Notes and thoughts on the first games in each group.
GENERAL NOTES
I really want to highlight the difference between Argentina, Italy, and Brazil on one hand and Spain on the other. Twenty years ago, none of these countries cared about women’s soccer. Ten year’s ago, none of them cared. Then Spain began to care: they invested in the game, they began to hold coaches accountable, they began to develop players at an alarming rate.
But the other 3 are still very lackadaisical in their commitment. Instead, they skate by on a massively skilled talent base and very sparse support. And, in the case of Brazil, wheeling Marta out as if she were still 27. It’s a bit of a disgrace: with a little work, those 3 countries could have superior programs.
Meanwhile, Spain will be World Cup contenders in 4 years and, I would suspect, thereafter.
GROUP A
Just about the only sad note about France‘s demolishing of South Korea was Griedge Mbock Bathy‘s sumptous bicycle kick being called back (correctly) for offsides. Mbock Bathy is one of my favorite younger players–although at 24, she may be edging out of that category. She, Wendie Renard and Amel Majri are the core of easily the best defensive line in the world.
The Norway – Nigeria game was far more interesting, in that it was far, far closer than the 3-0 scoreline. Nigeria’s over-reliance on Francisca Ordega as an outlet is an interesting thing to watch: first, they may not do that against other opponents; second, Ordega can be a beast if she finds space; but third, perhaps that could be shut down tactically?
GROUP B
Germany is taking a lot of guff for the laborious nature of their victory over China. It’s a little unfair: Germany dominated the game. That said, the loss of Dzsenifer Marozsán for the rest of the group phase will be felt: she may be the single player the Germans will struggle most to replace. Also, yes, Giulia Gwinn!
I still like both Spain and South Africa, and again the scoreline flattered the Spaniards a bit. I would expect South Africa to beat China with a similar performance.
GROUP C
Don’t fret too much about Australia. Yeah, they lost; and yeah, it might get into their heads. But they were the better team, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them still emerge with 6 points atop the group.
And, don’t get too high on Brazil: this was more a case of Jamaica being outclassed than Brazil showing up well. Jamaica – Italy should be interesting: Jamaica has the pace to get behind the Italians back line who–other than Sara Gama–looked a little weak back there, but Italy’s midfield could totally dominate the game.
GROUP D
England – Scotland was a great game, which bodes well for the Scots; especially with Japan looking fairly toothless.
Argentina‘s #10–Estefanía Banini–had a showcase game, but she needs better options to supply for Argentina to do more.
GROUP E
The surprise here was that New Zealand was able to hang with Holland until the end. I do love me some Jill Roord, but this was not the prettiest of goals.
Cameroon – Canada was a little like Norway – Nigeria in that the scoreline flattered the Canadians. Still, #WeTheNorth and all that.
This still feels like the tightest group, especially if Holland is unable to get out of 3rd gear.
GROUP F
Sweden and Chile were a little hard to judge, given the deluge they had to endure. Still, while I still think Sweden is overrated, Chile is happy to be in France at all, so the result felt right.
There was another game in this group? Wait, what?
WHERE YOU AT DEPARTMENT
Andressinha, Rachel Daly, and Patricia Guijarro, I’m looking at you (Patri was, it should be said, injured before the tournament …). My suspicion is, of that trio, we see a fair bit of Daly, Guijarro is health-dependent, and Andressinha–although it pains me to write this–has fallen out of favor with the coaching staff.