They needed overtime to do it, but Canada won the Cyprus Cup championship by a 2-1 margin over Holland. Just three months ago, Canada had easily defeated Holland 5-0 in a match played in Brazil. This time proved to be much tougher.
The match was played in harsh weather, with rain and very windy conditions. The weather played a part in an early defensive error by the Dutch and Jonelle Filigno, the goal scoring hero against Italy last Friday, once again scored to make it 1-0 for Canada.
Holland was able to tie the match late in the first half. Claudia van den Heiligenberg scored to make it 1-1.
Late in regulation, Erin McLeod suffered a minor injury and had to be replaced by Stephanie Labbé. She was able to keep Holland from scoring any further goals.
Emily Zurrer scored the game winner off of a Diana Matheson corner kick in the 99th minute. Canada completed a solid tournament in which they defeated four strong European sides in the process.
3rd Place: France 3, Scotland 0
Marie-Laure Delie made it her second hat trick of the tournament as she scored all three goals in France's 3-0 victory over Scotland. Bérangèr Sapowicz recorded the shutout for France.
5th Place: England 2, South Korea 0
Sue Smith's brace led England to a 2-0 win over South Korea. After a disappointing run in the group stage of the tournament, England finished strong in taking fifth place.
Karen Bardsley and Siobhan Chamberlain shared the shutout for England.
7th Place: Mexico 5, New Zealand 0
After a scoreless first half, Mexico scored five times in the closing stanza to defeat New Zealand in the 7th place match. Stephany Mayor scored a hat trick to lead the way for Mexico, who finished the tournament unbeaten with two wins and two ties. Dinora Garza added a goal and the fifth was an own goal by New Zealand.
9th Place: Italy 2, Russia 0
Italy won 2-0 over Russia on goals by Patrizia Panico and Giulia Domenichetti.
11th Place: Switzerland 2, Northern Ireland 1
In a match between two teams searching for their first win at the Cyprus Cup, Switzerland edged Northern Ireland 2-1. Lara Dickenmann scored a first half goal to give Switzerland the lead. Northern Ireland tied the match early in the 2nd half, but Martina Moser scored the game winner in the 65th minute.
Showing posts with label Cyprus Cup. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cyprus Cup. Show all posts
March 9, 2011
March 7, 2011
Canada and Holland Advance To Cyprus Cup Final
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Labels: Canada WNT, Cyprus Cup, England WNT, France, Holland, Italy, Mexican National Team, New Zealand, Northern Ireland WNT, Russia WNT, Scotland WNT, South Korea, Switzerland
Labels: Canada WNT, Cyprus Cup, England WNT, France, Holland, Italy, Mexican National Team, New Zealand, Northern Ireland WNT, Russia WNT, Scotland WNT, South Korea, Switzerland
Canada won their third straight match at the Cyprus Cup with a 2-0 victory over England in Group A. For Canada, it was their third shutout, this one by Erin McLeod. It was a battle between the world's 9th and 10th ranked teams.
After most of the first half went by scoreless, Christine Sinclair scored on a rebound of Diana Matheson's shot giving the Canadians a 1-0 edge. Halftime substitution Brittany Timko made it 2-0 just ten minutes into the second half. Most of the second half of the match was played in fairly heavy rainfall.
Hope Powell's squad saw massive changes from Friday's match, with Canada also inserting new blood into the lineup.
For Canada, the victory continues an impressive run of soccer dating back to last September. They are 13 wins, 1 loss, and 2 draws over that time. Canada will face Holland, ranked 15th in the world, in the final on Wednesday.
Scotland 0, Italy 0
Scotland and Italy played to a scoreless draw on Monday. It was enough for Scotland to finish in second place in Group A, just one point ahead of England.
It looked like Scotland might win the game late as they were awarded a penalty with just 10 minutes remaining in the match, but Chiara Marchitelli stopped Kim Little's penalty attempt to preserve the tie. Gemma Fay earned the shutout for the Scots.
Holland 6, Switzerland 0
Holland easily defeated Switzerland 6-0 and will play in the championship match against Canada. They were led by a Kirsten van de Ven hat trick and a Chantel de Ridder brace. The Swiss fell behind 2-0 in the first six minutes and never seriously threatened to make it a match.
Holland will now face Canada, a team they lost to by a 5-0 margin at the Torneia Internacional Cidade de Sao Paulo in December.
France 5, New Zealand 2
Marie-Laure Delie scored three times to lead France to a 5-2 victory over New Zealand. Delie scored twice in the first half to give her team a 3-2 lead at the break, after France had fallen behind in the game's opening minutes on an own goal.
Eugenie Le Sommer and Elise Bussaglia added goals for France, while Anna Green scored directly on a corner kick for the Ferns.
Because of their loss to Holland, France settles for a 3rd place match up against Scotland, while New Zealand will meet Mexico, in what should be an interesting 7th place match of two teams headed for the World Cup in June.
Mexico 3, Northern Ireland 1
Mexico was able to finish the Cyprus Cup group stage unbeaten with a 3-1 win over Northern Ireland. However, the Mexicans still fell short of South Korea, who won Group C.
Maribel Dominguez opened the scoring in the 32nd minute on a penalty after Charlyn Corral had been fouled in the box. Corral scored just minutes later to make it 2-0 by halftime.
Northern Ireland cut the lead to one as Rachel Furness headed one home early in the 2nd half. Nancy Gandarilla scored for Mexico late in the match for the final tally. Gandarilla was making her debut for Mexico.
South Korea 2, Russia 1
Ji So-Yun and Yeo Min-Ji scored to lead South Korea to a 2-1 victory over Russia. Ji's goal came in the opening minutes of the match. South Korea led 1-0 at the half.
Russia briefly tied the score in the 77th minute on a goal by Ekaterina Sochneva, but the Koreans quickly answered with Yeo's goal just a minute later for the game winner.
Final Group Standings:
Group A: Canada 3-0-0, 9 pts; Scotland 1-1-1, 4 pts; England 1-2-0, 3 pts; Italy 0-2-1, 1 pt.
Group B: Holland 3-0-0, 9 pts; France 2-1-0, 6 pts; New Zealand 1-2-0, 3 pts; Switzerland 0-3-0, 0 pts.
Group C: South Korea 2-0-1, 7 pts; Mexico 1-0-2, 5 pts; Russia 1-1-1, 4 pts; Northern Ireland 0-3-0, 0 pts.
Finals Day Matches:
Championship: Canada vs. Holland
3rd/4th Place: Scotland vs. France
5th/6th Place: England vs. South Korea
7th/8th Place: New Zealand vs. Mexico
9th/10th Place: Italy vs. Russia
11th/12th Place: Switzerland vs. Northern Ireland
After most of the first half went by scoreless, Christine Sinclair scored on a rebound of Diana Matheson's shot giving the Canadians a 1-0 edge. Halftime substitution Brittany Timko made it 2-0 just ten minutes into the second half. Most of the second half of the match was played in fairly heavy rainfall.
Hope Powell's squad saw massive changes from Friday's match, with Canada also inserting new blood into the lineup.
For Canada, the victory continues an impressive run of soccer dating back to last September. They are 13 wins, 1 loss, and 2 draws over that time. Canada will face Holland, ranked 15th in the world, in the final on Wednesday.
Scotland 0, Italy 0
Scotland and Italy played to a scoreless draw on Monday. It was enough for Scotland to finish in second place in Group A, just one point ahead of England.
It looked like Scotland might win the game late as they were awarded a penalty with just 10 minutes remaining in the match, but Chiara Marchitelli stopped Kim Little's penalty attempt to preserve the tie. Gemma Fay earned the shutout for the Scots.
Holland 6, Switzerland 0
Holland easily defeated Switzerland 6-0 and will play in the championship match against Canada. They were led by a Kirsten van de Ven hat trick and a Chantel de Ridder brace. The Swiss fell behind 2-0 in the first six minutes and never seriously threatened to make it a match.
Holland will now face Canada, a team they lost to by a 5-0 margin at the Torneia Internacional Cidade de Sao Paulo in December.
France 5, New Zealand 2
Marie-Laure Delie scored three times to lead France to a 5-2 victory over New Zealand. Delie scored twice in the first half to give her team a 3-2 lead at the break, after France had fallen behind in the game's opening minutes on an own goal.
Eugenie Le Sommer and Elise Bussaglia added goals for France, while Anna Green scored directly on a corner kick for the Ferns.
