It's a world of difference
PROVIDENCE -- Most women's soccer teams are still developing an identity at the international level. But the elite teams are well established.
Brazil's gatinhas, Germany, Russia, and Sweden appear to be following the example of their men's teams. China, Norway, and the US have not had such successful paradigms to follow, and are forging their own paths. The same is true of the emerging programs of Australia, Canada, and the Koreas, indicating that a prerequisite for Women's World Cup success might be for a country to lack a winning tradition in men's soccer.
But many teams are in transition as the fourth WWC moves to the quarterfinals tomorrow. Possibly, Brazil and Germany will show that playing second fiddle to the men's game, but having a strong club system, is the best way to progress.
There is no proven formula, no age/experience equation guide for excellence in the women's game. The US has been the best team in the world, but has never had to confront the challenge of regenerating itself. The US -- average age 28.5 -- is the oldest team in the tournament, with seven players over 30.
But the US is being revitalized in this tournament with younger players such as Kylie Bivens (24), Cat Reddick (21), Danielle Slaton, Aly Wagner, and Abby Wambach (all 23), as well as 26-year-olds Shannon Boxx and Kate Sobrero. The change was inevitable, but whether it is occurring at a propitious time could well be gauged by the result of tomorrow night's game against Norway at Gillette Stadium.
A US-Norway match is not expected to be contested in the quarterfinals. But after the Norwegians were crushed, 4-1, by Brazil in the first round, this game seemed likely.
The US and Norway are the defining teams of women's soccer. They are ranked Nos. 1 and 2 by FIFA. There have been five major tournaments in women's soccer, and the US (three championships) or Norway (two) have won them all. US-Norway was the final matchup in the 1991 World Cup and 2000 Olympics, a semifinal in the '95 Cup and '96 Olympics.
The US and Norway did not meet in the '99 Cup. The Norwegians were eliminated in a 5-0 quarterfinal loss to China at Foxboro Stadium, a match that highlighted their strengths and vulnerabilities. Norway was considered to be aging and static four years ago, their weaknesses exposed by the Chinese. Then, Norway lost, 2-0, to the US in the first round of the 2000 Olympics, before recovering for an overtime victory over the US in the title match in Sydney.
This resourcefulness, derived from experience and tactical adjustments, plus the development of striker Dagny Mellgren, has marked Norway's remarkable resiliency.
Last week, doubts were again raised after Norway lost to Brazil. Some of those doubts were erased by a 7-1 thrashing of South Korea at Gillette Stadium Saturday. And, though some questions remain, the US players have certainly learned not to underestimate Norway.
"Norway beat us in the Olympics and that was the last major event," Sobrero said yesterday. "I think they should still be No. 1."
The US has won the last three matchups with Norway by a combined score of 8-1, improving their overall mark to 16-18-2 against the Norwegians since the start of the series in 1987. But the US' problems with Norway are an anomaly. The US has not lost to anyone since Jan. 26, and has a 13-0-2 record and a 46-4 goal differential since then. But in an elimination situation, Norway could be its most challenging opponent.
Often, FIFA tournaments are set up to favor the host country. But, perhaps because there was little time to prepare this event after it was moved from China, the US has a rough road. The US-Norway winner will likely confront Germany in the semifinals in Portland, Ore., Sunday.
Germany seems to have developed into the strongest team in Europe, surpassing Norway, with dynamic players such as Boston Breakers forward Maren Meinert, Birgit Prinz, and Bettina Wiegmann. The Germans have been on the verge of becoming a major contender -- they were finalists in '95, bronze medalists in 2000, and champions of Europe in 2001. Germany will be heavily favored against Russia, which reached the quarterfinals in '99 but has not placed in any other major tournament.
Brazil -- average age 22 years 2 months -- is the youngest team in the tournament. The Brazilians appear to be doing everything differently than the US, investing little in the women's game but developing players through established club systems and relying on teenagers such as 17-year-old striker Marta.
The Brazilians, who meet Sweden tomorrow at Gillette Stadium, are hoping to reach the semifinals for the third successive time in a major tournament.
Starters Hanna Ljungberg and Victoria Svensson, plus reserve Josefine Oeqvist, provide Sweden with one of the most potent attacks in the tournament. The Swedes have adjusted after a poor first half in a 3-1 loss to the US in their opener Sept. 21 to defeat North Korea (1-0) and Nigeria (3-0).
China forged the way by playing host to the first Women's World Cup in 1991, though the tournament was not yet designated as a World Cup and received little media attention. The Chinese appear to be either treading water or regressing, though, having been eliminated in the Olympic quarterfinals, and falling to North Korea in the finals of the Asian Championships after winning five successive titles.
China, which meets Canada, advanced though it scored only three goals in three matches, thanks to the lack of competition in Group D. But the Chinese are expected to rediscover their scoring touch through Bai Jie and Sun Wen -- it is only a matter of when.
Canada is working on a potential winning combination, following the US' example and hiring Even Pellerud, who coached Norway to the '95 title. The Canadians are playing the size/youth card, with five players standing 6 feet or taller and five starters who are 20 or younger.
