it might have to do simply with smaller players. defneders a not so tall as with men so it s easier to kick a FK over them, also much harder for the goalies to protect the big goal (look at most of the good men goalies, new generation is at least around 1.90 m).
whats going on in Norway match..anybody watching? they have 60% possesion and are 0-1 down ???? even germany had only 57 % vs. Argentina
Come on Nordic girls. a little :massage: during break should help for scoring
whats going on in Norway match..anybody watching? they have 60% possesion and are 0-1 down ???? even germany had only 57 % vs. Argentina
Come on Nordic girls. a little :massage: during break should help for scoring
yes it is definitely due to a much shorter wall. also i noticed the girls do not edge up 2m just before the whistle 
you are right about the keepers too...they are frankly, awful, and are not judging these balls well.
norway starting to press with 30' left...c'mon!
you are right about the keepers too...they are frankly, awful, and are not judging these balls well.
norway starting to press with 30' left...c'mon!
Norway dominated 2H. I woke up a bit after halftime so I have no idea how they were behind. I can't say that I wasn't worried but w/ so much Norwegian possession it was just a matter of time. Canada goalkeeper played well and kept them in the game.
China nice strike in 87" Danish central def. was scrambling...unbelievable, I thought they had the draw when they scored like a min. before. A pretty even match in the 2nd as neither team stood out. Danes better in air and keeper spotty for China tho there was no stopping the last goal for Denmark. Chippy match...calls were def. going China's way. Dane coaches let the Swede? coach for China know what they thought about something...words after the match.
China nice strike in 87" Danish central def. was scrambling...unbelievable, I thought they had the draw when they scored like a min. before. A pretty even match in the 2nd as neither team stood out. Danes better in air and keeper spotty for China tho there was no stopping the last goal for Denmark. Chippy match...calls were def. going China's way. Dane coaches let the Swede? coach for China know what they thought about something...words after the match.
recap from what we learnt after seing them all once
Group A
Germany: Best team so far. But it was no real test in the first match, but definetely most dangerous on offense and fav to win it all. They will definetely score a lot against all teams otside top 5-6. everything else we will see.
Argentina: crap...no chance physically and speed wise vs. anybody...england and Japan will not score 11, but should also be able to score like 4 to 6 on them (especially with goal difference now a big thing for them as they drew each other)
England + Japan: very similar in strength, will probably loose vs. germany and win (see above) vs. Argentina...whoever makes it out of group stage will be finished in quarters.
Group A
Germany: Best team so far. But it was no real test in the first match, but definetely most dangerous on offense and fav to win it all. They will definetely score a lot against all teams otside top 5-6. everything else we will see.
Argentina: crap...no chance physically and speed wise vs. anybody...england and Japan will not score 11, but should also be able to score like 4 to 6 on them (especially with goal difference now a big thing for them as they drew each other)
England + Japan: very similar in strength, will probably loose vs. germany and win (see above) vs. Argentina...whoever makes it out of group stage will be finished in quarters.
Group B:
USA: looked not as solid as expected, but still a contender for at least the semis...look out for some goal scoring now, as it could come down to goal difference now in the group , who will finish first or second (which is likely playing Germany).
N.Korea: Also a very solid team..definetely in top 6 teams in tourney. solid on defense and offense with good chances to make it out of group . COuld be a surprise at later stage.
Sweden: draw was biggest upset for me so far.still they played well IMO and will definetely have a shot vs. Korea and USA...it will be very tight for the top two spots.
Nigeria: not a walk over, but the weakest team in group. i dont think they will get another point.
Group C
Norway the best team here. very impressive in win over canada..should have been higher. they should have no problem with the other team in group and should reach at least the semis.
Canada: probably the no 2 team in group. defended well vs. Norway and should be physically and technically superior to the other two.
Australia: got their first win ever. i havent seen the game, but from reports it was more the weakness of Ghana than the strength of Australia. at least they have shown that they are able to score ( that s what some teams are lacking here completely)...could be close for sometime vs. canada, but no chance vs Norway.
