Similar to what Team Canada had last year, the forum will be a place to discuss everything that is happening in the Cup. It just makes for an easier way to discuss issues and more people can get involved.
The link to the forum will be on the sidebar with the other sites.
I encourage people to register, as it includes extra benefits like editing and poll creating, plus arguments between a bunch of "anonymous" just let people hide behind the anonymous tag while saying whatever they want.
When you post, you need to enter a confirmation code in the bottom left corner in order for the post to appear.
You can make your own topics and I've set out an outline of where to post different topics, but if you come across a problem, please email me so I can fix it. Enjoy the forum.
Forum here as well as the sidebar.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Monday, February 11, 2008
Team News and Previews...and a Pre-season Ranking by Someone Who Knows Diddly-Squat
Note: If your team plays an exhibition game or has tryouts at a certain time, e-mail wcpcupblog@hotmail.com with the results or schedule so it can be posted.
Team news and previews
England: England will look to be a major force this year by bringing in some new players. Yes, to the commenters, this includes Ronny Torres. They should have a very strong midfield, but a weaker defence, and if this team can figure out how to actually play as a team then they have a good chance of winning.
Germany: Not much news out of the Germans, but they should be back with pretty much the same team. They have a chip on their shoulder after losing in the group stage last year and will be looking for revenge.
Canada: Canada has a new coach this year and a couple roster changes. Losing Eugene Seckler as a coach will hurt them, but they'll probably still do alright. They may be lacking in speed and fitness, but they're always tough and solid and can keep games close.
Jamaica: Jamaica is losing a couple of their best players this year in Justin Manz, Shane O'Gilvie, and Tamon George. The younger players will need to step up in order for Jamaica to keep it's status as a medal contender.
Ukraine: Ukraine has made some acquisitions in the midfield and at keeper that will definitely improve their team. They don't have a particular weakness anywhere, making them fairly solid all-around. They are a quicker bunch that play well as a team and should be a major force.
Laos: Laos will have the same team as last year. They are a very skilled group and very quick, however they might lack an imposing force against the bigger teams such as Republic of Ireland and England. Nevertheless, they will once again be right up there with the best teams.
Norway: Norway will also have pretty much the exact same team, and will be looking to repeat as champions. They won as the underdog last year, and this year teams will be very eager and pumped up to knock off the defending champions. It will be tough for Norway to repeat now that everyone knows how good they can be.
Greece: Greece will be the same team they've been for the last 2-3 years. The Greeks may not have particular stand-out players, but they play very tough and everyone always seems to underestimate them.
Portugal: Much of Portugal's team is playing together this indoor season, so by the time the WCP Cup rolls around, they'll already be well-acquainted with each other.
Italy:Another team playing together this indoor season, Italy will be tough to beat. A younger and inexperienced team, but since they play all indoor together, you never know what can happen. We all know how well Greece and Canada have done in the past despite star players.
Republic of Ireland: Ireland is a major force and will continue to be a major force. They have many good players, but they might be constrained by the star player limit in the rules, forcing a couple cuts, but not enough to severely impact the team. They still have a great defence and playmakers in the midfield and up front.
Nigeria: Nigeria looks to be rising in status. They played solid last year in a tough pool, but weren't able to advance. They kept games very close and had enough chances to win games as well.
Scotland: Scotland played very well last year despite not advancing. They have playmakers on their team, but are lacking a solid defence. If they can shore up the defence, they will be a contender.
Colombia: Tough to say how good Colombia will be. They are sure to have some El Salvador players, but how their roster shapes up remains to be seen.
Chile: Chile may also benefit with the addition of El Salvador players, so their potential is also unknown.
Botswana: Botswana was a huge underdog last year, and will still be this year. They do have the advantage of having more players playing indoor soccer this year and getting into shape earlier, so they're bound to be better this year.
Northern Ireland: Missing some good players last year, Northern Ireland did not fare well. If they get their entire roster together they should also be better this year.
Serbia: Should be the same as last year, but the younger players will have to be workhorses for this team to have a chance and they'll need a better defence.
Poland: Poland was the victim of unfortunate circumstances last year when Ukraine and Canada were forced to run up the score as high as possible in order to advance.
