World Cup 2011

World Cup 2011

I saw an hour of the first match - France vs. Nigeria - and found it quite engaging.  The teams had very contrasting styles.  France was getting the "Barcelona of women's football" treatment from the commentators (though they don't have Danny Alves in skirts), while Nigeria had pace and strength all over the park.

The French seemed to be lined up in anticipation of a typical, tactically naive, African side - they started 4-3-2-1, with Necib more prone to moving wide on the left.  Nigeria, boosted by imported technical assistance, played a very compact 4-4-1-1, with the defenders pushing forward and limiting the space between two very narrow lines.

This led to a very tight first half.  While they dominated early possession, the French lacked the width to break Nigeria down.  There were a couple of half-chances at set-pieces and two decent long range efforts, but nothing clear-cut.  The Africans had the only real chance at goal: Oparanozie latched on to a great through ball but squandered it.

At half-time, Bini shifted to a 4-2-3-1 and introduced Le Sommer, primarily playing on the right wing.  This led directly to the deciding goal: Necib and Le Sommer combined to put the ball to the French center forward, Delie, who wiped out the frustration of the first half with a thumping finish.

I must confess that the goal was my signal to get some sleep (the alternative of more coffee and feeling wretched this morning just didn't appeal).  But if you have more stamina or a more forgiving schedule, I really recommend catching more of this tournament.

England - Mexico was after my bedtime, but the Guardian write-up takes the view that the 3 Lionesses are psychologically fragile.  Has anyone seen a comprehensive review of the Germany - Canada game?

pretty average article:the author seems to be trying to insinuate that the women have the same problem/mental shortcomings as the men,and attempts to shape his story accordingly.Anyone who has a smattering of knowledge about women's football in England knows that they are an improving side,and on the upward swing(although clowns like this journo probably expect them to win and nothing less).If the women's team actually does do well,you wonder what kind of unrealistic coverage they will then be subjected to...

more dodgy stuff from Equitorial Guinea (ref should have spotted this)

Unbelievable and all done with a straight face

England gone in the U-17 tournament, down 3-0 to Germany, not surprised.

England have pulled one back, come on England!

holy smoke, england now just down 1 goal.  but time not on their side, into injury time. 

England are out now.  Germany will play the winner of France v Mexico which is coming up in an hour.

Under 17's Semis coming up tomorrow.

watching the USA! USA! USA! vs Brazil game, and USA! USA! USA! have just equalised in the last minute of extra time to take it to pens.  Very exciting.

USA! USA! USA! (deservedly) through on pens.  I love Hope Solo (and I imagine that her parents are Star Wars fans who really wanted a boy)

Wouldn't normally back USA but since they are playing Japan I will be "rooting" for them (that's what the Yanks say isn't it?).

USA bitches are leading Japan bitches 1-0 with 15 to go in the final

Japan bitches equalise with 10 to go after terrible defending

Not a bad goal from the Wombat of america

And back to 2-2 with 3 mins ET to go.

1st US penalty saved by keepers leg.

2nd US penalty BLASTED over the bar into the stratosphere.

pens.

2nd Jap penalty saved by Doloras.

And the Japanese keeper keeps the shutout going saving the 3rd down low to the left.

what a penalty to finish on

Kumagai wins it with a class penalty into the top left.

Japan win 3-1 on pens.

Well done Japan, was going for them after seeing Sportscentre yesterday and a very arrogant attitude from their 'expert' commentators on the eve of the game.

Internet Rule #1

This is a nice rant:

Here is another nice article from Stuff: http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/5305237/Womens-game-embraced-by-world-football

Congrats to the Russian beach football team, beating Brazil in the final 12-8 in Italy.