2012 Olympics | Global Football Today

Brazil v. Mexico: Gold-Medal Preview

Posted by Brian Sanders on August 11, 2012 at 5:51 am 2012 Olympics

Aug 112012

Historically speaking Mexico has never won any medal in the Olympics and yet this Mexico side has made it to the gold medal match is a considerable accomplishment. Brazil has won at every competition that their men have ever participated in, U-17 World Cup, U-20 World Cup, Confederations Cup, World Cup but not an Olympic gold medal.

That plays mind game of extreme size on players on both sides though it’s who thrives the most and is hungrier that will come out on top in this. Let’s look at the teams.

Out of CONCACAF, a region that is always underestimated in terms of talent and competition strength, is Mexico. For the first time at all levels they are thriving and meeting their lofty standards as a football nation. They like to play to their strength of technical skill and until now every opponent they have had so far.

From South America comes Brazil looking to get the Olympic monkey off their back. This is the chance for the young blood of Brazil to make their marks at making 2014 since their only competitive fixtures coming up are next summer’s
Confederations Cup. This side is chalked full of talent and in their games played have shown so in outscoring
their opposition by a score of 15-5.

Attacking
It would seem that Brazil now hold the advantage. With players like Hulk, Neymar, Leonardo Damiao, and Alexandre Pato it is hard to go wrong there. Mexico has huge talent in the attacking third and had figured out on a system that worked, until Giovani Dos Santos got injured. With the Mexican star injured the chemistry that had developed up top for Mexico with Oribe Peralta is gone.

Out of the midfield is where this is won by the Mexican side by the narrowest of margins. Yes the play of Brazil has been fun to watch, particularly that of Oscar, but it is the midfield that has been the best for Mexico. Marco Fabian has been exactly what was anticipated, a revelation. He was been able to be a linchpin that has kept the Mexican side progressing all the way to the gold medal match.

Defense
It is a deadlock with pluses on both sides. Mexico went with an experienced hand in goal so they called in Jose de Jesus Corona to take the gloves. Brazil has a solid back line that can do more than just
defend, they can add to the attack.

Thing is this game is determined out on the field and it will be who wants to hear their national anthem played as they see their flag raised above Wembley.<

That team will be Mexico and will serve as a signal that the West is where the football is best.<

Brian Sanders

2012 Summer Olympics: Group B And D Roundup

Posted by GFT Editor on August 6, 2012 at 1:35 pm 2012 Olympics

Aug 062012

There is quality in all of the teams who made it through to the knockout stage. Starting off in Group B was the two expected stronger teams proceeding through in South Korea and Mexico. Mexico was a slow starter as is their habit in tournaments. A boring 0-0 draw in their first game against South Korea told us merely that there was much to be seen from both sides, which did come through. The dose of reality that was dealt them in the first game prompted a better showing in a 2-0 victory over Gabon thanks to a Giovani Dos Santos brace. To cap the winning of the group Switzerland fell to a Oribe Peralta goal helped in part by Dos Santos. With Senegal in the quarterfinals the duo of Peralta and Dos Santos looks formidable and Marco Fabian is already saying that the squad is ready to win a medal. All things point to that, as of yet.

South Korea took use of the 0-0 draw with Mexico differently while they strolled to a decisive 2-1 win over Switzerland but were not up to the
task of defeating Gabon. They have talent, possibly the best of Asia, they just need to get their ducks in line as they now are facing the hosts.

In Group D was the biggest surprise with Spain being dumped out of the tournament after their first two group games. It was anticipated that the other members of the group would be battling it out for the other spot but feisty Honduras from CONCACAF and Asian side Japan go to the knockout stage.

For the runners-up Honduras they made their grade with a 1-0 victory over Spain which dumped the favorite out. The overage players of Roger Espinoza, Maynor Figueroa, and Jerry Bengston are immense in helping this Honduras side progress. While Andy Nejar is getting big club attention and Bengston is scoring all the goals(3 so far), it’s the collective that is allowing this side to progress from the ‘Football Backwater’ that
European based journalists think of CONCACAF teams. Watch out Brazil, the Bicolor is coming.