Austria: They were beaten bad last year in a relatively easy group, so they really have nowhere to go but up.
*There are only 19 teams this year unless a team is able to pull together soon and submit the fee, despite being past the due date. From what I gather, one of Serbia, Poland, or Austria will not be submitting a team.
Pre-season rankings
Now for the rankings. Keep in mind, these aren't based on anything on at all, just opinion. I encourage the commenters to pick apart the rankings, but try and show reasons why you feel that way.
1. Republic of Ireland
2. Norway
3. England
4. Laos
5. Greece
6. Jamaica
7. Ukraine
8. Germany
9. Portugal
10. Scotland
11. Canada
12. Nigeria
13. Italy
14. Botswana
15. Colombia
16. Northern Ireland
17. Serbia
18. Chile
19. Austria
20. Poland
The rankings will be adjusted based on exhibition games between two teams or any other roster developments that occur.
Team news and previews
England: England will look to be a major force this year by bringing in some new players. Yes, to the commenters, this includes Ronny Torres. They should have a very strong midfield, but a weaker defence, and if this team can figure out how to actually play as a team then they have a good chance of winning.
Germany: Not much news out of the Germans, but they should be back with pretty much the same team. They have a chip on their shoulder after losing in the group stage last year and will be looking for revenge.
Canada: Canada has a new coach this year and a couple roster changes. Losing Eugene Seckler as a coach will hurt them, but they'll probably still do alright. They may be lacking in speed and fitness, but they're always tough and solid and can keep games close.
Jamaica: Jamaica is losing a couple of their best players this year in Justin Manz, Shane O'Gilvie, and Tamon George. The younger players will need to step up in order for Jamaica to keep it's status as a medal contender.
Ukraine: Ukraine has made some acquisitions in the midfield and at keeper that will definitely improve their team. They don't have a particular weakness anywhere, making them fairly solid all-around. They are a quicker bunch that play well as a team and should be a major force.
Laos: Laos will have the same team as last year. They are a very skilled group and very quick, however they might lack an imposing force against the bigger teams such as Republic of Ireland and England. Nevertheless, they will once again be right up there with the best teams.
Norway: Norway will also have pretty much the exact same team, and will be looking to repeat as champions. They won as the underdog last year, and this year teams will be very eager and pumped up to knock off the defending champions. It will be tough for Norway to repeat now that everyone knows how good they can be.
Greece: Greece will be the same team they've been for the last 2-3 years. The Greeks may not have particular stand-out players, but they play very tough and everyone always seems to underestimate them.
Portugal: Much of Portugal's team is playing together this indoor season, so by the time the WCP Cup rolls around, they'll already be well-acquainted with each other.
Italy:Another team playing together this indoor season, Italy will be tough to beat. A younger and inexperienced team, but since they play all indoor together, you never know what can happen. We all know how well Greece and Canada have done in the past despite star players.
Republic of Ireland: Ireland is a major force and will continue to be a major force. They have many good players, but they might be constrained by the star player limit in the rules, forcing a couple cuts, but not enough to severely impact the team. They still have a great defence and playmakers in the midfield and up front.
Nigeria: Nigeria looks to be rising in status. They played solid last year in a tough pool, but weren't able to advance. They kept games very close and had enough chances to win games as well.
Scotland: Scotland played very well last year despite not advancing. They have playmakers on their team, but are lacking a solid defence. If they can shore up the defence, they will be a contender.
Colombia: Tough to say how good Colombia will be. They are sure to have some El Salvador players, but how their roster shapes up remains to be seen.
Chile: Chile may also benefit with the addition of El Salvador players, so their potential is also unknown.
Botswana: Botswana was a huge underdog last year, and will still be this year. They do have the advantage of having more players playing indoor soccer this year and getting into shape earlier, so they're bound to be better this year.
Northern Ireland: Missing some good players last year, Northern Ireland did not fare well. If they get their entire roster together they should also be better this year.
Serbia: Should be the same as last year, but the younger players will have to be workhorses for this team to have a chance and they'll need a better defence.
Poland: Poland was the victim of unfortunate circumstances last year when Ukraine and Canada were forced to run up the score as high as possible in order to advance.
