1st Japan
Overview
The upstarts of 2011 are among the favourites to repeat in 2015. Fast, technical and highly skilled Japan represents the new thinking of women’s football that has propelled the sport forward over the past decade.
They got a great draw. Not only is the group an easy touch, but the run to the final is all set up. Canadians should learn as much as possible about this team because they may be around for a while.
Player to watch:
Homare Sawa
She’s not close to the best player on Japan anymore, but the defending Golden Ball winner has come out of retirement to try and win a second straight World Cup. Regardless of her success and role on the side, it should be an inspiration to all top see this 36-year-old that has lived through the tremendous growth and bloom of the sport at one final (we assume) World Cup.
A legend of the game could retire on Canadian soil. That’s a “player to watch” if there has ever been one.
Possible Achilles heel:
Not being tested until it’s too late.
The Japanese are a class to themselves but will not face a tier one opponent until likely the quarterfinals. Will that lack of push-back hurt them when it matters most?
Schedule:
June 8 v Switzerland (10pm ET – Vancouver), June 12 v Cameroon (10pm ET – Vancouver), June 16 v Ecuador (5pm ET – Winnipeg)
How it will end:
Japan won the draw. It will be a major upset if they are taken out before the final. CSN does not see that happening, but…losing finalists.
2nd Switzerland
Overview:
An old school WoSo team that plays old school physical soccer. They ripped apart their qualifying group, but are green at the world level.
Switzerland will provide an interesting contrast to the highly technical Japanese.
Player to watch:
Lara Dickenmann
An NCAA product that plays like one. She knows how to score and will probably be a force against the smaller, weaker Cameroon and Ecuador sides.
Possible Achilles heel:
A lack of inspiration.
The Swiss weren’t particularly challenged in qualification and it remains to be seen how well they face off against a more skilled side like Japan.
Schedule:
June 8 v Japan (10pm ET – Vancouver), June 12 v Ecuador (7pm ET – Vancouver), June 16th v Cameroon (5pm ET – Edmonton)
How it will end.
The Swiss look solid for second and will be matched up in a winnable Round of 16 game against (likely) Holland. It’s a pick ‘em (but CSN is leaning towards the Dutch). Anything after that would be shocking.
3rd – Cameroon
Overview
A one woman team in many ways, Cameroon will look to play tight and play the ball through their standout attacker…
Player to watch:
Gaelle Enganamouit
Playing in a top league (Sweden) and arguably among the best players in Africa. Any success Cameron has in Canada will be through Enganamouit.
Possible Achilles heel:
They’re a one woman team. What happens if Enganamouit is marked out or injured? A quick exit, is what.
Schedule:
June 8 v Ecuador (10pm ET – Vancouver), June 12 v Japan (10pm ET – Vancouver)m June 16 v Switzerland (5pm ET – Edmonton)
How it will end:
CSN has a hunch Group C is one of the two groups that will not get a best third place finisher. Three and out.
4th Ecuador
Overview:
Their coach is 24. And two years older than the average age of the team. Ecuador is in Canada to make up the numbers and gain experience for 2019.
Player to watch:
Giannina Lattanzio.
Born in Milan, Lattanzio is the biggest offensive threat for Ecuador.
Possible Achilles heel:
Well, the gap in skill and experience. Along with Thailand, Ecuador – the last team to qualify – is in the conversation for worst team in the tournament.
Schedule:
June 8th v Cameron (7pm ET – Vancouver), June 12 v Switzerland (7pm ET – Vancouver), June 16 v Japan (5pm ET – Winnipeg)
How it will end:
After three valuable learning experiences.