Japan came away as winners of the group and why not? Out the gate they beat Spain and were using the tactics of the Spaniards against themselves as they were able to take the ball away and make many quick counters, sometimes pulling back to wait for support sometime going for
it. This is a cool and collected side that was able to take control of their opening game then doing much the same in the second against Morocco which allowed them the freedom to take it easy against Honduras in a 0-0 draw. Here it is the tactics that are being used by Takashi Sekizuka who knows how to best utilize his resources. Now they take on Egypt in the quarterfinals. ?????

Brian Sanders

@sportingkcgft

Uruguay Tops Group A

Posted by Brian Sanders on July 28, 2012 at 12:25 pm 2012 Olympics

Jul 282012

It was the UAE who had the
better of the opening stages however, and they took a deserved lead in the
twenty-third minute when Ismail Matar latched onto Omar Abdulrahman’s precise
through ball and rounded the goalkeeper to score in the twenty-third minute.
They had more chances afterwards but went into half time level as Bologna’s
Gastón Ramírez curled home a terrific free kick from twenty-five yard against
the run of play.

In the second half Uruguay
were vastly improved and it took them less than fifteen minutes to take the
lead. Nicolás Lodeiro smashed home from a tight angle after he was set up by
Luis Suárez. For all their improvement Uruguay still looked vulnerable at the
back and Ahmed Khalil was just inches away from drawing the UAE level in the
dying seconds, but it finished 2-1.

That result leaves Uruguay
top of the group as Great Britain and Senegal shared the spoils later in the
evening. Craig Bellamy scuffed his shot into the back of the net after Ryan
Giggs’ free kick wasn’t cleared and GB went into half time ahead. Senegal were
often testing Jack Butland though and drew level in the last ten minutes
when Moussa Konate’s deft. Marvin Sordell
then rattled the bar on eighty-eight minutes but the game ended all square.
After the match GB voiced concerns over some of the Senegalese tackling, but a
draw was probably a fair result.

Men’s Olympic Soccer Preview-Groups B & D

Posted by GFT Editor on July 26, 2012 at 3:07 pm 2012 Olympics

Jul 262012

Que the fanfare because the soccer tournament that occurs once every four years is finally upon us.

No not the World Cup but the original world championship the Olympic Games.

Now relegated to a U-23 tournament it still displays considerable talent and it a competition that is taken exceedingly seriously everywhere, but in Britain.

Group B has a mixture of typical qualifiers and competitive newcomers. From Asia and North America South Korea and Mexico are making their ninth and tenth appearance respectively in this competition while Switzerland, silver medalists in 1924, is in their third Olympics and Gabon is making their debut.

Debutants Gabon have a squad that takes a fair few from France though only their two over-age players and one other have made any marks on the international stage for the senior squad, most recently in this winter’s African Cup of Nations.

Mexico was the best from North America through qualifying with a side dripping with talent which in terms of judging Mexico in youth tournaments historically they are poor. Typically Mexican squads don’t have their players develop until later but this team is reversing the trend. With players like Miguel Ponce, Marco Fabian, and still of an age to not take an over age spot Giovani Dos Santos Mexico will look to not only progress out of the group but look to take home a medal.

South Korea has made a habit of qualifying for tournaments at all levels and this has helped the national team become strong on the international scene as one of the supreme powers of the Asian continent. The of age player to watch is the midfielder Kim Bo-Kyung, already a constant member of the senior squad he will be key, along with over age player Park Chu-Young in getting the Taegeuk Warriors into the quarterfinals.

Switzerland is in their first Olympics since 1928. The squad qualified by way of their 2011 UEFA U-21 success. This squad is primarily made up of players plying their trade in Switzerland in comparison to the senior squad which has players everywhere. If they can beat Gabon in the first game it would put them in good position to take on South Korea who they look to compete with for second place in the group.

Group D is a group that most will say has one favorite and everyone else vying for the other spot for the quarterfinal with the likes of Honduras, Japan, Morocco, and Spain drawn together. Spain has a good history of winning medals, gold in 1992 and silver in 1920 and 2000. Morocco is in their seventh Olympics. Honduras has had a good recent record of qualifying with this being their third of the last four. Japan, bronze medalists in 1968, is in their ninth.