Austria: They were beaten bad last year in a relatively easy group, so they really have nowhere to go but up.
*There are only 19 teams this year unless a team is able to pull together soon and submit the fee, despite being past the due date. From what I gather, one of Serbia, Poland, or Austria will not be submitting a team.
Pre-season rankings
Now for the rankings. Keep in mind, these aren't based on anything on at all, just opinion. I encourage the commenters to pick apart the rankings, but try and show reasons why you feel that way.
1. Republic of Ireland
2. Norway
3. England
4. Laos
5. Greece
6. Jamaica
7. Ukraine
8. Germany
9. Portugal
10. Scotland
11. Canada
12. Nigeria
13. Italy
14. Botswana
15. Colombia
16. Northern Ireland
17. Serbia
18. Chile
19. Austria
20. Poland
The rankings will be adjusted based on exhibition games between two teams or any other roster developments that occur.
Monday, January 28, 2008
New Teams and Folding Teams
Teams have already started to have the occasional practice, so it's time to start preparing if you're looking for a team. The format will have the same number of teams as last year (20), and many teams already have many roster spots filled, so get going if you haven't already.
Big News: This year it looks like El Salvador will not have a team. El Salvador won the first WCP cup and made it to the final the next year before losing to the Republic of Ireland. Their fan support was outstanding and the team will be missed. While it is not for certain that there is no team, unless there is a huge turnaround, El Salvador will not have a team.
Rumors: There have also been rumors that the Republic of Ireland is also apparently having roster problems, but it's just a rumor and nothing more at this point.
Columbia will be submitting a team this year, which will likely comprise many El Salvador players if the team folds. Hopefully the fans for El Salvador could get behind Columbia's team.
It is also possible that there will be a team France, but again, just a rumor.
Big News: This year it looks like El Salvador will not have a team. El Salvador won the first WCP cup and made it to the final the next year before losing to the Republic of Ireland. Their fan support was outstanding and the team will be missed. While it is not for certain that there is no team, unless there is a huge turnaround, El Salvador will not have a team.
Rumors: There have also been rumors that the Republic of Ireland is also apparently having roster problems, but it's just a rumor and nothing more at this point.
Columbia will be submitting a team this year, which will likely comprise many El Salvador players if the team folds. Hopefully the fans for El Salvador could get behind Columbia's team.
It is also possible that there will be a team France, but again, just a rumor.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Update
Once the WCP Cup starts to heat up again, I'll start making new posts.
Feel free to comment on the previous post.
Feel free to comment on the previous post.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Looking Back...
The WCP Cup keeps getting better, and this year was no exception. The groups were all very entertaining to watch and it was great to see so many fans out to watch. This tournament is really great for soccer in Saskatchewan and so many people who knew nothing about soccer came to see what all the excitement was about.
It will only continue to grow in the coming years, but in order to make it even more exciting, the rules will have to be formatted to the expanding amount of teams and the quality of play.
A couple things I was thinking about:
1. Maybe seeding more than the top 4 teams. It worked out fairly good this year, but there's no denying that any team that was left out in group D could have made another pool quite a bit more exciting. This year there were a lot of good teams, so it wasn't too big of an issue. Just a thought though.
2. Changing the way tiebreakers are made. Norway's pool and Jamaica's pool both had issues with this. It goes head to head, then goals for, then goals against. In Northern Ireland's final two games, they were blown out of the water because Norway and Ukraine were trying to score as many goals as possible. It's embarrassing to the team, and it would be better if it went goals against ahead of goals for, that way rather seeing how bad you can embarrass the other team, it's how well you can keep the ball out of your net. No one likes watching a 10-0 blowout.
All in all, the WCP Cup is very well handled and these are just suggestions.
Any others?
It will only continue to grow in the coming years, but in order to make it even more exciting, the rules will have to be formatted to the expanding amount of teams and the quality of play.
A couple things I was thinking about:
1. Maybe seeding more than the top 4 teams. It worked out fairly good this year, but there's no denying that any team that was left out in group D could have made another pool quite a bit more exciting. This year there were a lot of good teams, so it wasn't too big of an issue. Just a thought though.
