 7-0. Ukraine and Germany final looks likely again this year. Austria has not looked good in their friendlies this year and they will be tough to win a game in their pool.
It was nice to see AC beat the Cats last night. It was nice to see the U of R girls lose and maybe this will knock a little swagger out of them around the facility.
Yeah, you're right, there's still a definite gap between the top and bottom women's teams. That gap is pretty clear. At least that final is an indication that there's not only 10-15 girls in the city that can play decent soccer.
i disagree with france being on here. they will definately make it into the knockouts and the group games will make sure they are in the groove by then. they have all their players returning (i think) and i would bet money that they are in the final this year
The fact that France will likely face Ireland in the semis again this year is enough of a reason to bet against them making the final. If France was smart they would finish second in their group and avoid Ireland until the final.
Post a Comment