Honduras was a surprise coming out of North America when the United States didn’t make the CONCACAF semifinals. Their recent success in their senior side can be attributed to participating in recent Olympics. Andy Najar is the best of age talent on the squad and the additions of over-age players in Jerry Bingston up top, Roger Espinoza in the midfield, and Majnor Figueroa in back is the skewer in the shish kebob which will decide if they do themselves justice or not.

Japan is another Asian nation that via their constant qualification to tournaments like the Olympics they have been able to nurture the youth into the senior squad. Currently, like with the senior side, the German Bundesliga is the home of the best Japanese players on this squad.

Having the Olympic qualifying tournament in your own backyard always helps as it did for Morocco. The senior side has been down in the dumps for some time. Perhaps some of the talent on this squad can come through. Morocco has the most appearances for an African country without any medal to show for their efforts.

Spain seems to be doing well at every level. To keep the high level of success with the senior side qualification to competitions such as this are key. The fact that they are here shows the true depth of what Spain has and why they may be reigning as the best in the world from top to bottom for some time to come. Look for Spain to run away with this group easily.

Previewing United States WNT

Posted by Scott Viar on July 23, 2012 at 8:00 am 2012 Olympics, USWNT

Jul 232012

United States

FIFA Ranking: 1 (as of July, 2012)
Coach: Pia Sundhage
Number of Olympics Appearances: The US has participated in every Olympics where women’s soccer has been a sport (1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012), with three gold medals (1996, 2004, 2008) and one silver medal (2000).
Group: G (Colombia, France, North Korea)
First match: Against France on 7/25

The United States Women’s National Team heads to London seeking a third straight Olympic gold medal and fourth overall. Behind the attacking prowess of Alex Morgan and Abby Wambach, the US has outscored its 2012 opponents to date by a score of 68-8 in compiling a 14-1-1 record. Hope Solo has put up 7 shutouts in her 15 starts with a goals-against average of 0.48. Opening the Games against the toughest opponent in their group, 2011 Women’s World Cup semifinalist France, the US should get a hearty test ahead of later group matches against Colombia and North Korea.

Expected first XI: Hope Solo; Amy LePelibet, Rachel Buehler, Christine Rampone, Kelley O’Hara; Megan Rapinoe, Shannon Boxx, Lauren Cheney, Tobin Heath; Alex Morgan, Abby Wambach.

Prediction of finish: Anything less than a gold medal would be a massive disappointment for the US. There is no reason to believe the US will not be in the gold medal match and have an opportunity to make up for their penalty kick loss in the 2011 Women’s World Cup final to Japan.

Previewing Canada WNT

Posted by Ann Ngo on July 23, 2012 at 12:30 am 2012 Olympics, European Champions League

Jul 232012

Canada Women’s National Team

FIFA Ranking: 7

Head Coach: John Herdsman

Number of Olympic Appearances: This will be Canada WNT’s second time participating in women’s soccer at an Olympics.

Group: F (Japan, Sweden, South Africa)

First Match: July 25 against Japan

Road to qualifying: Under the guidance of new coach John Herdsman, the team had a terrific start at the 2012 CONCACAF Women’s Olympics Qualifying Tournament in Vancouver. They placed first in Group A and advanced to the Semi-finals. The team faced the United States WNT and vied for the title of the tournament champion. Although the team is disappointed with the loss, the team will mark its second Olympics appearance by playing its first game against Japan WNT, the current World Cup champion, on July 25^th.

Roster:

GK Karina Le Blanc

GK Erin McLeod

DF Carmelina Moscato

DF Emily Zurrer

DF Robyn Gayle

DF Lauren Sesselmann

DF Rhian Wilkinson

DF Candance Chapman

DF Chelsea Stewart

MF Kaylyn Kyle

MF Diana Matheson

MF Desiree Scott

MF Sophie Schmidt

MF Kelly Parker

FW Jonelle Filigno

FW Christine Sinclair

FW Melissa Tancredi

FW Brittany Timko

Key players: One of key players to look out for is Christine Sinclair, a forward and a leading scorer for the Canada WNT. Other notable Canadian players to consider is Melissa Tancredi (forward), Diana Matheson (midfielder), Sophie Schmidt (midfielder), and Lauren Sesselman (defender). When Sinclair and Tancredi are on the pitch at the same time, they put defenders on opposing teams on notice and they will score when given an opportunity to do so.