2. Changing the way tiebreakers are made. Norway's pool and Jamaica's pool both had issues with this. It goes head to head, then goals for, then goals against. In Northern Ireland's final two games, they were blown out of the water because Norway and Ukraine were trying to score as many goals as possible. It's embarrassing to the team, and it would be better if it went goals against ahead of goals for, that way rather seeing how bad you can embarrass the other team, it's how well you can keep the ball out of your net. No one likes watching a 10-0 blowout.
All in all, the WCP Cup is very well handled and these are just suggestions.
Any others?
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Amazing Final
-Norway beat Ireland 4-3 in overtime in today's final. The best final anyone could have hoped for, as Norway went up 2-0 early besides domination by Ireland. Their first goal was a beauty as it hit the crossbar and went into the net. Ireland kept up dominating the game though and battled back to tie it 2-2. Near the end of the game Norway had the lead 3-2 when with about 6 minutes left Ireland tied it. In overtime, Adam Payette beautifully headed a cross over the Ireland keeper and into the net.
-It was great game to watch, but one thing that wasn't too classy of some fans was booing Ireland every time they touched the ball. Yeah, it was kinda funny, but those guys out there are trying hard and it does get the team down. There's really no need to insult the team. The reffing was very one-sided against Ireland and the entire crowd save for a few people were pro-Norway.
-On a positive note, it's great that Norway won and toppled the mighty Ireland. The game was awesome and it's good to see that having the best players doesn't necessarily make a team the best. Ireland was hated by many and it's good for the tournament to see a different team win this year.
-The bronze medal game was another good game with Jamaica winning 3-1 over Laos. Laos just couldn't pull together and Jamaica was able to match their quickness.
-It was great game to watch, but one thing that wasn't too classy of some fans was booing Ireland every time they touched the ball. Yeah, it was kinda funny, but those guys out there are trying hard and it does get the team down. There's really no need to insult the team. The reffing was very one-sided against Ireland and the entire crowd save for a few people were pro-Norway.
-On a positive note, it's great that Norway won and toppled the mighty Ireland. The game was awesome and it's good to see that having the best players doesn't necessarily make a team the best. Ireland was hated by many and it's good for the tournament to see a different team win this year.
-The bronze medal game was another good game with Jamaica winning 3-1 over Laos. Laos just couldn't pull together and Jamaica was able to match their quickness.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
On to the Playoffs!
With Portugal securing second in their pool last night, and Norway getting first, the playoffs are all set.
First off at 6- Ireland v Portugal
Ireland comes off playing a fairly easy pool, while Portugal had a tough road to get here. This could work in Portugal's favour, as Ireland haven't played a very strong team yet and aren't sure how to work their strategy yet. However Ireland won't need much to get going, and should win fairly easily. Ireland will take it 3-0.
Next Laos plays Canada at 7, a team that maybe shouldn't have made it out, but nonetheless did. Laos has proved themselves to be a very strong team and Canada will be a good test for them. Canada is once again highly underrated and could topple Laos. Laos is a very quick and agile team and can exploit Canada's weaknesses in speed and agility, but it will be very tough to beat Canada, as they play very well as a team. I think Canada can pull off the upset of Laos, but either way it will be a hard-fought game. ......mmmmmm I'm gonna go with Canada on this one, just because Canada is coached well and plays very solid as a team. (Note:I love the upset, so I have to take at least one in the quarter finals.)
Thirdly, Greece takes on Norway at 9.
Greece should be able to dominate Norway with their superior play. Greece is solid all around, while Norway only has a couple bright spots. Canada plays a lot like Greece and Canada dominated Norway(even though it was only 3-2), so I expect Greece to do the same. Greece takes 'er 4-2.
Finally, Jamaica plays Italy at 10.
Italy surprised a lot of people with how well they've been playing and only lost to ireland 4-2. However Jamaica is a very good team and will be able to capitalize on breakdowns in Italy's line-up. Jamaica wins 3-1
First off at 6- Ireland v Portugal
Ireland comes off playing a fairly easy pool, while Portugal had a tough road to get here. This could work in Portugal's favour, as Ireland haven't played a very strong team yet and aren't sure how to work their strategy yet. However Ireland won't need much to get going, and should win fairly easily. Ireland will take it 3-0.