Because of their loss to Holland, France settles for a 3rd place match up against Scotland, while New Zealand will meet Mexico, in what should be an interesting 7th place match of two teams headed for the World Cup in June.
Mexico 3, Northern Ireland 1
Mexico was able to finish the Cyprus Cup group stage unbeaten with a 3-1 win over Northern Ireland. However, the Mexicans still fell short of South Korea, who won Group C.
Maribel Dominguez opened the scoring in the 32nd minute on a penalty after Charlyn Corral had been fouled in the box. Corral scored just minutes later to make it 2-0 by halftime.
Northern Ireland cut the lead to one as Rachel Furness headed one home early in the 2nd half. Nancy Gandarilla scored for Mexico late in the match for the final tally. Gandarilla was making her debut for Mexico.
South Korea 2, Russia 1
Ji So-Yun and Yeo Min-Ji scored to lead South Korea to a 2-1 victory over Russia. Ji's goal came in the opening minutes of the match. South Korea led 1-0 at the half.
Russia briefly tied the score in the 77th minute on a goal by Ekaterina Sochneva, but the Koreans quickly answered with Yeo's goal just a minute later for the game winner.
Final Group Standings:
Group A: Canada 3-0-0, 9 pts; Scotland 1-1-1, 4 pts; England 1-2-0, 3 pts; Italy 0-2-1, 1 pt.
Group B: Holland 3-0-0, 9 pts; France 2-1-0, 6 pts; New Zealand 1-2-0, 3 pts; Switzerland 0-3-0, 0 pts.
Group C: South Korea 2-0-1, 7 pts; Mexico 1-0-2, 5 pts; Russia 1-1-1, 4 pts; Northern Ireland 0-3-0, 0 pts.
Finals Day Matches:
Championship: Canada vs. Holland
3rd/4th Place: Scotland vs. France
5th/6th Place: England vs. South Korea
7th/8th Place: New Zealand vs. Mexico
9th/10th Place: Italy vs. Russia
11th/12th Place: Switzerland vs. Northern Ireland
March 4, 2011
Scotland and Holland Post Upsets at Cyprus Cup
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Labels: Canada WNT, Cyprus Cup, England WNT, France, Holland, Italy, Mexican National Team, New Zealand, Northern Ireland WNT, Russia WNT, Scotland WNT, South Korea, Switzerland
Labels: Canada WNT, Cyprus Cup, England WNT, France, Holland, Italy, Mexican National Team, New Zealand, Northern Ireland WNT, Russia WNT, Scotland WNT, South Korea, Switzerland
Upsets were the order of the day at the Cyprus Cup. Scotland were able to shut out England by a 2-0 margin, while France was beaten by Holland 2-1. Canada won their second straight 1-0 shutout, this time over Italy.
Scotland 2, England 0
The Scots got their two goals from Arsenal Ladies players Jennifer Beattie and Kim Little to post a 2-0 victory over neighboring England on Friday. It was the first victory for Scotland against England in over 30 years.
Although it must be noted that England's best player, Kelly Smith, did not play in the match, it was still an impressive victory for Scotland.
Beattie, normally a defender, was moved forward in this match and it paid off handsomely for coach Anna Signeul. In addition to her goal, she also earned an assist on Little's goal in the 1st half.
Shannon Lynn picked up the shutout for Scotland, while a stout Scottish defense helped Lynn keep England off of the scoreboard.
Scotland will now face Italy on Monday, still with an outside chance to win Group A. They need help from England over Canada and then need to win their match by a greater margin.
Canada 1, Italy 0
Canada continued a pattern of strong performances, knocking off Italy 1-0. Young Jonelle Filigno scored the game's only goal, assisted by Christine Sinclair. Italy came close on a few occasions in the second half, but were unable to draw even.
Filigno, who is just 20 years old, scored her sixth career goal as member of the Canadian National Team.
Stephanie Labbé earned a shutout for the Canadians, who have not surrendered a goal in either match at Cyprus.
Canada will now face England on Monday, needing just a tie or a win to secure first place in Group A. Italy will play Scotland in their final Group A match.
Holland 2, France 1
Holland posted a 2-1 upset win over France in Group B action at the Cyprus Cup. Renee Slegers and Manon Melis scored for the victors. Camille Abily scored for France.
The victory over the 8th ranked team in the world puts Holland into the championship match next Wednesday. They will face Switzerland on Monday. France will play New Zealand to decide who finishes in second place for Group B.
New Zealand 2, Switzerland 1
The Football Ferns posted their first win at the Cyprus Cup, with a 2-1 win over Switzerland. New Zealand scored two late first half goals, one by Kirsty Yallop, the other by Betsy Hassett and took a 2-0 lead into the intermission.
Sandy Maendly scored a late goal for Switzerland to close within one, but New Zealand was able to finish with the win. Jenny Bindon got the victory in goal for New Zealand.
New Zealand will now face France on Monday with a chance to finish second in Group B.
Russia 2, Northern Ireland 1
After falling behind early, Russia was able to post a 2-1 win over Northern Ireland.
Ashley Hutton scored her second goal of the tournament to give Northern Ireland a 1-0 lead in the 9th minute. Tatiana Skotnikova answered to tie the score just before halftime. Elena Fomina converted a penalty in the 51st minute to give Russia the lead. A game Northern Ireland squad was unable to equalize.
Russia and South Korea both will enter the final contest with a win and a draw, with the two teams facing each other on Monday. Mexico has posted two ties and still has a chance should they defeat Northern Ireland and the other two teams tie.
Mexico 1, South Korea 1
For the second straight match, Mexico played to a draw, a 1-1 tie with South Korea. Jeon Ga-Eul scored in the 15th minute to give South Korea the early lead. Mexico got the tying goal in the 2nd half with Dinora Garza scoring on a free kick.
Mexico played the last 26 minutes of the match a player short, as Nayeli Rangel received a second yellow card. Erika Vanegas and the Mexican defense were able to keep South Korea off the board for the remainder of the match.
Mexico will face Northern Ireland on Monday and can still finish anywhere from first to fourth depending on the results of the two Group C matches. South Korea can win Group C with a victory against Russia.
Scotland 2, England 0
The Scots got their two goals from Arsenal Ladies players Jennifer Beattie and Kim Little to post a 2-0 victory over neighboring England on Friday. It was the first victory for Scotland against England in over 30 years.
Although it must be noted that England's best player, Kelly Smith, did not play in the match, it was still an impressive victory for Scotland.
Beattie, normally a defender, was moved forward in this match and it paid off handsomely for coach Anna Signeul. In addition to her goal, she also earned an assist on Little's goal in the 1st half.
Shannon Lynn picked up the shutout for Scotland, while a stout Scottish defense helped Lynn keep England off of the scoreboard.
Scotland will now face Italy on Monday, still with an outside chance to win Group A. They need help from England over Canada and then need to win their match by a greater margin.
Canada 1, Italy 0
Canada continued a pattern of strong performances, knocking off Italy 1-0. Young Jonelle Filigno scored the game's only goal, assisted by Christine Sinclair. Italy came close on a few occasions in the second half, but were unable to draw even.
Filigno, who is just 20 years old, scored her sixth career goal as member of the Canadian National Team.
Stephanie Labbé earned a shutout for the Canadians, who have not surrendered a goal in either match at Cyprus.
Canada will now face England on Monday, needing just a tie or a win to secure first place in Group A. Italy will play Scotland in their final Group A match.
Holland 2, France 1
Holland posted a 2-1 upset win over France in Group B action at the Cyprus Cup. Renee Slegers and Manon Melis scored for the victors. Camille Abily scored for France.
The victory over the 8th ranked team in the world puts Holland into the championship match next Wednesday. They will face Switzerland on Monday. France will play New Zealand to decide who finishes in second place for Group B.
New Zealand 2, Switzerland 1
The Football Ferns posted their first win at the Cyprus Cup, with a 2-1 win over Switzerland. New Zealand scored two late first half goals, one by Kirsty Yallop, the other by Betsy Hassett and took a 2-0 lead into the intermission.
Sandy Maendly scored a late goal for Switzerland to close within one, but New Zealand was able to finish with the win. Jenny Bindon got the victory in goal for New Zealand.
New Zealand will now face France on Monday with a chance to finish second in Group B.
Russia 2, Northern Ireland 1
After falling behind early, Russia was able to post a 2-1 win over Northern Ireland.