Prediction: Canada WNT will look to redeem itself from their early exit from the 2011 Women’s World Cup. With ambitions of being a serious contender in women’s soccer competitions, Canada WNT has worked hard to impose more physical presence and slow down their opponents on the pitch. I think Canada WNT will have moderate difficulty in securing one of the top two spots in their group. The team does have a good chance of defeating South Africa. However, they must not make a mistake of underestimating their opponents. After all, Nigeria defeated them in the World Cup last year. Still, I do not think we should count out Canada WNT this time. They may end up as a surprise 2nd place in this group. Although Sweden is a physical and experienced team, they have struggled with top ten teams except Canada WNT since the 2011 Women’s World Cup. In order for Canada WNT to have a fighting chance, the team will have to play a better possession game, attack, and score against Sweden often and early.

PREVIEWING NEW ZEALAND WNT

Posted by Ashley Dougherty on July 21, 2012 at 5:25 am 2012 Olympics

Jul 212012

Football Ferns

FIFA Ranking: 23 (as of July 2012)

Head Coach: Tony Readings

Number of Olympic Appearances: This will be New Zealand’s second time participating in women’s soccer at an Olympics

Group: E (Great Britain, Cameroon, Brazil)

First Match: July 25 against Great Britain

The Football Ferns will play in the opening women’s soccer match of the 2012 London Olympics against the host team, Great Britain at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.

2012 Olympic Roster:

Jenny Bindon

Rebecca Rolls

Abby Erceg

Anna Green

Kristy Hill

Ria Percival

Ali Riley

Rebecca Smith

Rebekah Stott

Betsy Hassett

Katie Hoyle

Annalie Longo

Hayley Moorwood

Kirsty Yallop

Sarah Gregorius

Amber Hearn

Rosie White

Hannah Wilkinson

2012 Olympic Alternates:

Katie Bowen

Sarah McLaughlin

Erin Nayler

Holly Patterson

Key Players:

Jenny Bindon

Abby Erceg

Ali Riley

Hayley Moorwood

Amber Hearn

Hannah Wilkinson

Captain Hayley Moorwood leads the Football Ferns in number of caps, while left back Ali Riley has been known to stop some of the world’s greatest players from getting shots on goal. Amber Hearn leads the team in goals and will be a vital part of New Zealand’s attack. Recently, Riley was injured in a match against the Canadian Women’s National Team and is now wearing a boot on her foot. However, Riley has stated that she should be ready to go by the time the Olympics begin.

Prediction: While the team has certainly improved over the years, the Football Ferns don’t have an impressive run in major tournaments. In the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the team has been knocked out in the group stage. It seems unlikely that the Football Ferns will be able to pull out a victory against Brazil. Likewise, the New Zealand team will face difficulty against the host nation. New Zealand’s best hope for a win in the group stage will be against Cameroon. If the Football Ferns can pull out a win against Cameroon (and subsequently pull off a third place ranking in Group E), they’ll have a shot to make the quarterfinals. If the Football Ferns do happen to make it out of the group stage, they’ll play against the first place team from Group G, which will likely be either France or the United States. Back in February, the Football Ferns came very close to defeating the American team, so New Zealand could be a dark horse during this year’s London Games.

PREVIEWING JAPAN WNT

Posted by Ashley Dougherty on July 18, 2012 at 9:52 am 2012 Olympics

Jul 182012

Nadeshiko Japan

FIFA Ranking: 3 (as of July 2012)

Head Coach: Norio Sasaki

Number of Olympic Appearances: This will be Japan’s fourth time participating in women’s soccer at an Olympics

Group: F (Canada, Sweden, South Africa)

First Match: July 25 against Canada

Japan, the current World Cup champions, are setting out to do what no other women’s soccer team has done in the past: consecutively win a World Cup and an Olympic gold. The powerhouse Japanese team successfully qualified for the 2012 London Olympics in September of 2011 through the Asian Football Confederation’s Olympic qualifying tournament. With eighteen nations competing for two spots, the Japanese team powered through the tournament and was crowned champions.