Next Laos plays Canada at 7, a team that maybe shouldn't have made it out, but nonetheless did. Laos has proved themselves to be a very strong team and Canada will be a good test for them. Canada is once again highly underrated and could topple Laos. Laos is a very quick and agile team and can exploit Canada's weaknesses in speed and agility, but it will be very tough to beat Canada, as they play very well as a team. I think Canada can pull off the upset of Laos, but either way it will be a hard-fought game. ......mmmmmm I'm gonna go with Canada on this one, just because Canada is coached well and plays very solid as a team. (Note:I love the upset, so I have to take at least one in the quarter finals.)
Thirdly, Greece takes on Norway at 9.
Greece should be able to dominate Norway with their superior play. Greece is solid all around, while Norway only has a couple bright spots. Canada plays a lot like Greece and Canada dominated Norway(even though it was only 3-2), so I expect Greece to do the same. Greece takes 'er 4-2.
Finally, Jamaica plays Italy at 10.
Italy surprised a lot of people with how well they've been playing and only lost to ireland 4-2. However Jamaica is a very good team and will be able to capitalize on breakdowns in Italy's line-up. Jamaica wins 3-1
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Final day Matchups
Today is going to be the deciding day for many teams. Ukraine's, Canada's and Norway's playoff spots will be determined by how many goals Norway scores tonight. If Norway scores 8 goals and wins, they're through at second place. It will intense to see if Northern Ireland can hold them to under 8 or possibly beat or tie them.
Prediction: I think Northern Ireland can hold Norway to less than 8 goals, though it will be tough to do without their regular goalie. Canada ends up 1st, Ukraine at 2nd.
Scotland, Jamaica and Portugal's lives depend on how portugal does tonight against Botswana. If Portugal scores two goals and gives up none, they'll be through at second. If they don't score two goals, or tie or lose, Scotland goes through in first.
Prediction: Portugal should be able to score two goals against Botswana, but Botswana has never given up easily and should be able to get a couple of their own. If Botswana scores 2 goals, Portugal will then need to get 3 goals because they'd have to score more goals than Scotland. I still think Portugal will be able to score 3 goals and get the win. Jamaica at 1st, Portugal at 2nd.
Italy and Serbia face off in their matchup, not having to rely on any tiebreakers. The winner of this matchup goes through at second place.
Prediction: Serbia will pull out a close one and take second.
It's too bad that two entire pools are going to be decided on goals for, but i guess that's the way it goes. Should make for exciting soccer anyway.
Prediction: I think Northern Ireland can hold Norway to less than 8 goals, though it will be tough to do without their regular goalie. Canada ends up 1st, Ukraine at 2nd.
Scotland, Jamaica and Portugal's lives depend on how portugal does tonight against Botswana. If Portugal scores two goals and gives up none, they'll be through at second. If they don't score two goals, or tie or lose, Scotland goes through in first.
Prediction: Portugal should be able to score two goals against Botswana, but Botswana has never given up easily and should be able to get a couple of their own. If Botswana scores 2 goals, Portugal will then need to get 3 goals because they'd have to score more goals than Scotland. I still think Portugal will be able to score 3 goals and get the win. Jamaica at 1st, Portugal at 2nd.
Italy and Serbia face off in their matchup, not having to rely on any tiebreakers. The winner of this matchup goes through at second place.
Prediction: Serbia will pull out a close one and take second.
It's too bad that two entire pools are going to be decided on goals for, but i guess that's the way it goes. Should make for exciting soccer anyway.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Day 3 Recap
In day 2, I guess chile lost to italy, 3-2. That'll do some damage to chile's hopes of making it through. The final score between Nigeria and Botswana was 5-2 for Nigeria.
In other group A news, Serbia dominated Austria tonight and won by a score of 3-1. Serbia, led by Aryian Farahani's 3 goals, really controlled the first half but allowed Austria back in it in the second. Austria could only muster 1 goal and it's chances of making it through to the second round seem shot.
