The group of death is living up to its moniker as Nigeria dominated Sweden in the run of play but the Swedes escaped with a tie. The American team beat a scrappy and talented Aussie side. Two quality teams from Group D will be sent packing.
Germany’s thrashing of the Ivory Coast exposed the lack of parity in women’s soccer. Ten to zip is the second largest beat down in women’s World Cup history (the biggest was Germany’s 11-0 shellacking of Argentina in 2007).
Sepp who? The drama on the field is overshadowing the FIFA scandal.
Sweden (and former US) coach Pia Sundhage thinks Abby Wambach should be a sub. And she’s right. Wambach is still a dangerous player but her age, fitness, and style don’t fit as well with the current US team. Press, Leroux, and Morgan (if she’s healthy) should be starting.
Coolest World Cup name – Nigerian goalkeeper Precious Dede
Fox Sports gets a B for their coverage. High marks for featuring a diverse group of commentators. Their roundtable format includes experts (mostly former players) from Canada, America, Mexico, and Germany. Heather Mitts and Monica Gonzales are standouts.
Fox loses points for sticking some games on Fox Sports 2 (um, does anyone even have that channel? Is that next to ESPN 5?). Also in the negative column – the inclusion of Mr. overexposed Alexi Lalas, and master of the obvious Tony DiCicco (some of his gems: “she’s a really good player” and “that’s a wasted effort”).
Kudos to Sports Illustrated and ESPN The Magazine for featuring US players on their respective covers. Proof that the American team is too compelling to ignore.
Oh, Canada. You got lucky against China. But other than Christine Sinclair’s perfectly placed ball in the back of the net, Canada had more jitters than connecting passes.
Women's Sports Watch 