2012 Olympic Roster:

Miho Fukumoto

Ayumi Kaihori

Yukari Kinga

Azusa Iwashimizu

Saki Kumagai

Aya Sameshima

Kyoko Yano

Mizuho Sakaguchi

Aya Miyama

Nahomi Kawasumi

Homare Sawa

Asuna Tanaka

Kozue Ando

Shinobu Ohno

Karina Maruyama

Megumi Takase

Mana Iwabuchi

Yuki Ogimi

2012 Olympic Alternates:

Erina Yamane

Saori Ariyoshi

Megumi Kaminobe

Ami Otaki

Key Players:

Homare Sawa

Aya Miyama

Ayumi Kaihori

Shinobu Ohno

Nahomi Kawasumi

Yuki Ogimi

Saki Kumagai

Former captain Homare Sawa was diagnosed with benign paroxysmal postural vertigo in March 2012 and was forced to miss the Kirin Challenge Cup, which was held in Japan. Earlier this year, Sawa stepped down as captain and fellow midfielder Aya Miyama took over as captain of the Japanese Women’s National Team.

Prediction: Japan is a very dominant yet calm team that should have no trouble winning Group F. Japan’s toughest opponent in the group stages will likely be Sweden. These two teams faced off recently in the Volvo Winners Cup with Japan edging out Sweden by a 1-0 victory. Unless any major surprises happen, Japan will undoubtedly advance to the quarterfinals where they will play the second place team from Group G, which will likely be France or the United States. The Japanese team has shown growth, skill, and excellence throughout the past year and will put up a good fight in order to earn the honor to stand at the top podium.

Previewing Great Britain Women’s Olympic Football Team

Posted by Ann Ngo on July 16, 2012 at 10:21 pm 2012 Olympics

Jul 162012

GREAT BRITAIN: “Team GB”

FIFA Ranking: N/A

Coach: Hope Powell

Number of Olympics Appearances: This will be Great Britain’s first time participating in women’s soccer at an Olympic. Normally there is no single national team representing the Great Britain. England, Scotland, Wales and North Ireland often compete separately.

Group: E (Brazil, Cameroon, New Zealand)

First Match: against New Zealandl, July 25

Road to qualifying: Great Britain’s road to the Olympics was not without conflict.As a host nation, the United Kingdom had the right to enter a team in the tournament. The Football Association (FA), the governing body of football in England, would select the British team that would compete in the Games. The Scottish Football Association, the Irish Football Association, and the Football Association of Wales were reluctant to discuss and take part in a unified team. Initially FA would select English players only to complete, but later announced that it came into an agreement with the British Olympics Association (BOA) and select a British team that included players from across the United Kingdom. The final roster includes 18 English players, 3 Scottish players, and 1 Northern Ireland player.

Roster:

Karen Bardsley, Goalkeeper (Linkopings)

Rachel Brown, Goalkeeper (Everton)

Sophie Bradley, Defender (Lincoln Ladies)

Ifeoma Dieke, Defender (Vittsjo GIK)

Claire Rafferty, Defender (Chelsea)

Alex Scott, Defender (Arsenal)

Casey Stoney, Defender (Lincoln Ladies)

Anita Asante, Midfielder (Kopparberg/Goteborg FC)

Steph Houghton, Midfielder (Arsenal)

Kim Little, Midfielder (Arsenal)

Jill Scott, Midfielder (Everton)

Fara Williams, Midfielder (Everton L.F.C.)

Eniola Aluko, Forward (Birmingham City)

Karen Carney, Forward (Birmingham City)

Kelly Smith, Forward (Arsenal)

Rachel Williams, Forward (Birmingham City)

Rachel Yankey, Forward (Arsenal)

Reserve Players:

Emma Higgins, Goalkeeper (KR)

Dunia Susi, Defender (Chelsea)

Jessica Clark, Forward (Lincoln Ladies)

Jane Ross, Forward (Glasgow City)

Key players: As noted earlier, several players on the Great Britain’s team are members of England Women’s National Football Team. This squad has a good mix of talented young and veteran football players. One of key players to look out for is Kelly Smith, a forward and a member of the England Women’s national football team. To this date, Smith is considered England’s best female football player with 45 goals. She nearly missed the Olympics Games due to an ankle injury, but recovered in time to be named to the Olympics squad. Other players to watch includes Rachel Yankey (forward), Alex Scott (defender), Kim Little (midfielder), and Fara Williams (midfielder).