The first game of the evening featured laos against england. England looked to dominate early and came up with a 2-0 lead, but laos responded with a goal of their own. Down 3-1, Laos began their comeback and tied it 3-3 before getting control of the lead near the end of the second half by scoring to make it 4-3. England pressured and pressured, crossing it in, and Mark Korthius headed it just past keeper Evan Campbell to tie it up. With two minutes left and just after England's goal, Robbie Mintenko fired a low shot from near half that just made it by England's keeper, putting Laos up 5-4. Laos held off England for the win.
Canada gained back some of their former glory and destroyed Northern Ireland. With the addition of their keeper from last year, and the second Patterson twin, Canada is still in the hunt for a spot in the second round, but they must beat norway.
Portugal and Scotland played a barnburner of a game, but Scotland came out on top 2-1
Portugal didn't have much offence and their only goal was a penalty shot. Scotland looks like a solid pick to make it out of their group if they can beat nigeria.
In the best game of the evening, Greece whomped Germany 4-1. Germany just couldn't play as a team and Greece played above and beyond what was expected of them. They hustled to every ball and thoroughly dominated.
In other group A news, Serbia dominated Austria tonight and won by a score of 3-1. Serbia, led by Aryian Farahani's 3 goals, really controlled the first half but allowed Austria back in it in the second. Austria could only muster 1 goal and it's chances of making it through to the second round seem shot.
The first game of the evening featured laos against england. England looked to dominate early and came up with a 2-0 lead, but laos responded with a goal of their own. Down 3-1, Laos began their comeback and tied it 3-3 before getting control of the lead near the end of the second half by scoring to make it 4-3. England pressured and pressured, crossing it in, and Mark Korthius headed it just past keeper Evan Campbell to tie it up. With two minutes left and just after England's goal, Robbie Mintenko fired a low shot from near half that just made it by England's keeper, putting Laos up 5-4. Laos held off England for the win.
Canada gained back some of their former glory and destroyed Northern Ireland. With the addition of their keeper from last year, and the second Patterson twin, Canada is still in the hunt for a spot in the second round, but they must beat norway.
Portugal and Scotland played a barnburner of a game, but Scotland came out on top 2-1
Portugal didn't have much offence and their only goal was a penalty shot. Scotland looks like a solid pick to make it out of their group if they can beat nigeria.
In the best game of the evening, Greece whomped Germany 4-1. Germany just couldn't play as a team and Greece played above and beyond what was expected of them. They hustled to every ball and thoroughly dominated.
Day 2 Recap
Day 2 was relatively uneventful, but the matchup between Germany and el Salvador kicked off group D with a bang. I didn't attend any games today, but from what i heard Germany thoroughly deserved the win of 4-3. Apparently two of el Salvador's goals were due to miscommunication between Germany's goalie and the defence.
Nigeria played Botswana and won 3-2. That's the extent of my knowledge about that game.
Chile also played Italy. I'm guessing Chile won
Day 3 will be action-packed with every game being one that could determine who's coming out of that pool. Laos and England start it up at 6, followed by Austria and Serbia(Austria looks to gain back some dignity after a beating provided by Ireland).
Canada then looks to regain its former glory and remain in the hunt for a playoff spot by playing Northern Ireland. Portugal takes on Scotland at 9 in what should a barnburner of a game, and Germany takes on Greece to cap off the evening.
Should be a fun-filled night.
Nigeria played Botswana and won 3-2. That's the extent of my knowledge about that game.
Chile also played Italy. I'm guessing Chile won
Day 3 will be action-packed with every game being one that could determine who's coming out of that pool. Laos and England start it up at 6, followed by Austria and Serbia(Austria looks to gain back some dignity after a beating provided by Ireland).
Canada then looks to regain its former glory and remain in the hunt for a playoff spot by playing Northern Ireland. Portugal takes on Scotland at 9 in what should a barnburner of a game, and Germany takes on Greece to cap off the evening.
Should be a fun-filled night.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Day 1 Recap
Opening ceremonies started today at 6:30 and took a lot longer than they should have. The groups that were dancing took way too long in their routines. Finally after all the dancing and speeches were over, Ireland took on Austria about an hour behind the scheduled time.