Ashley Hutton scored her second goal of the tournament to give Northern Ireland a 1-0 lead in the 9th minute. Tatiana Skotnikova answered to tie the score just before halftime. Elena Fomina converted a penalty in the 51st minute to give Russia the lead. A game Northern Ireland squad was unable to equalize.
Russia and South Korea both will enter the final contest with a win and a draw, with the two teams facing each other on Monday. Mexico has posted two ties and still has a chance should they defeat Northern Ireland and the other two teams tie.
Mexico 1, South Korea 1
For the second straight match, Mexico played to a draw, a 1-1 tie with South Korea. Jeon Ga-Eul scored in the 15th minute to give South Korea the early lead. Mexico got the tying goal in the 2nd half with Dinora Garza scoring on a free kick.
Mexico played the last 26 minutes of the match a player short, as Nayeli Rangel received a second yellow card. Erika Vanegas and the Mexican defense were able to keep South Korea off the board for the remainder of the match.
Mexico will face Northern Ireland on Monday and can still finish anywhere from first to fourth depending on the results of the two Group C matches. South Korea can win Group C with a victory against Russia.
March 3, 2011
Canada and England Open with Cyprus Cup Victories
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Labels: Canada WNT, Cyprus Cup, England WNT, France, Holland, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Northern Ireland WNT, Russia WNT, Scotland WNT, South Korea, Switzerland
Labels: Canada WNT, Cyprus Cup, England WNT, France, Holland, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Northern Ireland WNT, Russia WNT, Scotland WNT, South Korea, Switzerland
Canada won their Cyprus Cup opener over Scotland on the strength of an Emily Zurrer goal in the 70th minute. The University of Illinois product scored her first international goal on the senior level.
Zurrer headed in a Diana Matheson corner kick for the game winner. Erin McLeod earned the shutout for Canada.
England 2, Italy 0
Hope Powell's team got off to promising start with a 2-0 victory over Italy in their Cyprus Cup opener. Goals by Ellen White and Kelly Smith led England to victory.
White took advantage of a defensive error by the Italians early on. Smith's goal was on a penalty after Jess Clarke had been tripped up in the box by Elisabetta Tona.
Holland 4, New Zealand 1
Holland scored three first half goals and coasted their way to a 4-1 victory over New Zealand. Sherida Spitse opened the scoring in the 20th minute and was followed by a Manon Melis brace before intermission.
Sara Gregorius was able to get New Zealand on the board in the 75th minute, before Renee Slegers finished the scoring in the 83rd minute.
France 2, Switzerland 0
Gaëtane Thiney and Camille Abily netted goals as France defeated Switzerland 2-0. Bérangère Sapowicz posted the shutout for the French.
South Korea 3, Northern Ireland 1
South Korea opened Cyprus Cup play with a 3-1 win over Northern Ireland.
Mexico 0, Russia 0
Mexico and Russia played to a scoreless draw on Wednesday, with Erika Vanegas earning the shutout for Mexico.
Zurrer headed in a Diana Matheson corner kick for the game winner. Erin McLeod earned the shutout for Canada.
England 2, Italy 0
Hope Powell's team got off to promising start with a 2-0 victory over Italy in their Cyprus Cup opener. Goals by Ellen White and Kelly Smith led England to victory.
White took advantage of a defensive error by the Italians early on. Smith's goal was on a penalty after Jess Clarke had been tripped up in the box by Elisabetta Tona.
Holland 4, New Zealand 1
Holland scored three first half goals and coasted their way to a 4-1 victory over New Zealand. Sherida Spitse opened the scoring in the 20th minute and was followed by a Manon Melis brace before intermission.
Sara Gregorius was able to get New Zealand on the board in the 75th minute, before Renee Slegers finished the scoring in the 83rd minute.
France 2, Switzerland 0
Gaëtane Thiney and Camille Abily netted goals as France defeated Switzerland 2-0. Bérangère Sapowicz posted the shutout for the French.
South Korea 3, Northern Ireland 1
South Korea opened Cyprus Cup play with a 3-1 win over Northern Ireland.
Mexico 0, Russia 0
Mexico and Russia played to a scoreless draw on Wednesday, with Erika Vanegas earning the shutout for Mexico.
February 24, 2011
Cyprus Cup - Group C Preview
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Labels: Cyprus Cup, Korea Republic, Mexico, Northern Ireland WNT, Russia WNT, South Korea
Labels: Cyprus Cup, Korea Republic, Mexico, Northern Ireland WNT, Russia WNT, South Korea
While Group C doesn't have any of the world's top 15 teams in it, it should be an interesting group to watch. It features a talented, emerging team in Mexico, a solid veteran team in Russia, a young, exciting side in the Korea Republic, and an improving squad from Northern Ireland.
Mexico
Coach: Leonardo Cuellar
World Rank: #22
World Cup: Qualified by finishing second in CONCACAF after defeating the United States 2-1 in the semifinal.
Latest Results:
Torneia Internacional Cidade de Sao Paulo: Lost to Brazil 3-0, Lost to Canada 1-0, Lost to Holland 3-1, Lost to Holland 2-1.
CONCACAF WC Qualifiers: Defeated Guyana 7-2, Defeated Trinidad & Tobago 2-0, Lost to Canada 0-3, Defeated USA 2-1, Lost to Canada 0-1.
Preliminary Roster (final Cyprus Cup roster was not available at press time):
Goalkeepers: Erika Vanegas, Pamela Tajonar, Cecilia Santiago.
Defenders: Kenti Robles, Marlene Sandoval, Rosario Saucedo, Maria Castillo, Leticia Villalpando, Natalie Vinti, Monica Alvarado.
Midfielders: Nayeli Rangel, Monica Vergara, Tania Morales, Evelyn Lopez, Guadalupe Worbis, Liliana Mercado, Teresa Noyola,.
Forwards: Charlyn Corral, Stephany Mayor, Dinora Garza, Maribel Dominguez, Veronica Perez.
The Cyprus Cup will be a major test for the Mexicans leading up to the 2011 World Cup. On one hand, they have a victory over the world’s number one ranked team under their belts and have played some very good teams close, including a pair of 1-0 losses to Canada. On the other hand, their record stands at just 4-11 over the past 15 matches, with the only win of any substance being the 2-1 upset over the United States in CONCACAF qualifying. To be sure, the Mexicans are a young talented team, but will they be ready to take on the world’s best in June?
One player that is essential to their World Cup plans is Maribel Dominguez, Mexico’s leading scorer who plays club soccer in Spain. Dominguez has good speed and uses well-timed runs to get in behind opposing defenses. Other top offensive players include Charlyn Corral, Stephany Mayor, Veronica Perez, and Dinora Garza.
Mexico is led in the midfield by Nayeli Rangel and Guadalupe Worbis. Kenti Robles, who also plays club soccer in Spain, is a top defender. American college star Teresa Noyola, who recently made the decision to play for Mexico, will be vying for a midfield spot on the roster. The goalkeeper battle appears to be between Erika Vanegas and Pam Tajonar, with Vanegas getting the bulk of the minutes over the past year. Monica Ocampo, Natalie Garcia, and Renae Cuellar may not make the trip to Cyprus because of injuries.
Group C will be a solid test for Mexico. With Russia and South Korea being ranked in the top 20, coach Leonardo Cuellar should be able to get some measure of his team’s progress in this tournament.
Northern Ireland
Coach: Alfie Wylie
World Rank: #64
World Cup: Failed to qualify after finishing third in UEFA Group 1 behind France and Iceland.
Latest Results:
UEFA WC Qualifying (Since July, 2010): Defeated Estonia 3-0, Tied Serbia 0-0, Defeated Croatia 3-1.
Cyprus Cup Roster:
Goalkeepers: Emma Higgins, Ciara McCoy.
Defenders: Kelly Bailie, Lyndsay Corry, Ashley Hutton, Julie Nelson.
Midfielders: Nadene Caldwell, Danielle McDowell, Kirsty McGuiness, Nicola McWilliams, Kim Turner, Demi Vance.
Forwards: Rachel Furness, Trudy Harbinson, Simone Magill, Sarah McFadden, Helen McKenna, Alison Smyth.
The lowest ranked team in the tournament at number 64, Northern Ireland sees this tournament as an opportunity for improvement and growth. They are a very young team, looking toward the future. They have shown progress lately. After losing five straight qualifying matches, they finished group play with two wins and two draws, surrendering just one goal over those four matches.
