Women's World Cup Preview
June 23rd, 2011Thuuz has the honor of introducing Maddie Thompson, our very own collegiate women's soccer player. For the next action packed month, Thuuz will be covering Women's World Cup and Maddie will writing accompanying previews.
Every day of the tournament, Thuuz will alert you to the most exciting thirty minutes of action that just took place that day in Germany without revealing the score or any spoilers.
Each evening, gather with family and friends to enjoy the athleticism, the energy, the emotion, and the build-up of the storyline that will define the 2011 Women's World Cup.
Whether this is your first or sixth WWC, Maddie will be your ball-bending, bicycle-kicking guide.
Who, What, Where, and Women's World Cup?
Bratwurst and sauerkraut are not the ideal pre-game meal, but they are likely to be consumed in abundance throughout the upcoming World Cup.
Hosted in nine different stadiums located in nine different cities across Germany, FIFA announced they have already sold 70% of available tickets and they continue to sell like hotcakes. Competition is scheduled to start June 26th.
Being played in a soccer saavy nation that favors the home team currently ranked 2nd in FIFA standings, Germany will be given a run for its money by #1 ranked USA.
The US team features bright-eyed, bushy tailed first timers alongside noteworthy veterans. Having qualified for all five World Cups (while winning two of them), the US comes in with a determination to avenge elimination by Brazil in 2007. Overshadowing the last World Cup performance, the team is hoping to recreate the recent memory of winning the gold medal in the 2008 Olympics. They looked unimpressive in a bumpy send off game against Mexico with the exception of an impressive last minute goal to squeak out the W. Hopefully the US can use the next few weeks to work out the kinks so they are in full form come their match against North Korea.
Germany, winning the last two consecutive world cups, is looking to win a third as they make history in the most number of Women's World Cup wins. Not only does playing on home turf bring a huge advantage, it also brings a crushing pressure to produce results.
Brazil edges in at third with a huge, sun-tanned chip on their shoulder. After falling short in the last three major international finals (Olympic Football Tournament in Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008, and FIFA World Cup in 2007), they need to focus on their finishing. Although the world of Brazilian futbol has had an incredible rise, the country wants hardware.
So here we go...
Group Play starts 6/26/2011
The top two teams from each of four groups advances to an eight team, single elimination bracket.
Group A:
Germany
Canada
Nigeria
France
Germany will run away with this group as they have talent, experience, and the crowd on their side. Canada will give them a run for their money, but Germany will eventually show why they are ranked number two in the world.
Group B:
Japan
New Zealand
Mexico
England
Group B is unpredictable. Japan or England could take the cake. Japan is the favorite, but don't count out any of the other feisty teams.
Group C:
United States
North Korea
Columbia
Sweden
The US will have a hard fought round in the strongest group of the tournament. Sweden and North Korea will challenge the US and each other as they battle to advance.
Group D:
Brazil
Australia
Norway
Equatorial Guinea
With Marta (highlights) leading Brazil, they should cruise. Norway poses the biggest threat.
Quarterfinals July 7 and July 10
Semi Finals July 13
3rd Place Match July 16
Finals July 17
By: Maddie Thompson