The game went as expected for Ireland, as they crushed Austria 8-0. Ireland played very well as a team and didn't lack effort at any position. Passes were crisp all around and the shots were accurate and powerful. They showed why they remain the number 1 contender for the Cup.
The second game of the night featured the first game on the girls side with Germany winning 2-1. Germany outplayed Chile in every aspect and deserved the win.
The third game featured a group B matchup with Ukraine and Canada. This was a very important matchup as the winner would more than likely make it out of their group along with Norway. Ukraine started off very strong in the opening minutes and has a series of good shots, finishing one of them. Leading 2-0 by halftime, Ukraine seemed to lose form and Canada began it's attack. With 12 minutes or so left in the game Canada seemed to have scored on an indirect free kick, but upon further review the goal was disallowed because it didn't touch anyone. Ukraine held off the scrappy Canada team then added another goal as time was winding down.
The fourth game was between Jamaica and Scotland. Jamaica took and early lead of 3-0 and it seemed that Scotland would never be able to get back in it. Scotland then netted a goal to make it 3-1 and the chase was on. The game was very fast-paced and both teams had very good chances. Scotland rung one off the crossbar and Jamaica's counter attack led them to their 4th goal. Scotland countered quickly to make it 4-2, but time was running out on Scotland's hopes. The pace picked up and Scotland tried a more offensive approach, but Jamaica scored on the weaker defence, making it 5-2. Scotland scored soon after, but the game was winding down and beyond reach. Jamaica wins 5-3
The game went as expected for Ireland, as they crushed Austria 8-0. Ireland played very well as a team and didn't lack effort at any position. Passes were crisp all around and the shots were accurate and powerful. They showed why they remain the number 1 contender for the Cup.
The second game of the night featured the first game on the girls side with Germany winning 2-1. Germany outplayed Chile in every aspect and deserved the win.
The third game featured a group B matchup with Ukraine and Canada. This was a very important matchup as the winner would more than likely make it out of their group along with Norway. Ukraine started off very strong in the opening minutes and has a series of good shots, finishing one of them. Leading 2-0 by halftime, Ukraine seemed to lose form and Canada began it's attack. With 12 minutes or so left in the game Canada seemed to have scored on an indirect free kick, but upon further review the goal was disallowed because it didn't touch anyone. Ukraine held off the scrappy Canada team then added another goal as time was winding down.
The fourth game was between Jamaica and Scotland. Jamaica took and early lead of 3-0 and it seemed that Scotland would never be able to get back in it. Scotland then netted a goal to make it 3-1 and the chase was on. The game was very fast-paced and both teams had very good chances. Scotland rung one off the crossbar and Jamaica's counter attack led them to their 4th goal. Scotland countered quickly to make it 4-2, but time was running out on Scotland's hopes. The pace picked up and Scotland tried a more offensive approach, but Jamaica scored on the weaker defence, making it 5-2. Scotland scored soon after, but the game was winding down and beyond reach. Jamaica wins 5-3
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Revised Predictions
Looking at some recent friendlies, I should make some adjustments to my predictions
Group A- Ireland, Austria
Still the same. I saw Chile play, but a lot of them were busting belts. They have a couple of guys who could make an impact, but its easy to take them out of the game if you know how.
Group B- Norway, Ukraine
Also saw Ukraine play, and they look like a fairly decent team. Their defence is solid and they have a couple guys who will get lots of shots on net. And considering that goalies aren't really all that good, they should get a bunch in the net.
Group C- Jamaica, Portugal
Still the same, though I'd like to see Portugal play someone really good and see they can handle it.
Group D- El Salvador, Laos
Laos has done very good in their exhibition games and apparently germany really didn't show anything in their exhibition game against Chile. I don't know what England's final team will look like or if all the players they were supposedly bringing in are actually coming in. Greece has played solid the last little bit and they'll get a key midfielder back for the competition, but they'll still get third
Group A- Ireland, Austria
Still the same. I saw Chile play, but a lot of them were busting belts. They have a couple of guys who could make an impact, but its easy to take them out of the game if you know how.
Group B- Norway, Ukraine
Also saw Ukraine play, and they look like a fairly decent team. Their defence is solid and they have a couple guys who will get lots of shots on net. And considering that goalies aren't really all that good, they should get a bunch in the net.