Ghana: had some chances vs. Australia, but awful on defense and no fire power at all on offense. if Australia can already score 4 on them look for a blow out vs. norway
Group D:
Brazil looked good, but than again NZ is probably on a similar level as Argentina. So they just did what they had to do...could be close games vs. Denmark and China
NZ: Awful..look for more blow out losses as it could come down to goald difference for the other teams.
China: Solid as expected and off with a first important win. that should be almost enough to make the quaters. Home field seems to be a factor for them, especially with the refs giving them some calls (according to reports from you guys)...that could be definetely a factor...just remember all the crazy calls in favour of korea during the men WC in Korea...fifa dont want the host to go out early....not many people in the stands already, so at least China has to stay in tourney.
Denmark: looked good, but have lost first important match. definetely able to score, which is good. they will play Brazil tough for qualifying spot, but i dont see much more than the quaters for them.
early prediction
Group winners:
Germany
USA
Norway
China
semis: Germany- Norway
USA - China
Final: the big one Germany-USA
USA: looked not as solid as expected, but still a contender for at least the semis...look out for some goal scoring now, as it could come down to goal difference now in the group , who will finish first or second (which is likely playing Germany).
N.Korea: Also a very solid team..definetely in top 6 teams in tourney. solid on defense and offense with good chances to make it out of group . COuld be a surprise at later stage.
Sweden: draw was biggest upset for me so far.still they played well IMO and will definetely have a shot vs. Korea and USA...it will be very tight for the top two spots.
Nigeria: not a walk over, but the weakest team in group. i dont think they will get another point.
Group C
Norway the best team here. very impressive in win over canada..should have been higher. they should have no problem with the other team in group and should reach at least the semis.
Canada: probably the no 2 team in group. defended well vs. Norway and should be physically and technically superior to the other two.
Australia: got their first win ever. i havent seen the game, but from reports it was more the weakness of Ghana than the strength of Australia. at least they have shown that they are able to score ( that s what some teams are lacking here completely)...could be close for sometime vs. canada, but no chance vs Norway.
Ghana: had some chances vs. Australia, but awful on defense and no fire power at all on offense. if Australia can already score 4 on them look for a blow out vs. norway
Group D:
Brazil looked good, but than again NZ is probably on a similar level as Argentina. So they just did what they had to do...could be close games vs. Denmark and China
NZ: Awful..look for more blow out losses as it could come down to goald difference for the other teams.
China: Solid as expected and off with a first important win. that should be almost enough to make the quaters. Home field seems to be a factor for them, especially with the refs giving them some calls (according to reports from you guys)...that could be definetely a factor...just remember all the crazy calls in favour of korea during the men WC in Korea...fifa dont want the host to go out early....not many people in the stands already, so at least China has to stay in tourney.
Denmark: looked good, but have lost first important match. definetely able to score, which is good. they will play Brazil tough for qualifying spot, but i dont see much more than the quaters for them.
early prediction
Group winners:
Germany
USA
Norway
China
semis: Germany- Norway
USA - China
Final: the big one Germany-USA
china spied on denmark?
This must have been the reason for the Danish coaches tirade v. the Swedish coach for China after their match.
