1st Canada
Overview:
We will have a much more detailed preview on the hosts tomorrow, but for today let’s stick to the basics – organized and aggressive with, on her day, one of the greatest goal scorers in women’s soccer history.
Or, inconsistent, mentally fragile and over-reliant on a striker that’s clearly past her prime.
Take your pick. Both are true, depending on the game. Drawn to the Group of Life, the hosts have had everything set up for them to advance all the way to the final. Can they?
A nation awaits.
Player to watch:
Sophie Schmidt.
We all know Christine Sinclair, but Schmidt is the engine that will drive Canada at the World Cup. She’s not one to wilt under the pressure either – Schmidt was Canada’s clear best player at the 2011 World Cup and has been the informed pick for Canada’s best player for at least two years.
Possible Achilles heel:
Expectations.
Bluntly, Canada was terrible the last time they had the nation’s attention heading into a tournament (2011). They were much better flying under the radar (2012).
Has John Herdman done enough to fix what was clearly a mentally weak team? We will find out Saturday.
Schedule:
June 6 v China (6pm ET – Edmonton), June 11 v New Zealand (9pm ET – Edmonton), June 15 (7:30pm ET – Montreal)
How it all will end:
Throughout the build-up of this tournament CSN has stressed that a quarterfinals appearance would be a wonderful accomplishment. It’s going to be a tougher road than many think, but Canada probably does have just enough to win the group. That will give them a third place team in the round of 16.
They should win that. Then (likely) England or Norway awaits. It says here it ends there.
2nd Netherlands
Overview:
The Dutch are good and getting better. Having tapped into the rich resources that has allowed the men’s program to punch above its weight, the Dutch look poised to break out in 2015.
Player to watch:
Vivianne Miedema
She could be the breakout of the tournament. She’s been scoring goals for fun in both the best women’s league in the world (arguably – Germany) and for the Dutch. And, she’s a kid – just 18.
This is a future Ballon d’Or winner. But, 2019 might be where she truly shines.
Possible Achilles heel:
Her ankle.
Miedema may not be fully fit and if that’s the case then Holland may not quite be ready to move into the top tier.
Schedule:
June 6 v New Zealand (9pm ET – Edmonton), June 11 v China (4pm ET – Edmonton), June 15 v Canada (7:30pm ET – Montreal)
How it will end:
As stated, Holland is likely a cycle away yet, but they do look like solid second place contenders in Group A. If they end up on that path, a winnable Ro16 game awaits, but the quarters do seem like the ceiling.
If Miedema is healthy that’s where I see Holland – quarter-finalists. Watch out in 2019.
3rd China
Overview:
An early powerhouse that has dipped in form since the height of the 1999 second place tournament. However, they’ve gone young in an effort to recapture past glories. China still seems a clear step behind both Canada and Holland, but there is enough talent here they shouldn’t embarrass.
Player to watch:
Xu Yanlu
Nicknamed the Little Messi (which begs the question just how little she is…) the attack will go through her.
Possible Achilles heel:
Injury to top scorer Yang Li
Not much more to say about that. If, as expected, Yang is unavailable it makes the Chinese chances limited.
Schedule:
June 6 v Canada (4pm ET – Edmonton), June 11 v Netherlands (4pm ET – Edmonton), June 15 v New Zealand (7:30pm ET – Winnipeg).
How it will end:
China’s technical skill and youthful potential seems just enough to edge them past New Zealand for third in the group. Third in Group A should be a best of spot. However, a Round of 16 exit seems likely.
4th New Zealand
Overview:
They defeated Tonga 16-0, Papua New Guinea 3-0 and the Cook Islands 11-0 in qualifying. That’s all they needed to do to get to Canada and that lack of a challenge is likely what holds New Zealand back.
They may take extra motivation in facing former manager John Herdman, but the Ferns are a clear step behind.
Player to watch:
Abby Erceg
The captain and experienced leader is the rock at the back. If New Zealand is to upset it will be based on organized play and grabbing one on the break.
Possible Achilles heel:
As said, the lack of competition they regularly face. Although the New Zealand women are improving, it’s still a tough stretch.
Schedule:
June 6 v Netherlands (7pm ET – Edmonton), June 11 v Canada (9pm ET – Edmonton), June 15 v China (7:30 pm ET – Winnipeg)
How it will end:
China and New Zealand are close enough that either could finish third and third is a likely Ro16 qualifier. As stated above, CSN sees China nipping the Ferns, but it would not be shocking if the positions were flipped. Regardless, the Round of 16 is very likely the ceiling.