Defensively, they are a tough unit. With the exception of the 10 goals they gave up in the two matches against France, they played sound defense in qualifying matches. The defense is led by team captain Ashley Hutton. Hutton, Kim Turner, and Sarah McFadden all played college soccer at Southern Mississippi here in the States. Emma Higgins is the number one keeper.
Scoring has been the biggest problem for Northern Ireland. Rachel Furness was their biggest scorer in World Cup qualifying matches with four goals. But two talented young players from the U-17 team may be the key to the future for this team. Simone Magill and Kirsty McGuiness appear to have a bright future ahead of them.
Russia
Coach: Igor Shalimov
World Rank: #20
World Cup: Failed to qualify after finishing second to Switzerland in UEFA Group 6.
Latest Results:
Friendlies: Lost to Finland 4-5.
UEFA WC Qualifying (since July, 2010): Defeated Kazakhstan 8-0, Tied Republic of Ireland 1-1.
Preliminary Roster (final Cyprus Cup roster was not available at press time):
Goalkeepers: Elvira Todua, Elena Kochneva.
Defenders: Anna Kozhnikova, Nadezhda Myskiv, Natalia Pertseva, Daria Makarenko, Elena Semenchenko, Elena Suslov, Oksana Shmachkova, Ksenia Tsybutovich.
Midfielders: Elena Fomina, Nadezhda Kharchenko, Elena Morozova, Olga Petrova, Alla Rogova, Tatiana Skotnikova, Ekaterina Sochneva, Svetlana Tsydikova.
Forwards: Anna Cholovyaga, Elena Danilova, Olesya Kurochkina, Elena Terekhova.
The Russians fell two points short of making the UEFA WC Playoff round, after a disappointing 3-0 loss to Switzerland at home last June. They must now look to build toward the 2013 Euro tournament.
Russia’s most talented offensive player is Elena Danilova. Danilova scored five goals in just five qualifying matches. Still just 23 years old, Danilova scored a goal against Germany in the World Cup quarterfinals back in 2003 at age 16. Olesya Kurochkina led all Russian scorers with six goals in qualification.
Tatiana Skotnikova is a top player in the Russian midfield. The long-time veteran gives the Russians a great amount of experience in the midfield. Anna Kozhnikova is a threat to score out of the back line. Goalkeeping duties are held down by two relative youngsters in Elvira Todua and Elena Kochneva.
After just missing the playoff round for World Cup qualification, Russia will be looking to put together a good tournament and possibly win Group C.
South Korea (Korea Republic)
Coach: Choi In-Cheul
World Rank: #18
World Cup: Failed to qualify after finishing third in the group stage of the 2010 Asian Cup.
Latest Results:
Asian Games: Defeated Vietnam 6-1, Defeated Jordan 5-0, Defeated China 0-0 on penalty kicks, Lost to Korea DPR 1-3, Defeated China 2-0.
Peace Cup: Tied New Zealand 0-0, Tied England 0-0, Defeated Australia 2-0.
Cypress Cup Roster:
Goalkeepers: Jun Min-Kyung, Moon So-Ri.
Defenders: Lim Seon-Joo, Jung Young-A, Lee Jin-Hwa, Yu Ji-Eun, Hwang Bo-Ram, Shim Seo-Yeon, Lee Eun-Mi, Kim Hye-Ri.
Midfielders: Kim Na-Rae, Jung Won-Jung, Lee Hyun-Young, Jeon Ga-Eul, Kim Soo-Yun, Kwon Hah-Nul, Lee Sea-Eun, Kwon Eun-Som.
Forwards: Yeo Min-Ji, Ji So-Yun, Park Hee-Young, Yoo Young-A.
After a disappointing finish in the Asian Cup, Korea redeemed themselves in the Peace Cup, managing a win and two ties against three World Cup bound teams. They followed that with a strong third place finish at the Asian Games, losing only to Korea DPR.
Two things about this team…they are improving and they are young….very, very young. Seventeen of the 22 players they are sending to the Cyprus Cup are 22 years old or younger. They have only one player on their roster that is older than 26, that being Yu Ji-Eun. The future looks very bright for this team.
While Park Hee-Young is their leading scorer, Ji So-Yun and Yoo Young-A have been lighting up the scoreboard lately. Ji, who just turned 20, has been quite the sensation. She scored five goals in the Asian Games, including a hat trick against Jordan.
Korea boasts a talented group of young midfielders in Jeon Ga-Eul, Kim Soo-Yun, and Kwon Hah-Nul. They are led on defense by their most experienced player, Yu Ji-Eun, and Lee Eun-Mi, who has 11 goals in just 31 international matches. Goalkeeping duties belong to Jun Min-Kyung. This team should be one of the most exciting teams to watch at the Cyprus Cup.
Mexico
Coach: Leonardo Cuellar
World Rank: #22
World Cup: Qualified by finishing second in CONCACAF after defeating the United States 2-1 in the semifinal.
Latest Results:
Torneia Internacional Cidade de Sao Paulo: Lost to Brazil 3-0, Lost to Canada 1-0, Lost to Holland 3-1, Lost to Holland 2-1.
CONCACAF WC Qualifiers: Defeated Guyana 7-2, Defeated Trinidad & Tobago 2-0, Lost to Canada 0-3, Defeated USA 2-1, Lost to Canada 0-1.
Preliminary Roster (final Cyprus Cup roster was not available at press time):
Goalkeepers: Erika Vanegas, Pamela Tajonar, Cecilia Santiago.
Defenders: Kenti Robles, Marlene Sandoval, Rosario Saucedo, Maria Castillo, Leticia Villalpando, Natalie Vinti, Monica Alvarado.
Midfielders: Nayeli Rangel, Monica Vergara, Tania Morales, Evelyn Lopez, Guadalupe Worbis, Liliana Mercado, Teresa Noyola,.
Forwards: Charlyn Corral, Stephany Mayor, Dinora Garza, Maribel Dominguez, Veronica Perez.
The Cyprus Cup will be a major test for the Mexicans leading up to the 2011 World Cup. On one hand, they have a victory over the world’s number one ranked team under their belts and have played some very good teams close, including a pair of 1-0 losses to Canada. On the other hand, their record stands at just 4-11 over the past 15 matches, with the only win of any substance being the 2-1 upset over the United States in CONCACAF qualifying. To be sure, the Mexicans are a young talented team, but will they be ready to take on the world’s best in June?
One player that is essential to their World Cup plans is Maribel Dominguez, Mexico’s leading scorer who plays club soccer in Spain. Dominguez has good speed and uses well-timed runs to get in behind opposing defenses. Other top offensive players include Charlyn Corral, Stephany Mayor, Veronica Perez, and Dinora Garza.
Mexico is led in the midfield by Nayeli Rangel and Guadalupe Worbis. Kenti Robles, who also plays club soccer in Spain, is a top defender. American college star Teresa Noyola, who recently made the decision to play for Mexico, will be vying for a midfield spot on the roster. The goalkeeper battle appears to be between Erika Vanegas and Pam Tajonar, with Vanegas getting the bulk of the minutes over the past year. Monica Ocampo, Natalie Garcia, and Renae Cuellar may not make the trip to Cyprus because of injuries.
Group C will be a solid test for Mexico. With Russia and South Korea being ranked in the top 20, coach Leonardo Cuellar should be able to get some measure of his team’s progress in this tournament.
Northern Ireland
Coach: Alfie Wylie
World Rank: #64
World Cup: Failed to qualify after finishing third in UEFA Group 1 behind France and Iceland.
Latest Results:
UEFA WC Qualifying (Since July, 2010): Defeated Estonia 3-0, Tied Serbia 0-0, Defeated Croatia 3-1.
Cyprus Cup Roster:
Goalkeepers: Emma Higgins, Ciara McCoy.
Defenders: Kelly Bailie, Lyndsay Corry, Ashley Hutton, Julie Nelson.
Midfielders: Nadene Caldwell, Danielle McDowell, Kirsty McGuiness, Nicola McWilliams, Kim Turner, Demi Vance.
Forwards: Rachel Furness, Trudy Harbinson, Simone Magill, Sarah McFadden, Helen McKenna, Alison Smyth.
The lowest ranked team in the tournament at number 64, Northern Ireland sees this tournament as an opportunity for improvement and growth. They are a very young team, looking toward the future. They have shown progress lately. After losing five straight qualifying matches, they finished group play with two wins and two draws, surrendering just one goal over those four matches.
Defensively, they are a tough unit. With the exception of the 10 goals they gave up in the two matches against France, they played sound defense in qualifying matches. The defense is led by team captain Ashley Hutton. Hutton, Kim Turner, and Sarah McFadden all played college soccer at Southern Mississippi here in the States. Emma Higgins is the number one keeper.