EIJING, Sept 13 (Reuters) - FIFA has opted against taking any action after Denmark officials asked soccer's governing body to probe security at the Women's World Cup after men were found covertly filming a 'tactical session' at their Wuhan hotel. <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="300"><tbody><tr><td><!-- new alias = NA_wwc07_story_300x250 --> <!-- new key = story;kvpagetype=story;kvcc=NA;kvsection=wwc07;kvaid=462630;grp=8714051 --> <!--JavaScript Tag // Tag for network 605: ESPN TN // Website: ESPN SC Keyword Site // Page: All // Placement: 300 X 250 (1181107) --> <script language="javascript" type="text/javascript"><!-- document.write('<scr'+'ipt language="javascript1.1" src="http://ad.dc2.adtech.de/addyn|3.0|605|1181107|0|170|ADTECH;loc=100;target=_blank;key=wwc07+story+NA;kvsection=wwc07;kvpagetype=story;kvcc=NA;grp=8714051;misc='+new Date().getTime()+'"></scri'+'pt>'); //--></script><script style="display: none;" language="javascript1.1" src="http://ad.dc2.adtech.de/addyn%7C3.0%7C605%7C1181107%7C0%7C170%7CADTECH;loc=100;target=_blank;key=wwc07+story+NA;kvsection=wwc07;kvpagetype=story;kvcc=NA;grp=8714051;misc=1189699354577"></script><noscript>
</noscript> <!-- End of JavaScript Tag -->
</td></tr></tbody></table> Team officials also discovered men with cameras at a closed training session on Monday, ahead of their opening match against hosts China two days later, team spokeswoman Pia Schou Nielsen said on Thursday. 'We've had some frustrating experiences with people watching us with hidden cameras at a closed training session,' Nielsen said. 'The next day there were people behind a glass wall at our hotel as we were making preparations,' Nielsen said. 'After that we involved the police and (soccer governing body) FIFA... Hopefully we will get some answers,' she added. FIFA, however, said it had 'examined the case' with the Danish delegation and the hotel but no further action would be taken. 'Following their investigations, FIFA and team Denmark decided not to pursue the case further,' FIFA said in a statement e-mailed to Reuters later on Thursday. Nielsen said Denmark officials called security after finding two men with 'large cameras' she said were 'hiding' in a building at the team's training ground. 'The men said they did not know it was a closed training session,' Nielsen said. The following day, Denmark officials found two men with a camera in a room behind a mirror facing a meeting room in which the team were having a 'tactical session'. Nielsen said officials discovered the men after joking that there might be spies monitoring them from behind the mirror. Upon being discovered, the men refused to come out, Nielsen said, adding that the men were Chinese. 'But we have no idea who they were.' She said Denmark contacted FIFA, who sent officials to the hotel. 'They saw the men and spoke to them,' she said. Denmark lost 3-2 to China in Wednesday's match after a late strike by midfielder Song Xiaoli gave the hosts victory.
This must have been the reason for the Danish coaches tirade v. the Swedish coach for China after their match.
EIJING, Sept 13 (Reuters) - FIFA has opted against taking any action after Denmark officials asked soccer's governing body to probe security at the Women's World Cup after men were found covertly filming a 'tactical session' at their Wuhan hotel. <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="300"><tbody><tr><td><!-- new alias = NA_wwc07_story_300x250 --> <!-- new key = story;kvpagetype=story;kvcc=NA;kvsection=wwc07;kvaid=462630;grp=8714051 --> <!--JavaScript Tag // Tag for network 605: ESPN TN // Website: ESPN SC Keyword Site // Page: All // Placement: 300 X 250 (1181107) --> <script language="javascript" type="text/javascript"><!-- document.write('<scr'+'ipt language="javascript1.1" src="http://ad.dc2.adtech.de/addyn|3.0|605|1181107|0|170|ADTECH;loc=100;target=_blank;key=wwc07+story+NA;kvsection=wwc07;kvpagetype=story;kvcc=NA;grp=8714051;misc='+new Date().getTime()+'"></scri'+'pt>'); //--></script><script style="display: none;" language="javascript1.1" src="http://ad.dc2.adtech.de/addyn%7C3.0%7C605%7C1181107%7C0%7C170%7CADTECH;loc=100;target=_blank;key=wwc07+story+NA;kvsection=wwc07;kvpagetype=story;kvcc=NA;grp=8714051;misc=1189699354577"></script><noscript>
</td></tr></tbody></table> Team officials also discovered men with cameras at a closed training session on Monday, ahead of their opening match against hosts China two days later, team spokeswoman Pia Schou Nielsen said on Thursday. 'We've had some frustrating experiences with people watching us with hidden cameras at a closed training session,' Nielsen said. 'The next day there were people behind a glass wall at our hotel as we were making preparations,' Nielsen said. 'After that we involved the police and (soccer governing body) FIFA... Hopefully we will get some answers,' she added. FIFA, however, said it had 'examined the case' with the Danish delegation and the hotel but no further action would be taken. 'Following their investigations, FIFA and team Denmark decided not to pursue the case further,' FIFA said in a statement e-mailed to Reuters later on Thursday. Nielsen said Denmark officials called security after finding two men with 'large cameras' she said were 'hiding' in a building at the team's training ground. 'The men said they did not know it was a closed training session,' Nielsen said. The following day, Denmark officials found two men with a camera in a room behind a mirror facing a meeting room in which the team were having a 'tactical session'. Nielsen said officials discovered the men after joking that there might be spies monitoring them from behind the mirror. Upon being discovered, the men refused to come out, Nielsen said, adding that the men were Chinese. 'But we have no idea who they were.' She said Denmark contacted FIFA, who sent officials to the hotel. 'They saw the men and spoke to them,' she said. Denmark lost 3-2 to China in Wednesday's match after a late strike by midfielder Song Xiaoli gave the hosts victory.
