Apart from someone
trying to grab the Olympic torch and throw it in the sea, having to resod
the soccer stadium, temperatures around 30°F with sleet 100 miles
from Sydney freezing some visiting children from Georgia, and the fireworks
at the Opening Day rehearsal setting light to a hillside it seems that
everything is under control at the Sydney Olympics 2000.
Below and on our
Olympic news page you will find
General
comments
As we did before World
Cup'99, WSW is offering its team seeding and comments again. Repeating
what we said last year: injuries, weather and officiating can of course
upset these seedings.
Injuries With only
one rest day between the first round games injuries become a major factor
since there is little time for recovery. The risk of injury is increased
because muscle recovery after a tough physical match (as all of these
will be) is not complete in 24 hours. Teams without a drop off in quality
when substituting (USA, China, and Brazil) do best.
Weather Extreme
weather can easily change game results between two teams with equal skills
but unequal player sizes. For example before and during the Sweden World
Cup 1995 Final Game there was a downpour that flooded the pitch to 4-5
inches and more (unplayable conditions in any other circumstances). Germany's
team had in previous matches shown its superiority in playing and controlling
the ball through their opponents midfield and posessed great ball control.
Norway on the other hand played a defensive, long ball counter attack
game. They were able to score once because of their long ball style, whilst
it was impossible to dribble or short pass a ball through the underwater
pitch as there was no way of knowing what the ball would do once it hit
deep water.
As in horseracing the physically stronger, heavier team (horse) will always
have an advantage on a soggy field.
A large field in
perfect condition will help the team with the best skills amd technique.
A small, soft field will help the team whose physical strength is its
best asset.
Officiating The 1996
Olympics had superb officiating especially in the semi-finals and the
Final game. The World Cup '99 was inconsistent with some excellent refereeing
and some that was a threat to the well being of players. As the level
of women's play rises it has become difficult for women referees from
countries with teams below the top twenty to gain high level experience
(men's game has the same problem; as seen in France World Cup 1994).
It is always the
one questionable decision that receives the publicity, but it is the inability
to detect and discipline early the deliberate play to take opposing players
(threats) out of a game and sometimes tournament that really makes the
difference.
Our
seeding and commentary
1.
USA
Plus: Has
maintained a winning mentality in spite of or because of the intense
media barrage following WWCup'99, U.S. Soccer management problems,
major coaching staff changes, and excessive travel schedule.
Experienced
at playing in big events under pressure. Veteran members are healthy
and fit. Team speed is only equaled by China.
Minus: In
toughest group, even though the long standing belief by the U.S.
is that you have to beat everybody to win so it does not matter
who you play first. The team is sometimes slow to get into stride
in games, which could be disastrous against a fast starting team
like Norway.
Still has problems
with scoring against teams that play a defensive bunker type game
.
1.
China
Plus: Has
been carefully planning its performance for this event. China is
very patient in its preparation, and its coaching staff are not
under the win all the time pressure of many of the other teams.
This allows much more in the way of experimentation with style,
game plans and players.
Very fast,
fit and skilful team, as those that watched them destroy Norway
in the WWCup ' 99 can testify. They also looked tired in Germany
this year after an incredible amount of travelling in the last two
years. Like the USA they are able to recover quickly given a few
days rest. After the last World Cup the players now believe that
they can win. A dimension that was missing before. Technically they
have to be seeded as joint top seed with the USA.
Minus: In
toughest group. Finishing their chances is still not up to the level
of the other top five teams.
2.
Brazil
Plus: In
the easiest group. Their understanding of the inner game is unparalleled.
Their natural skill level and movement off the ball is impressive.
The combination makes them a difficult opponent for most of the
other teams, particularly those that are unable or unwilling to
change their playing style during a match. Have some excellent looking
young newcomers in the squad.
Minus: Although
they claim to be fitter than last year, they did not appear to have
improved their physical endurance in the game against the U.S. at
San Jose recently. Neither did they look as if they were playing
well as a team. The present cold weather conditions will not be
in their favor.
4.
Norway
Plus: Like
the USA they have a strong, long standing determination about their
game and coupled with their size and strength have stayed at the
top of European competition. They have brought in some young players
to bolster their lack of speed in last years games, and it is rumored
that they are also bringing some surprises in their game style which
has not changed much over the last fifteen years. Always fit and
physical competitors. They will like the colder weather.
Minus: In
the toughest group. Difficult to change a national playing
style that goes back many years, and the level of the women's game
has become quite sophisticated in the last five years. Teams that
were once intimidated by their size and skilled physical play have
developed ways to counteract.
5.
Germany
Plus: In
the easiest group. Well coached; an attractive, skilful playing
style and yet have failed to come through in the big tournaments.
They have consistently held their place as one of the top five teams
in the world. Young players arriving who take the game more seriously.
Minus: Reliance
on their league for preparation has left them at a disadvantage
for several reasons. Their league was always one of the best amateur
leagues in the world but the rest of the world is leaving it behind.
They do not get much exposure to the top teams in their preparatory
stage, and there is a huge difference in quality between the top
eight teams in the world and club play.
6.
Australia
Plus:
In the easiest group at home. No team has prepared as long or more
competitively than the host team. They have already accomplished
a goal set when they knew that their country would hold the 2000
Olympics. To be a host national team that would not embarrass its
country. They have climbed from being lower than 20th in the world
to being close to the top ten. As the home team surely the level
of their game will be raised by the noisy support of Australians
fans and help them peak at the right time.
Their fitness and strong physical play will help.
Minus: Inconsistent
at times. Too quick to blame officiating for their own problems
or losses, a sign of immaturity at the international level.
7. Sweden
Plus: In
the easiest group.A young team who have been close to breaking
through in the last year. This could be the tournament that takes
them back to the level they were at ten years ago. Some exciting
and promising new young players.
Minus: Lack
of belief in their own winning capability.
8.
Nigeria
Plus: High
individual skills, and very fast. Ball control is exceptional and
exciting. Some of its players have been playing well in college
teams in the United States since last years World Cup. They have
learnt a more disciplined method of winning with their raw, physical
talent. Other teams have little knowledge of them.
Minus: Porous
defensive play coupled with a clumsy physical style make them susceptible
to losing players during their matches with well earned red cards.
Little preparation for the Olympics with few games against the top
teams. Sad conditions still for the women's game in Nigeria with
little real support from the Federation there. Trips canceled, not
enough money, sickness, indecision, no real system for selection,
etc. have all played havoc with their program.
)