Scoring has been the biggest problem for Northern Ireland. Rachel Furness was their biggest scorer in World Cup qualifying matches with four goals. But two talented young players from the U-17 team may be the key to the future for this team. Simone Magill and Kirsty McGuiness appear to have a bright future ahead of them.
Russia
Coach: Igor Shalimov
World Rank: #20
World Cup: Failed to qualify after finishing second to Switzerland in UEFA Group 6.
Latest Results:
Friendlies: Lost to Finland 4-5.
UEFA WC Qualifying (since July, 2010): Defeated Kazakhstan 8-0, Tied Republic of Ireland 1-1.
Preliminary Roster (final Cyprus Cup roster was not available at press time):
Goalkeepers: Elvira Todua, Elena Kochneva.
Defenders: Anna Kozhnikova, Nadezhda Myskiv, Natalia Pertseva, Daria Makarenko, Elena Semenchenko, Elena Suslov, Oksana Shmachkova, Ksenia Tsybutovich.
Midfielders: Elena Fomina, Nadezhda Kharchenko, Elena Morozova, Olga Petrova, Alla Rogova, Tatiana Skotnikova, Ekaterina Sochneva, Svetlana Tsydikova.
Forwards: Anna Cholovyaga, Elena Danilova, Olesya Kurochkina, Elena Terekhova.
The Russians fell two points short of making the UEFA WC Playoff round, after a disappointing 3-0 loss to Switzerland at home last June. They must now look to build toward the 2013 Euro tournament.
Russia’s most talented offensive player is Elena Danilova. Danilova scored five goals in just five qualifying matches. Still just 23 years old, Danilova scored a goal against Germany in the World Cup quarterfinals back in 2003 at age 16. Olesya Kurochkina led all Russian scorers with six goals in qualification.
Tatiana Skotnikova is a top player in the Russian midfield. The long-time veteran gives the Russians a great amount of experience in the midfield. Anna Kozhnikova is a threat to score out of the back line. Goalkeeping duties are held down by two relative youngsters in Elvira Todua and Elena Kochneva.
After just missing the playoff round for World Cup qualification, Russia will be looking to put together a good tournament and possibly win Group C.
South Korea (Korea Republic)
Coach: Choi In-Cheul
World Rank: #18
World Cup: Failed to qualify after finishing third in the group stage of the 2010 Asian Cup.
Latest Results:
Asian Games: Defeated Vietnam 6-1, Defeated Jordan 5-0, Defeated China 0-0 on penalty kicks, Lost to Korea DPR 1-3, Defeated China 2-0.
Peace Cup: Tied New Zealand 0-0, Tied England 0-0, Defeated Australia 2-0.
Cypress Cup Roster:
Goalkeepers: Jun Min-Kyung, Moon So-Ri.
Defenders: Lim Seon-Joo, Jung Young-A, Lee Jin-Hwa, Yu Ji-Eun, Hwang Bo-Ram, Shim Seo-Yeon, Lee Eun-Mi, Kim Hye-Ri.
Midfielders: Kim Na-Rae, Jung Won-Jung, Lee Hyun-Young, Jeon Ga-Eul, Kim Soo-Yun, Kwon Hah-Nul, Lee Sea-Eun, Kwon Eun-Som.
Forwards: Yeo Min-Ji, Ji So-Yun, Park Hee-Young, Yoo Young-A.
After a disappointing finish in the Asian Cup, Korea redeemed themselves in the Peace Cup, managing a win and two ties against three World Cup bound teams. They followed that with a strong third place finish at the Asian Games, losing only to Korea DPR.
Two things about this team…they are improving and they are young….very, very young. Seventeen of the 22 players they are sending to the Cyprus Cup are 22 years old or younger. They have only one player on their roster that is older than 26, that being Yu Ji-Eun. The future looks very bright for this team.
While Park Hee-Young is their leading scorer, Ji So-Yun and Yoo Young-A have been lighting up the scoreboard lately. Ji, who just turned 20, has been quite the sensation. She scored five goals in the Asian Games, including a hat trick against Jordan.
Korea boasts a talented group of young midfielders in Jeon Ga-Eul, Kim Soo-Yun, and Kwon Hah-Nul. They are led on defense by their most experienced player, Yu Ji-Eun, and Lee Eun-Mi, who has 11 goals in just 31 international matches. Goalkeeping duties belong to Jun Min-Kyung. This team should be one of the most exciting teams to watch at the Cyprus Cup.
February 21, 2011
Cyprus Cup - Group B Preview
Group B at the 2011 Cyprus Cup features two World Cup bound teams, with all four teams being in the world's top 26.
The French team has to be considered the class of this group heading in. They are ranked eighth in the world and have a legitimate chance to bring home the cup this summer. They are also the highest ranked team in this tournament.
Here is a look at Group B:
France
Coach: Bruno Bini
World Rank: #8
World Cup: Qualified by sweeping through UEFA Group 1 and then defeating Italy 3-2 in aggregate.
Latest Results:
Friendlies: Defeated Poland 5-0.
UEFA WC Playoff Round: Tied Italy 0-0, Defeated Italy 3-2.
UEFA WC Qualifiers (since July, 2010): Defeated Serbia 7-0, Defeated Iceland 1-0.
Cyprus Cup Roster:
Goalkeepers: Sarah Bouhaddi, Céline Deville, Bérangère Sapowicz.
Defenders: Sonia Bompastor, Laure Boulleau, Laura Georges, Laure Lepailleur, Ophélie Meilleroux, Wendie Renard, Sabrina Viguier.
Midfielders: Camille Abily, Elise Bussaglia, Amandine Henry, Louisa Nécib, Caroline Pizzala, Sandrine Soubeyrand.
Forwards: Marie-Laure Delie, Eugénie Le Sommer, Gaëtane Thiney, Elodie Thomis.
The French team has a nice mixture of experienced players, young veterans, and new talent on their team. Their two all-time cap leaders are Sandrine Soubeyrand and Sonia Bompastor. Young veterans, who make up the bulk of the roster, include WPS veteran Camille Abily, Louisa Nécib, Gaëtane Thiney, Elise Bussaglia and Elodie Thomis. Emerging young stars include Amandine Henry, Eugénie Le Sommer, and Marie-Laure Delie, who has already scored ten goals while playing in just a handful of matches.
Bérangère Sapowicz guided the team through World Cup qualifying in goal. This tournament may be a chance for former number one keeper, Sarah Bouhaddi, to re-establish herself in the goalkeeping mix, after an injury sidelined her for much of the last year.
The French gave up no goals in their ten group qualifying matches, before surrendering two to the Italians in one of their playoff matches. Their defense appears to be sound and if their young attacking players can continue to score, they will be a force to be reckoned with.
Holland
Coach: Roger Reijner
World Rank: #15
World Cup: Did not qualify after finishing second to Norway in UEFA Group 2.
Latest Results:
Friendlies: Tied England 2-2, Lost to Norway 4-0.
Torneia Internacional Cidade de Sao Paulo (Brazil): Lost to Canada 5-0, Lost to Brazil, Defeated Mexico 3-1, Defeated Mexico 2-1.
UEFA World Cup Qualifiers (since July): Defeated Belarus 4-0.
Preliminary Training Roster:
Goalkeepers: Angela Christ, Loes Geurts, Sari vanVeenendaal.
Defenders: Cynthia Beekhuis, Mandy van de Berg, Dyanne Bito, Marije Brummel, Kika van Es, Petra Hogewoning, Daphne Koster, Manoe Meulen, Leonne Stentler.
Midfielders: Danielle van de Donk, Annemieke Kiesel-Griffioen, Marlous Pieéte, Chantal de Ridder, Renee Slegers, Sherida Spitse, Kirsten van de Den.
Forwards: Anouk Dekker, Claudia van den Heiligenberg, Ellen Jansen, Manon Melis, Tessa Oudejans, Shanice van de Sanden, Sylvia Smit.
The Dutch have had some fairly inconsistent results as of late. They defeated World Cup qualifier Mexico twice and came within an eyelash of tying Brazil in Sao Paulo. On the other hand, they suffered crushing defeats to Norway (4-0 at La Manga) and Canada (5-0 at Sao Paulo). To be fair, they were certainly missing some players for the match against Canada, but it's still not a good result.