Group A
England deserved the three pts. v. Japan. All media articles point to England's professed confidence v. Germany given their familiarity with them and their nil-nil draw in Jan. If they can get something from their forwards and not rely only on Smith, I actually think they could get a result. Germany may have played their best match of the WC...have they already peaked in their opener.
Argentina GK was a sub - Correa. She was flat-out horrible. Need to find out the status of GK Ferro who was suspended. Japan's star player Sawa laid out the obvious, they are looking to score as many goals in light of pt. diff. prob. deciding whether they or England advance.
England deserved the three pts. v. Japan. All media articles point to England's professed confidence v. Germany given their familiarity with them and their nil-nil draw in Jan. If they can get something from their forwards and not rely only on Smith, I actually think they could get a result. Germany may have played their best match of the WC...have they already peaked in their opener.
Argentina GK was a sub - Correa. She was flat-out horrible. Need to find out the status of GK Ferro who was suspended. Japan's star player Sawa laid out the obvious, they are looking to score as many goals in light of pt. diff. prob. deciding whether they or England advance.
Group B
US midfield was a no-show v. surprising North Korea. Wambach's injury may have cost them a victory as the Koreans scored their 2 goals the 10 min. she was gone and the US was w/ 10. I believe a reporter mentioned that 5 starters for the US were making their first WC appearance. We'll see how much first match jitters played a part in the sub-par play.
N. Korea is quick and aggressive. Very confident squad as well. I think they have some def. holes but US couldn't take advantage. Unlike the Korean youth and sr. men's teams...the women may actually be able to finish.
Wasn't as focused on the Swedish/Nigeria match. It seemed the Swedes lost their focus and gave away the 3 pts. Nigeria has poss. issues. I don't think they will get any pts. the rest of the tourney.
US midfield was a no-show v. surprising North Korea. Wambach's injury may have cost them a victory as the Koreans scored their 2 goals the 10 min. she was gone and the US was w/ 10. I believe a reporter mentioned that 5 starters for the US were making their first WC appearance. We'll see how much first match jitters played a part in the sub-par play.
N. Korea is quick and aggressive. Very confident squad as well. I think they have some def. holes but US couldn't take advantage. Unlike the Korean youth and sr. men's teams...the women may actually be able to finish.
Wasn't as focused on the Swedish/Nigeria match. It seemed the Swedes lost their focus and gave away the 3 pts. Nigeria has poss. issues. I don't think they will get any pts. the rest of the tourney.
Group C
Did not see Aussie/Ghana game and didn't need to see it to know Ghana is one of the weaker outfits in Beijing.
Norway dominant in the 2nd H. I only saw the 2nd H but the Canadian keeper was their only standout as the Valkyries kept coming in waves. Norway, along w/ N. Korea, are poised for a spoiler's role.
Did not see Aussie/Ghana game and didn't need to see it to know Ghana is one of the weaker outfits in Beijing.
Norway dominant in the 2nd H. I only saw the 2nd H but the Canadian keeper was their only standout as the Valkyries kept coming in waves. Norway, along w/ N. Korea, are poised for a spoiler's role.