Group C- Jamaica, Portugal
Still the same, though I'd like to see Portugal play someone really good and see they can handle it.
Group D- El Salvador, Laos
Laos has done very good in their exhibition games and apparently germany really didn't show anything in their exhibition game against Chile. I don't know what England's final team will look like or if all the players they were supposedly bringing in are actually coming in. Greece has played solid the last little bit and they'll get a key midfielder back for the competition, but they'll still get third
Friday, April 13, 2007
Finals
After the group rounds, the second stage will be upon us. Starting with total points, then goals for, Ireland figures to lead the pack because of the easiness of their pool getting a high goal total. They should come out with 3 wins and a ton of goals. Second place is really up in the air. Norway has a fairly easy pool and should also have a high amount of goals. Group C will be more offensive than the other pools, and Jamaica and Portugal could also have a high total of goals. Canada, should they make it through, and the second place team in Group A, will come in around the middle. The teams from Group D look to struggle in order to get through, and they will come in around last. Most of what I just said was considering solely the goals. Have to keep in mind that points come first
So, if I follow through with my predictions on who will make it out of the group stage, the final 8 teams will be (in ranked order): 1. Ireland
2. Norway
3. Jamaica
4. Portugal
5. Canada
6. El Salvador
7. Austria
8. Germany
With 1 v 8, 2 v 7, and so on, the games will shape up like this(i can foresee these kinds of things):
Ireland vs. Germany- This will be a good test for Ireland after breezing through the group rounds, and they'll be hard-pressed to match Germany's firepower, but can also counter Germany with tough D and a good offence. Ireland win: 3-2
Norway vs. Austria- Norway will manhandle Austria. Norway wins: 5-0
Jamaica vs. El Salvador- a rematch of last year's bronze medal, this would be quite a game. El Salvador's heart was not in the bronze medal match last year, and they'd pick up their game for this one. Still, Jamaica should come out on top in a close one: 3-2
Portugal vs. Canada- Portugal should be quick enough to beat Canada. Though this is where Canada excels in locking down good-shooting teams, Portugal should win: 2-1
Semis
Ireland vs. Portugal
Ireland is much better than Portugal and should beat them handily:3-0
Jamaica vs. Norway
I really can't say who'd win this one. I'll go with Jamaica: 4-3
Final
Ireland vs. Jamaica
Jamaica wins! Ireland chokes! Ireland haters rejoice!
honestly if anyone is upset during the tournament, my money is on Ireland. Their team is good, but they aren't gods and they can be exploited. There will probably be more upsets than I predicted...........so we'll see.
So, if I follow through with my predictions on who will make it out of the group stage, the final 8 teams will be (in ranked order): 1. Ireland
2. Norway
3. Jamaica
4. Portugal
5. Canada
6. El Salvador
7. Austria
8. Germany
With 1 v 8, 2 v 7, and so on, the games will shape up like this(i can foresee these kinds of things):
Ireland vs. Germany- This will be a good test for Ireland after breezing through the group rounds, and they'll be hard-pressed to match Germany's firepower, but can also counter Germany with tough D and a good offence. Ireland win: 3-2
Norway vs. Austria- Norway will manhandle Austria. Norway wins: 5-0
Jamaica vs. El Salvador- a rematch of last year's bronze medal, this would be quite a game. El Salvador's heart was not in the bronze medal match last year, and they'd pick up their game for this one. Still, Jamaica should come out on top in a close one: 3-2
Portugal vs. Canada- Portugal should be quick enough to beat Canada. Though this is where Canada excels in locking down good-shooting teams, Portugal should win: 2-1
Semis
Ireland vs. Portugal
Ireland is much better than Portugal and should beat them handily:3-0
Jamaica vs. Norway
I really can't say who'd win this one. I'll go with Jamaica: 4-3
Final
Ireland vs. Jamaica
Jamaica wins! Ireland chokes! Ireland haters rejoice!
honestly if anyone is upset during the tournament, my money is on Ireland. Their team is good, but they aren't gods and they can be exploited. There will probably be more upsets than I predicted...........so we'll see.
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