After reaching the semifinals of the 2009 Euros, missing the World Cup had to be a disappointment. The Cyprus Cup gives Holland an opportunity to meet two of their European rivals, France and Switzerland, as well as World Cup qualifier New Zealand. New Dutch coach Roger Reijner should see this tournament as a nice test of the team's progress.
Loes Geurts, who just turned 25, is already a seasoned veteran in the nets. Geurts actually played a year of college soccer in the US at Western Illinois, before returning to Holland to compete on the club level.
WPS fans will recognize Sky Blue defender Daphne Koster. SC Heerenveen striker Sylvia Smit scored eight goals in the eight UEFA qualifying matches to lead all Dutch scorers. Another young forward, Manon Melis, scored five goals in qualifying.
New Zealand
Coach: John Herdman
World Rank: #23
World Cup: Qualified by easily winning OFC qualifying outscoring their opponents by 50-0.
Latest Results:
Peace Cup (Korea): Tied England 0-0, Tied Korea Republic 0-0.
OFC WC Qualifiers: Defeated Vanuatu 14-0, Defeated Cook Islands 10-0, Defeated Tahiti 7-0, Defeated Solomon Islands 8-0, Defeated Papua New Guinea 11-0.
Cyprus Cup Roster:
Goalkeepers: Jenny Bindon, Aroon Clansey.
Defenders: Abby Erceg, Anna Green, Kristy Hill, Ria Percival, Ali Riley, Rebecca Smith.
Midfielders: Terri-Amber Carlson, Betsy Hassett, Katie Hoyle, Annalie Longo, Hayley Moorwood, Hannah Wall, Kirsty Yallop.
Forwards: Olivia Chance, Sarah Gregorius, Amber Hearn, Emma Kete, Rosie White, Hannah Wilkinson.
The Football Ferns certainly had a cakewalk through OFC qualifying. But they are also a team that shouldn't be taken lightly by the world powers in soccer, because they are improving. Ties against England and Korea in the Peace Cup and victories early last year over Italy and Scotland point to that.
New Zealand has a veteran goalkeeper in Jenny Bindon, who has been their number one for several years. Bindon has earned shutouts over several top notch sides over the past couple of years.
The Ferns also have WPS Rookie of the Year, Ali Riley, on their back line. Riley is quickly becoming one of the best outside backs in women's soccer and she has blazing speed that make her a force on the attack. Two other veterans, Hayley Moorwood and Kirsty Yallop play on the club level in Europe.
New Zealand did very well last year in this tournament and look to once again prove they belong on the world's stage. They are an improving side with some talented young players.
Switzerland
Coach: Beatrice Von Siebenthal
World Rank: #26
World Cup: Failed to qualify after winning UEFA Group 6. They lost to England 5-2 aggregate, defeated Denmark 3-1 aggregate, and then fell to Italy 5-2 aggregate.
Latest Results:
UEFA WC Playoff Rounds: Lost to England 3-2, Lost to England 2-0, Defeated Denmark 3-1, Tied Denmark 0-0. Lost to Italy 1-0, Lost to Italy 4-2.
UEFA WC Qualifying (since July, 2010): Defeated Kazakhstan 8-0.
Cyprus Cup Roster:
Goalkeepers: Marisa Brunner, Jennifer Oehrli.
Defenders: Caroline Abbé, Sandra Betschart, Rachel Count, Marina Keller, Nicole Remund.
Midfielders & Forwards: Ramona Bachmann, Ana Maria Crnogorcevic, Lara Dickenmann, Lara Keller, Selina Kuster, Sandy Maendly, Jehona Mehmeti, Isabelle Meyer, Martina Moser, Vanessa Pitter, Selina Zumbühl.
On Call: Gaëlle Thalmann, Caroline Müller, Barbara Beutler, Marie-Andrea Egli, Danique Stein.
The Swiss seem to be always on the verge of moving up. They were able to win their group stage, but surrendered five goals in aggregate to both England and Italy, and fell short of qualifying for the World Cup. But they are a very young team that should grow in the coming years.
Their two most well known players to American soccer fans are probably Lara Dickenmann who plays for Olympique Lyonnais and Ramona Bachmann who spent the 2010 WPS season with Atlanta. Dickenmann has been a member of the team for nearly 10 years and is the squad's most experienced player, save for goalkeeper Marisa Brunner.
Bachmann was a bit of an enigma last season with Atlanta, where she was unable to get untracked after success at Umeå in the Damallsvenskan. Young Ana Maria Crnogorcevic was Switzerland's leading scorer in qualifying matches. And like Bachmann, Crnogorcevic is just 20 years old.
Other young veterans on the Swiss team include Caroline Abbé, Rachel Count, Sandy Maendly, Isabelle Meyer, and Martina Moser, all of which have yet to reach their 25th birthday.
Cyprus Cup Group B Schedule:
Wednesday, March 2
France vs. Switzerland (GSP/Nicosia)
New Zealand vs. Holland (GSP/Nicosia)
Friday, March 4
France vs. Holland (Ammochostos/Larnaca)
Switzerland vs. New Zealand (GSZ/Larnaca)
Monday, March 7
Holland vs. Switzerland (Ammochostos/Larnaca)
New Zealand vs. France (GSP/Nicosia)
Wednesday, March 9
Finals Day.
The French team has to be considered the class of this group heading in. They are ranked eighth in the world and have a legitimate chance to bring home the cup this summer. They are also the highest ranked team in this tournament.
Here is a look at Group B:
France
Coach: Bruno Bini
World Rank: #8
World Cup: Qualified by sweeping through UEFA Group 1 and then defeating Italy 3-2 in aggregate.
Latest Results:
Friendlies: Defeated Poland 5-0.
UEFA WC Playoff Round: Tied Italy 0-0, Defeated Italy 3-2.
UEFA WC Qualifiers (since July, 2010): Defeated Serbia 7-0, Defeated Iceland 1-0.
Cyprus Cup Roster:
Goalkeepers: Sarah Bouhaddi, Céline Deville, Bérangère Sapowicz.
Defenders: Sonia Bompastor, Laure Boulleau, Laura Georges, Laure Lepailleur, Ophélie Meilleroux, Wendie Renard, Sabrina Viguier.
Midfielders: Camille Abily, Elise Bussaglia, Amandine Henry, Louisa Nécib, Caroline Pizzala, Sandrine Soubeyrand.
Forwards: Marie-Laure Delie, Eugénie Le Sommer, Gaëtane Thiney, Elodie Thomis.
The French team has a nice mixture of experienced players, young veterans, and new talent on their team. Their two all-time cap leaders are Sandrine Soubeyrand and Sonia Bompastor. Young veterans, who make up the bulk of the roster, include WPS veteran Camille Abily, Louisa Nécib, Gaëtane Thiney, Elise Bussaglia and Elodie Thomis. Emerging young stars include Amandine Henry, Eugénie Le Sommer, and Marie-Laure Delie, who has already scored ten goals while playing in just a handful of matches.
Bérangère Sapowicz guided the team through World Cup qualifying in goal. This tournament may be a chance for former number one keeper, Sarah Bouhaddi, to re-establish herself in the goalkeeping mix, after an injury sidelined her for much of the last year.
The French gave up no goals in their ten group qualifying matches, before surrendering two to the Italians in one of their playoff matches. Their defense appears to be sound and if their young attacking players can continue to score, they will be a force to be reckoned with.
Holland
Coach: Roger Reijner
World Rank: #15
World Cup: Did not qualify after finishing second to Norway in UEFA Group 2.
Latest Results:
Friendlies: Tied England 2-2, Lost to Norway 4-0.
Torneia Internacional Cidade de Sao Paulo (Brazil): Lost to Canada 5-0, Lost to Brazil, Defeated Mexico 3-1, Defeated Mexico 2-1.
UEFA World Cup Qualifiers (since July): Defeated Belarus 4-0.
Preliminary Training Roster:
Goalkeepers: Angela Christ, Loes Geurts, Sari vanVeenendaal.
Defenders: Cynthia Beekhuis, Mandy van de Berg, Dyanne Bito, Marije Brummel, Kika van Es, Petra Hogewoning, Daphne Koster, Manoe Meulen, Leonne Stentler.
Midfielders: Danielle van de Donk, Annemieke Kiesel-Griffioen, Marlous Pieéte, Chantal de Ridder, Renee Slegers, Sherida Spitse, Kirsten van de Den.
Forwards: Anouk Dekker, Claudia van den Heiligenberg, Ellen Jansen, Manon Melis, Tessa Oudejans, Shanice van de Sanden, Sylvia Smit.
