USWNT

The Canada vs Netherlands game is going to be one of the best games of pool play.
Canada should continue to go through Beckie on the wing - her speed and skill should pose all sorts of problems for the slower Dutch backline. And this game will be a great test for Canada's backline and good prep for elimination round. The 'Leafs haven't given up a goal in 400+ minutes but the Dutch front 3 are the best in the World as we've said.

I'd like to see Canada test their fitness and high press the Dutch for at least 75 minutes. That's the ticket to beating the U.S. or France, if they get there. Not tremendous downside if it blows up and you lose this game. Both 1 and 2 seeds from this group get a tough elimination round matchup (likely Sweden if 2 or England/Japen if 1). Then at least you know whether high press for most of the game is a viable option.

Look for a lot of orange in the stands, Netherlands only a 250 mile drive from the stadium site and the entire country is already on "holiday" for the summer :) A lot of pre-game tailgating with Heineken for sure.
 
I liked the foot-flicking shots by the Brazilians. I have seen too much lately of trying to shoot a hole in the keeper where a chip or corner shot has a better chance.
 
After watching the womens game for several days, I turned on a CONCACAF Gold game for a while. Those guys are clumsy brutes (or is that just because they are from CONCACAF?).
 
After watching the womens game for several days, I turned on a CONCACAF Gold game for a while. Those guys are clumsy brutes (or is that just because they are from CONCACAF?).

The USA men, on the other hand, looked slick and well-coached.
 
Canada should continue to go through Beckie on the wing - her speed and skill should pose all sorts of problems for the slower Dutch backline. And this game will be a great test for Canada's backline and good prep for elimination round. The 'Leafs haven't given up a goal in 400+ minutes but the Dutch front 3 are the best in the World as we've said.

I'd like to see Canada test their fitness and high press the Dutch for at least 75 minutes. That's the ticket to beating the U.S. or France, if they get there. Not tremendous downside if it blows up and you lose this game. Both 1 and 2 seeds from this group get a tough elimination round matchup (likely Sweden if 2 or England/Japen if 1). Then at least you know whether high press for most of the game is a viable option.

Look for a lot of orange in the stands, Netherlands only a 250 mile drive from the stadium site and the entire country is already on "holiday" for the summer :) A lot of pre-game tailgating with Heineken for sure.

This game is definitely going to get both teams ready for the elimination rounds and either of the 3 opponents is a tough out. I do like that Canada has a speed advantage over the Dutch but as the Japanese have proven for years great technique and team play can overcome a team that has superior athletic ability. Canada has a great mix of it all and they play great team soccer so I think that they are only a 55/45 underdog and a draw is very likely. I'm always cheering for a certain midfielder on that team and I like how she matches up with Holland.

As I said this is going to be a good one.
 
I
Canada should continue to go through Beckie on the wing - her speed and skill should pose all sorts of problems for the slower Dutch backline. And this game will be a great test for Canada's backline and good prep for elimination round. The 'Leafs haven't given up a goal in 400+ minutes but the Dutch front 3 are the best in the World as we've said.

I'd like to see Canada test their fitness and high press the Dutch for at least 75 minutes. That's the ticket to beating the U.S. or France, if they get there. Not tremendous downside if it blows up and you lose this game. Both 1 and 2 seeds from this group get a tough elimination round matchup (likely Sweden if 2 or England/Japen if 1). Then at least you know whether high press for most of the game is a viable option.

Look for a lot of orange in the stands, Netherlands only a 250 mile drive from the stadium site and the entire country is already on "holiday" for the summer :) A lot of pre-game tailgating with Heineken for sure.
I'll be wearing my Oranje jersey tomorrow.
 
I just turned on the Scotland vs Argentina game and Scotland went from being up 3-0 to being tied with Argentina 3-3. I have got to watch the replay. That eliminates both teams.
 
Back
Top