Prediction: With a squad with notable players across the United Kingdom, I believe Great Britain can defeat New Zealand Women’s National Soccer Team and Cameroon Women’s National Soccer Team. Great Britain will find Brazil as its toughest competitor in Group E. With five times FIFA’s Player of the Year Marta at the helm, two-time defending Olympic silver medalist Brazilian team is determined to finish the group with aplomb and advance to the next round. However, I believe that if Brazil cannot put in solid defensive effort, Great Britain squad has a chance to break through.

Recently, Great Britain played a friendly game against South Africa and defeated the Banyana Banyana by 3-1. On July 20^th, Great Britain will play a friendly game against Sweden. It will be interesting to see how they fare against FIFA’s fourth ranked women’s soccer team in the world.

Previewing France WNT

Posted by Ann Ngo on July 16, 2012 at 8:32 pm 2012 Olympics

Jul 162012

by Saby

FRANCE: Les Bleus (“The Blues”)

FIFA Ranking: 6 (as of July 2012)

Coach: Bruno Bini

Number of Olympics Appearances: This will be France’s first time participating in women’s soccer at an Olympics.

Group: G (United States, North Korea, Colombia)

First Match: Against United States on 7/25

Starting XI (4-2-3-1)

This is what the France WNT starting XI could look like after 9 games they have played so far in 2012. Down below are the players who played the most this year. The last friendly prior the Olympics will be against Japan. We should see if Coach Bruno Bini will change his starting XI by then.

Note that Sandrine Soubeyrand (C) has been injured those past months. The French staff announced that she should be ready for the Olympics. This is the main reason that the last spot is in between Louisa Necib and Elodie Thomis, The last starting XI spot will probably be determined by the opponent.

French Team:

Goalkeepers :

Sarah Bouhaddi (Olympique Lyonnais)

Céline Deville (Olympique Lyonnais)

Defenders :

Sonia Bompastor (Olympique Lyonnais)

Corine Franco (Olympique Lyonnais)

Ophélie Meilleroux (Montpellier H.S.C)

Wendie Renard (Olympique Lyonnais)

Laure Boulleau (Paris Saint Germain)

Laura Georges (Olympique Lyonnais)

Sabrina Viguier (Olympique Lyonnais)

Midfielders :

Camille Abily (Olympique Lyonnais)

Elise Bussaglia (Olympique Lyonnais)

Sandrine Soubeyrand (F.C.F Juvisy)

Louisa Necib (Olympique Lyon)*

Gaëtane Thiney (F.C.F Juvisy)

Camille Catala (A.S. Saint-Etienne)

Forwards:

Eugénie Le Sommer (Olympique Lyonnais)

Elodie Thomis (Olympique Lyonnais)*

Marie-Laure Delie (Montpellier H.S.C)

Alternate

GK : Laëtitia Philippe (Montpellier H.S.C)

Def : Kelly Gadea (Montpellier H.S.C)

Def : Julie Soyer (Paris Saint-Germain)

For : Marina Makanza (SC Fribourg)

String backup

GK : Karima Benameur (Rodez Aveyron F.)

Mid : Mélissa Plaza (Montpellier H.S.C)

Prediction

¼ Final if they finish second in group stage

Final if they reach the 1^st spot in group stage

Best players

Camille Abily

Sonia Bompastor

Elise Bussaglia

Eugénie Le Sommer

Louisa Necib

Gaëtane Thiney

Player to watch

Elodie Thomis

Reminder:

Game played against Top ten or lost games

2011

Friendly Netherlands 2.1 L

WWC Canada 0.4 W

WWC Germany 4.2 L

WWC England 1.1 W to PK

WWC USA 3.1 L

WWC Sweden 2.1 L

2012

Cyprus cup England 0.3 W

Cyprus cup Canada 0.2 W

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