Women's World Cup Final Preview.
Its been an excellent tournament with a surprisingly high depth in quality, vindicating the authorities decision to expand to 32 teams. Even when there have not been shocks, the games have mostly been highly competitive with even Haiti pushing England close.
Its also been educational for a men's football fan like myself. Nigeria, Jamaica, Japan and Colombia all have strong teams in the women's game, which I never knew.
Both finalists have triumphed in the face of adversity. The Spanish women have had a much publicised row with their coach. Fifteen of their players sent a letter complaining about the methods of their (male) coach to their federation. Their complaints included poor coaching sessions and allegedly forcing the women to leave hotel doors open so he could enforce a curfew. The Spanish authorities did nothing but leak the letter. The bad blood meant that three key players are absent from the WC squad and those that remain make the point of refusing to celebrate with their coach.
It speaks wonders for the skill and determination of these players that they have made it the final.anyway. Despite Spain not having huge numbers of female players, they have had a fully pro league for the past year and benefit from superb coaching and youth development at the highest tier, particularly at Barcelona.
By contrast, England has a very cohesive camp, with players frequently praising the intellect and professionalism of coach Sarina Weigman. She must surely be the best coach in women's football, achieving the franky ridiculous feat or four finals out of four with England and her native Netherlands.
This tournament probably shows her best work yet, as she's had to contend with a pre-tournament injury crisis which ripped apart the Euros winning side and also the suspension to breakout star Lauren James. Weigman and the girls keep changing things up and finding a way, improving with every game and outplaying the hosts Australia in front of an 80,000 crowd in Sydney.
The final will be a close game. I think the Spanish are a technically better side but I have a sneak feeling that England's team spirit and Weigman's tactical adaptability might - just might - prove to be the difference. Enjoy the match.
Its also been educational for a men's football fan like myself. Nigeria, Jamaica, Japan and Colombia all have strong teams in the women's game, which I never knew.
Both finalists have triumphed in the face of adversity. The Spanish women have had a much publicised row with their coach. Fifteen of their players sent a letter complaining about the methods of their (male) coach to their federation. Their complaints included poor coaching sessions and allegedly forcing the women to leave hotel doors open so he could enforce a curfew. The Spanish authorities did nothing but leak the letter. The bad blood meant that three key players are absent from the WC squad and those that remain make the point of refusing to celebrate with their coach.
It speaks wonders for the skill and determination of these players that they have made it the final.anyway. Despite Spain not having huge numbers of female players, they have had a fully pro league for the past year and benefit from superb coaching and youth development at the highest tier, particularly at Barcelona.
By contrast, England has a very cohesive camp, with players frequently praising the intellect and professionalism of coach Sarina Weigman. She must surely be the best coach in women's football, achieving the franky ridiculous feat or four finals out of four with England and her native Netherlands.
This tournament probably shows her best work yet, as she's had to contend with a pre-tournament injury crisis which ripped apart the Euros winning side and also the suspension to breakout star Lauren James. Weigman and the girls keep changing things up and finding a way, improving with every game and outplaying the hosts Australia in front of an 80,000 crowd in Sydney.
The final will be a close game. I think the Spanish are a technically better side but I have a sneak feeling that England's team spirit and Weigman's tactical adaptability might - just might - prove to be the difference. Enjoy the match.
41-45, M