Group D
China is solid but unspectacular. They matched the Danes in physicality. Keeper looks soft. China has strikers...they have to win in a scorefest v. Brazil to win the group.
Denmark looked strong in the air and China looked suspect defending on those types of plays. They rely on the long ball too much. Showed character in coming back but losing the one pt. prob. has doomed them.
Didn't see Brazil v. New Zealand. NZ loooked weak v. US in an earlier friendly, so not surprised they got crushed.
China is solid but unspectacular. They matched the Danes in physicality. Keeper looks soft. China has strikers...they have to win in a scorefest v. Brazil to win the group.
Denmark looked strong in the air and China looked suspect defending on those types of plays. They rely on the long ball too much. Showed character in coming back but losing the one pt. prob. has doomed them.
Didn't see Brazil v. New Zealand. NZ loooked weak v. US in an earlier friendly, so not surprised they got crushed.
so far 4-1 +2.62 units
Friday
Japan- Argentina:Japan -2,-2.5 @ 2.10 !! 2 units!!
i dont care who is in goal for ARgentina...Japan is simply better and Argentina crap. Japan has shown vs. England that they can score and they will score here as it will very likely comed down to goal difference betwenn Japan and England who advances to the knock-outs.
Japan already beat Argentina 6-0 at last WC (i know its 4 years ago, but still good memory for them). i see something like 5 or 6-0
Total is no option as i dont expect argentina to score.
Sweden- USA: under 3,3.5 @ 2.05
Sweden plays usually very low scoring against the better teams. They had trouble scoring against Nigeria, but this isew match. it will be very tied. I dont know if Wambach will play, but this will be no blow out for either side and it takes 4 goals for a loss...i think 2-2 is also very unlikely..it s more a 1-1 or 2-1 game...who ever might win.
Korea- Nigeria: Korea -1.5 @1.83
Korea should win this. They were strong against the US. They are capable of scoring and Nigeria was jsut lucky vs. Sweden IMO. It will not be a blow out, but with Korea being on a very good path witha win here (after the sweden draw) i dont think the Africans can stop them..there will be too much speed and pressing forward.
Germany- England: no play
i am very confident that germany win (they won in the history 17 of 18 matches vs. England--only one 0-0 draw in a friendly in jan '07)
But 2.25 goals is a bit too much for me...there is no need for a blow out, so it could settle for a 3-1 or something...if i can get it at -2 i might risk a play later.
BOL to all
Friday
Japan- Argentina:Japan -2,-2.5 @ 2.10 !! 2 units!!
i dont care who is in goal for ARgentina...Japan is simply better and Argentina crap. Japan has shown vs. England that they can score and they will score here as it will very likely comed down to goal difference betwenn Japan and England who advances to the knock-outs.
Japan already beat Argentina 6-0 at last WC (i know its 4 years ago, but still good memory for them). i see something like 5 or 6-0
Total is no option as i dont expect argentina to score.
Sweden- USA: under 3,3.5 @ 2.05
Sweden plays usually very low scoring against the better teams. They had trouble scoring against Nigeria, but this isew match. it will be very tied. I dont know if Wambach will play, but this will be no blow out for either side and it takes 4 goals for a loss...i think 2-2 is also very unlikely..it s more a 1-1 or 2-1 game...who ever might win.
Korea- Nigeria: Korea -1.5 @1.83
Korea should win this. They were strong against the US. They are capable of scoring and Nigeria was jsut lucky vs. Sweden IMO. It will not be a blow out, but with Korea being on a very good path witha win here (after the sweden draw) i dont think the Africans can stop them..there will be too much speed and pressing forward.
Germany- England: no play
i am very confident that germany win (they won in the history 17 of 18 matches vs. England--only one 0-0 draw in a friendly in jan '07)
But 2.25 goals is a bit too much for me...there is no need for a blow out, so it could settle for a 3-1 or something...if i can get it at -2 i might risk a play later.
BOL to all