The Dutch have had some fairly inconsistent results as of late. They defeated World Cup qualifier Mexico twice and came within an eyelash of tying Brazil in Sao Paulo. On the other hand, they suffered crushing defeats to Norway (4-0 at La Manga) and Canada (5-0 at Sao Paulo). To be fair, they were certainly missing some players for the match against Canada, but it's still not a good result.
After reaching the semifinals of the 2009 Euros, missing the World Cup had to be a disappointment. The Cyprus Cup gives Holland an opportunity to meet two of their European rivals, France and Switzerland, as well as World Cup qualifier New Zealand. New Dutch coach Roger Reijner should see this tournament as a nice test of the team's progress.
Loes Geurts, who just turned 25, is already a seasoned veteran in the nets. Geurts actually played a year of college soccer in the US at Western Illinois, before returning to Holland to compete on the club level.
WPS fans will recognize Sky Blue defender Daphne Koster. SC Heerenveen striker Sylvia Smit scored eight goals in the eight UEFA qualifying matches to lead all Dutch scorers. Another young forward, Manon Melis, scored five goals in qualifying.
New Zealand
Coach: John Herdman
World Rank: #23
World Cup: Qualified by easily winning OFC qualifying outscoring their opponents by 50-0.
Latest Results:
Peace Cup (Korea): Tied England 0-0, Tied Korea Republic 0-0.
OFC WC Qualifiers: Defeated Vanuatu 14-0, Defeated Cook Islands 10-0, Defeated Tahiti 7-0, Defeated Solomon Islands 8-0, Defeated Papua New Guinea 11-0.
Cyprus Cup Roster:
Goalkeepers: Jenny Bindon, Aroon Clansey.
Defenders: Abby Erceg, Anna Green, Kristy Hill, Ria Percival, Ali Riley, Rebecca Smith.
Midfielders: Terri-Amber Carlson, Betsy Hassett, Katie Hoyle, Annalie Longo, Hayley Moorwood, Hannah Wall, Kirsty Yallop.
Forwards: Olivia Chance, Sarah Gregorius, Amber Hearn, Emma Kete, Rosie White, Hannah Wilkinson.
The Football Ferns certainly had a cakewalk through OFC qualifying. But they are also a team that shouldn't be taken lightly by the world powers in soccer, because they are improving. Ties against England and Korea in the Peace Cup and victories early last year over Italy and Scotland point to that.
New Zealand has a veteran goalkeeper in Jenny Bindon, who has been their number one for several years. Bindon has earned shutouts over several top notch sides over the past couple of years.
The Ferns also have WPS Rookie of the Year, Ali Riley, on their back line. Riley is quickly becoming one of the best outside backs in women's soccer and she has blazing speed that make her a force on the attack. Two other veterans, Hayley Moorwood and Kirsty Yallop play on the club level in Europe.
New Zealand did very well last year in this tournament and look to once again prove they belong on the world's stage. They are an improving side with some talented young players.
Switzerland
Coach: Beatrice Von Siebenthal
World Rank: #26
World Cup: Failed to qualify after winning UEFA Group 6. They lost to England 5-2 aggregate, defeated Denmark 3-1 aggregate, and then fell to Italy 5-2 aggregate.
Latest Results:
UEFA WC Playoff Rounds: Lost to England 3-2, Lost to England 2-0, Defeated Denmark 3-1, Tied Denmark 0-0. Lost to Italy 1-0, Lost to Italy 4-2.
UEFA WC Qualifying (since July, 2010): Defeated Kazakhstan 8-0.
Cyprus Cup Roster:
Goalkeepers: Marisa Brunner, Jennifer Oehrli.
Defenders: Caroline Abbé, Sandra Betschart, Rachel Count, Marina Keller, Nicole Remund.
Midfielders & Forwards: Ramona Bachmann, Ana Maria Crnogorcevic, Lara Dickenmann, Lara Keller, Selina Kuster, Sandy Maendly, Jehona Mehmeti, Isabelle Meyer, Martina Moser, Vanessa Pitter, Selina Zumbühl.
On Call: Gaëlle Thalmann, Caroline Müller, Barbara Beutler, Marie-Andrea Egli, Danique Stein.
The Swiss seem to be always on the verge of moving up. They were able to win their group stage, but surrendered five goals in aggregate to both England and Italy, and fell short of qualifying for the World Cup. But they are a very young team that should grow in the coming years.
Their two most well known players to American soccer fans are probably Lara Dickenmann who plays for Olympique Lyonnais and Ramona Bachmann who spent the 2010 WPS season with Atlanta. Dickenmann has been a member of the team for nearly 10 years and is the squad's most experienced player, save for goalkeeper Marisa Brunner.
Bachmann was a bit of an enigma last season with Atlanta, where she was unable to get untracked after success at Umeå in the Damallsvenskan. Young Ana Maria Crnogorcevic was Switzerland's leading scorer in qualifying matches. And like Bachmann, Crnogorcevic is just 20 years old.
Other young veterans on the Swiss team include Caroline Abbé, Rachel Count, Sandy Maendly, Isabelle Meyer, and Martina Moser, all of which have yet to reach their 25th birthday.
Cyprus Cup Group B Schedule:
Wednesday, March 2
France vs. Switzerland (GSP/Nicosia)
New Zealand vs. Holland (GSP/Nicosia)
Friday, March 4
France vs. Holland (Ammochostos/Larnaca)
Switzerland vs. New Zealand (GSZ/Larnaca)
Monday, March 7
Holland vs. Switzerland (Ammochostos/Larnaca)
New Zealand vs. France (GSP/Nicosia)
Wednesday, March 9
Finals Day.
February 20, 2011
Cyprus Cup - Group A Preview
The Cyprus Cup is set to kick off on March 2 and for many teams, it will be their last major competition before the 2011 World Cup. This year, the Cyprus Cup has a field of 12 teams, five of which will be among those competing in Germany come June.
The twelve teams have been divided into three groups:
Group A: Canada, England, Italy, Scotland
Group B: France, Holland, New Zealand, Switzerland
Group C: Mexico, Northern Ireland, Russia, South Korea
Eleven of the 12 teams are ranked in FIFA's top 26 teams, with only Northern Ireland being lower at #64.
The competition will have group stage matches on March 2nd, 4th, and 7th, before a final round is played on March 9th.
Here is a preview of Group A, with Groups B and C to follow shortly:
Canada
Coach: Carolina Morace
World Rank: #9
World Cup: Qualified by winning the CONCACAF region.
Latest Results:
Four Nations Tournament (China): Defeated China 3-2, Lost to United States 1-2, Defeated Sweden 1-0.
Torneia Internacional Cidade de Sao Paulo (Brazil): Defeated Holland 5-0, Defeated Mexico 1-0, Tied Brazil 0-0, Tied Brazil 2-2
CONCACAF WC Qualifiers: Defeated Trinidad & Tobago 1-0, Defeated Guyana 8-0, Defeated Mexico 3-0, Defeated Costa Rica 4-0, Defeated Mexico 1-0.
Preliminary Training Roster:
Goalkeepers: Stephanie Labbé, Karina LeBlanc, Erin McLeod.
Defenders: Candace Chapman, Shannon Woeller, Emily Zurrer, Rhian Wilkinson, Melanie Booth, Marie-Eve Nault, Robyn Gale, Brittany Timko.
Midfielders: Carmelina Moscato, Desiree Scott, Chelsea Stewart, Jonelle Filigno, Kaylyn Kyle, Diana Matheson, Sophie Schmidt.
Forwards: Josée Bélanger, Chelsea Buckland, Christina Julien, Brooke McCalla, Jodi-Ann Robinson, Christine Sinclair, Melissa Tancredi.
The Canadians have been playing very good soccer over the past few months, going 10-1-2 over their last 13 matches, winning two major competitions and qualifying for the World Cup along the way.
Unfortunately, most of the talk surrounding the Canadian team lately concerns off-the-field issues. Coach Carolina Morace announced that she is resigning after the World Cup, citing differences with the Canadian Soccer Association. In response, her team threatened to strike because of what they perceive as the unfairness that CSA had dealt with Morace and because of other issues including compensation. All of this has put a cloud over a Canadian program that may be at its highest level in quite a few years.
