In part 2 of the CSN preview, the No 9 to 12 ranked teams – the Mushy Middle:
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No 12 – Nigeria
They are always there; they always go home early. Nigeria has struggled to make an impact at the Finals, despite qualifying for every tournament.
This year doesn’t look much different. Drawn in with Germany, Canada and France the Nigerians once again seem overmatched. Actually, they seem to be falling further behind the top teams – they lost 8-0 to Germany in November.
The team is also in causing some controversy with its manager’s seeming obsession with driving lesbians off the team.
If you read local newspaper reports about the team’s preparations, you’ll note that they fully admit that they know very little about France and Canada (but are convinced they can beat them).
They’re the only ones.
High end expectations: If they catch one of Canada or France napping they could play spoiler to the two sides chasing No 2 in the group.
Low end expectations: France and Canada running up the score in an attempt to get a better goal differential.
Our expectations: A fairly weak 0-3 and a blow out at the hands of Germany.
No 11 – Australia
This is another side that might have more of an eye to 2015 than to 2011. The Aussies are young – like, diapers young. However, they are also accomplished and come from a country that values women’s sport and has had a fair bit of success in women’s football.
In short, just because they are young doesn’t mean they will be an easy touch. Elyse Perry is a bit of a star Down Under, as a two sport athlete. At 20, she’s an old lady compaired to some of the talent the Aussies are sending. There are a couple 16-year-olds -- Caitlin Foord and Emily van Egmond – are expected to feature.
High end expectations – It’s not the toughest group. Brazil seems a step above and Equatorial Guinea a step below. So, it will come down to a match-up with a somewhat ordinary Norwegian side. The quarters are a possibility.
Low end expectations – Likely losing to Norway.
Our expectations – 1-2, losing to Norway.
No 10 – Norway
As Norwegian sides go, this one is fairly average. Gone are many of the stars that lead the team to Olympic glory last decade and to World Cup glory before that. What remains, however, is the system.
Norway still plays the rugged, direct game that makes purists cringe and opposing defenders flinch. What Canada did for years, Norway does better.
This is a young team now, which is why they are neck and neck with the Aussies to advance, but it should be remembered that Norway has reached the knock-out stage of every World Cup.
High end expectations – Anything beyond the quarters seems a stretch, but this is a team that knows how to get results.
Low end expectations: Nicked by Australia for second.
Our expectations: 2-1, lose in quarters.
No 9 – North Korea
North Korea has made an impressive investment in women’s soccer and it has paid off at the youth ranks where they are contenders to win every tournament they are in.
The senior women have so far failed to make that same breakthrough. The problem with handicapping North Korea is that it’s next to impossible to get good information about them.
Still, you can make some assumptions – they will be fit and technically gifted. They will also have played together a lot.
Until we see North Korea break through at the senior level we’ll have to assume that they will remain right at the cusp.
High end expectations – With North Korea who knows. If they can replicate the youth sides they could go all the way to the final
Low end expectations – They could also finish last in the group
Our expectations – A tricky opponent that plays both the USA and Sweden tough, but falls just short of advancing.
Next up, part 3 – The On the Cusps