At the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the prospect of a final-like fixture between the United States and the Marta-inspired Brazil in the Last 8 pretty much exists…
Whereas North Korea and Colombia can only play for pride when both teams will clash on Wednesday night in Bochum, Sweden and the United States won’t have anything at stake but to clinch Group C’s top spot. In fact, USA lead the table on goal difference and they will be looking to maintain their current position—especially considering the structure of Group D where Brazil are poised to seal the first rank above Australia and Norway.
The rule tells that the winners of Group C will meet the runners-up of Group D, and that the winners of Group D will meet the runners-up of Group C in the quarter-finals of the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup. This explains it all. The United States must avoid defeat against Sweden if they want to escape the prospect of clashing against Brazil in the Last 8 of the tournament.
Brazil may not be playing the best football overall—with their defense showing lack of concentration at time—but the presence of Marta, Rosana and Cristiane could scare any team off. Neutrals, besides, will like to see both USA and Brazil remain for much longer at the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany.
But just as much as the Americans are looking to maintain their momentum, Sweden are also planning to do the same. USA-based and Sweden midfielder Therese Sjogran told FIFA.com on Monday:
“USA are a really good team, but they are only human. They are a good team but we don’t fear them like before. We beat them in January in China and I feel we know how they play.
“[USA’s Swedish manager] Pia has changed their style. They want to go through the midfield more, so we know how we are supposed to play against them. It’s going to be a hard game but I think we can get a good result.”
The rule tells that the winners of Group C will meet the runners-up of Group D, and that the winners of Group D will meet the runners-up of Group C in the quarter-finals of the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup. This explains it all. The United States must avoid defeat against Sweden if they want to escape the prospect of clashing against Brazil in the Last 8 of the tournament.
Brazil may not be playing the best football overall—with their defense showing lack of concentration at time—but the presence of Marta, Rosana and Cristiane could scare any team off. Neutrals, besides, will like to see both USA and Brazil remain for much longer at the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany.
But just as much as the Americans are looking to maintain their momentum, Sweden are also planning to do the same. USA-based and Sweden midfielder Therese Sjogran told FIFA.com on Monday:
“USA are a really good team, but they are only human. They are a good team but we don’t fear them like before. We beat them in January in China and I feel we know how they play.
“[USA’s Swedish manager] Pia has changed their style. They want to go through the midfield more, so we know how we are supposed to play against them. It’s going to be a hard game but I think we can get a good result.”
