FIFA Women’s World Cup Group A preview: Canada host China, Dutch favourites against Kiwis
With FIFA Women’s World Cup action about to kick-off, Alvina Fatima reviews Group A action.
Canada vs China
Canada faces China in the opening game of the Women’s World Cup at Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium. John Herdman and his team have a lot on the line and will want to secure all three points to fulfill heavy expectations.
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With a 1-0 friendly victory over England, the Canadians have shown that they are not a team that should be underestimated. Sophie Schmidt at 26 years of age was a key player in Canada’s win over England, and will be significant component in Herdman’s team.
China and Canada have faced each other a total of three times after Herdman and Hao Wei took up managing. Canada has won all three match-ups by one goal. Once a world power in women’s soccer, China is not to be taken lightly. The 1999 World Cup is a perfect example of China’s might. Despite recent struggle, Hao Wei has attempted to rebuild her team by instilling young players. It can be expected that they will play in a precise defensive role against Canada. While the Canadians will attempt to break through China’s wall with their physicality.
Canada Roster:
Goalkeepers: Stephanie Labbé , Karina LeBlanc , Erin McLeod.
Defenders: Kadeisha Buchanan , Allysha Chapman , Robyn Gayle, Carmelina Moscato , Marie-Ève Nault , Lauren Sesselmann , Rhian Wilkinson.
Midfielders: Kaylyn Kyle , Diana Matheson , Sophie Schmidt, Jessie Fleming , Selenia Iacchelli , Ashley Lawrence.
Forwards: Josée Bélanger , Desiree Scott , Christine Sinclair , Melissa Tancredi , Jonelle Filigno, Adriana Leon.
China Roster:
Goalkeepers: Zhang Yue , Wang Fei, Zhao Lina.
Defenders: Liu Shanshan , Pang Fengyue , Li Jiayue , Wu Haiyan, Li Dongna , Wang Shanshan.
Midfielders: Xu Yanlu , Ma Jun , Wang Shuang , Tang Jiali , Lei Jiahui , Han Peng , Tan Ruyin , Zhang Rui , Wang Lisi, Ren Guixin.
Forwards: Li Ying , Zhao Rong, Lou Jiahui, Gu Yasha.
Netherlands vs New Zealand
Netherlands will play New Zealand at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton. This World Cup is the Netherlands first qualification in the tournament. They have also only qualified twice for the Euro’s. New Zealand, on the other hand, has recently managed to be victorious in international friendlies. Although they have faced much easier teams, New Zealand will take up much bigger opponents in the world cup and must plan accordingly.
Both countries have equal abilities, and are known for their athleticism. The Dutch have an unusually young team with more than half their players being younger than 25. It is clear that they lack strength, but make up for it in their tactics. The lionesses are expected to come in close behind the Canadians mainly because of their passing abilities.
Vivianne Miedema is a young teen star who has recently made a name for herself. Freshly scouted by Bayern Munich, and easily the best player on the Dutch international team, all eyes will be on the teen to aid her team to victory. It will be interesting to see if she will be successful in breaking down New Zealand’s tough defensive line.
Netherlands Roster
Goalkeepers: Loes Geurts, Sari van Veenendaal, Angela Christ
Defenders: Stefanie van der Gragt, Mandy van den Berg, Petra Hogewoning, Dyanne Bito , Dominique Janssen, Maran van Erp.
Midfielders: Desiree van Lunteren, Sherida Spitse, Daniëlle van de Donk , Lieke Martens, Anouk Hoogendijk, Merel van Dongen , Tessel Middag, Jill Roord, Vanity Lewerissa.
Forwards: Anouk Dekker, Manon Melis, Vivianne Miedema, Kirsten van de Ven , Shanice van de Sanden
New Zealand Roster
Goalkeepers: Cushla Lichtwark, Erin Nayler , Rebecca Rolls.
Defenders: Catherine Bott , Abby Erceg, Anna Green , Meikayla Moore , Ria Percival , Ali Riley , Rebekah Stott.
Midfielders: Katie Bowen, Daisy Cleverley, Katie Hoyle, Betsy Hassett, Annalie Longo), Evie Millynn, Kirsty Yallop .
Forwards: Sarah Gregorius, Amber Hearn, Emma Kete, Jasmine Pereira, Rosie White, Hannah Wilkinson.