As far as soccer goes, Canada hopes to continue the success they have had the past six months. They are led by their all-time leading scorer, Christine Sinclair, who has scored 115 goals in 151 international matches. She is often paired with veteran power forward Melissa "Tanc" Tancredi. They also have young offensive talent in MF Jonelle Filigno, F Josée Belanger, and Christina Julien.
The Canadians can also boast one of the deepest squads in their history. Other players include WPS goalkeepers Karina LeBlanc and Erin McLeod, WNY Flash defender Candace Chapman, Portland Pilot college star Sophie Schmidt, and Lillestrøm SK veterans Rhian Wilkinson and Diana Matheson.
England
Coach: Hope Powell
World Rank: #10
World Cup: Qualified by winning UEFA Group 5 and then defeating Switzerland 5-2 aggregate in two-game playoff.
Latest Results:
Peace Cup: Tied South Korea 0-0, Tied New Zealand 0-0.
UEFA Playoff Round: Defeated Switzerland 2-0, Defeated Switzerland 3-2.
UEFA WC Qualifiers (since July, 2010): Defeated Turkey 3-0, Defeated Austria 4-0.
Cyprus Cup Roster:
Goalkeepers: Karen Bardsley, Siobhan Chamberlain.
Defenders: Sophie Bradley, Lindsay Johnson, Alex Scott, Casey Stoney, Dunia Susi, Rachel Unitt, Faye White.
Midfielders: Anita Asante, Laura Bassett, Jess Clarke, Steph Houghton, Jill Scott, Sue Smith, Fara Williams, Rachel Yankey.
Forwards: Eniola Aluko, Kelly Smith, Ellen White.
Hope Powell and the English National Team are probably looking forward to some tough competition at this tournament. They have only played one other World Cup qualified team over the past year, that being New Zealand at the Peace Cup. Not that they haven't faced some tough sides in the interim, having played matches against Switzerland, South Korea, and Spain. England has not lost a match since their 1-0 loss at the hands of Canada in last year's Cyprus Cup.
England has a strong, veteran team. Any conversation about the Lionesses must start with perennial Player of the Year candidate Kelly Smith. The 15-year national team veteran has scored 42 international goals and her next cap will be her 100th. Smith is a smart, strong player who is a threat to score any time she takes the field.
If you like speed, young forward Eniola Aluko can give you plenty. With a couple of WPS seasons and a strong 2009 Euro Tournament under her belt, she is an emerging star.
Most of the English team is made up of veterans including Faye White, Casey Stoney, Alex Scott, and Fara Williams. Karen Bardsley has been seeing more and more time as the English goalkeeper and is competing for the number one job.
Italy
Coach: Pietro Ghedin
World Rank: #11
World Cup: Just missed qualifying after winning UEFA Group 7 and losing by 3-2 aggregate to France. Then defeated Ukraine and Switzerland, before falling 2-0 aggregate to the USA in playoff.
Latest Results:
World Cup Qualifying Playoff: Lost to the United States 1-0, Lost to the United States 1-0.
World Cup UEFA Playoffs: Defeated Switzerland 1-0, Defeated Switzerland 4-2, Defeated Ukraine 3-0, Tied Ukraine 0-0, Tied France 0-0, Lost to France 3-2.
Cyprus Cup Roster:
Goalkeepers: Chiara Marchitelli, Anna Maria Picarelli, Katia Schroffenegger.
Defenders: Elisa Bartoli, Alia Guagni, Elisabetta Tona, Viviana Schiavi, Roberta D'Adda, Sara Gama, Laura Neboli.
Midfielders: Alessia Tuttino, Elisa Camporese, Giulia Domenichetti, Pamela Conti, Alice Parisi, Carolina Pini.
Forwards: Patrizia Panico, Melania Gabbiadini, Ilario Mauro, Evelyn Vicchiarello, Daniela Sabatino.
One thing that must be said about this Italian side is that they have been well-tested. They took the longest route of any team to World Cup qualifying only to fall just short in the end after two 1-0 losses to the United States.
After a grueling fall schedule where every match had so much on the line, this year's Cyprus Cup must almost seem like a holiday to them. The Italian squad has a nice mixture of young players and veterans. They are a very competitive side, with all of their losses over the past year being by just one goal.
Long-time veteran Patrizia Panico, now 36 years old, is nearing 100 career goals. She is the Italian's primary scoring threat. Melania Gabbiadini is back from an injury that sidelined her from the matches against the US. Playmaking midfielder Elisa Camporese is also a player to watch.
The Italians have a sturdy defense that can be very hard to score on. Young Sara Gama is a threat from the outside back position going forward. Short, but scrappy, Anna-Maria Picarelli holds down the goalkeeper's position.
Scotland
Coach: Anna Signeul
World Rank: #24
World Cup: Failed to qualify, finishing second in UEFA Group 3, just behind Denmark.
Latest Results:
Friendlies: Defeated Wales 4-2, Defeated Poland 2-1.
UEFA WC Qualifiers (Since July, 2010): Tied Denmark 0-0, Defeated Greece 4-1.
Cyprus Cup Roster:
Goalkeepers: Gemma Fay, Shannon Lynn.
Defenders: Jennifer Beattie, Frankie Brown, Rachel Corsie, Ifeoma Dieke, Emma Fernon, Rhonda Jones, Rachael Small.
Midfielders: Hayley Lauder, Kim Little, Joanne Love, Leanne Ross, Megan Sneddon.
Forwards: Diana Barry, Rebecca Dempster, Christie Murray, Suzanne Grant, Jane Ross.
The twelve teams have been divided into three groups:
Group A: Canada, England, Italy, Scotland
Group B: France, Holland, New Zealand, Switzerland
Group C: Mexico, Northern Ireland, Russia, South Korea
Eleven of the 12 teams are ranked in FIFA's top 26 teams, with only Northern Ireland being lower at #64.
The competition will have group stage matches on March 2nd, 4th, and 7th, before a final round is played on March 9th.
Here is a preview of Group A, with Groups B and C to follow shortly:
Canada
Coach: Carolina Morace
World Rank: #9
World Cup: Qualified by winning the CONCACAF region.
Latest Results:
Four Nations Tournament (China): Defeated China 3-2, Lost to United States 1-2, Defeated Sweden 1-0.
Torneia Internacional Cidade de Sao Paulo (Brazil): Defeated Holland 5-0, Defeated Mexico 1-0, Tied Brazil 0-0, Tied Brazil 2-2
CONCACAF WC Qualifiers: Defeated Trinidad & Tobago 1-0, Defeated Guyana 8-0, Defeated Mexico 3-0, Defeated Costa Rica 4-0, Defeated Mexico 1-0.
Preliminary Training Roster:
Goalkeepers: Stephanie Labbé, Karina LeBlanc, Erin McLeod.
Defenders: Candace Chapman, Shannon Woeller, Emily Zurrer, Rhian Wilkinson, Melanie Booth, Marie-Eve Nault, Robyn Gale, Brittany Timko.
Midfielders: Carmelina Moscato, Desiree Scott, Chelsea Stewart, Jonelle Filigno, Kaylyn Kyle, Diana Matheson, Sophie Schmidt.
Forwards: Josée Bélanger, Chelsea Buckland, Christina Julien, Brooke McCalla, Jodi-Ann Robinson, Christine Sinclair, Melissa Tancredi.
The Canadians have been playing very good soccer over the past few months, going 10-1-2 over their last 13 matches, winning two major competitions and qualifying for the World Cup along the way.
Unfortunately, most of the talk surrounding the Canadian team lately concerns off-the-field issues. Coach Carolina Morace announced that she is resigning after the World Cup, citing differences with the Canadian Soccer Association. In response, her team threatened to strike because of what they perceive as the unfairness that CSA had dealt with Morace and because of other issues including compensation. All of this has put a cloud over a Canadian program that may be at its highest level in quite a few years.
As far as soccer goes, Canada hopes to continue the success they have had the past six months. They are led by their all-time leading scorer, Christine Sinclair, who has scored 115 goals in 151 international matches. She is often paired with veteran power forward Melissa "Tanc" Tancredi. They also have young offensive talent in MF Jonelle Filigno, F Josée Belanger, and Christina Julien.
The Canadians can also boast one of the deepest squads in their history. Other players include WPS goalkeepers Karina LeBlanc and Erin McLeod, WNY Flash defender Candace Chapman, Portland Pilot college star Sophie Schmidt, and Lillestrøm SK veterans Rhian Wilkinson and Diana Matheson.
England
Coach: Hope Powell
World Rank: #10
World Cup: Qualified by winning UEFA Group 5 and then defeating Switzerland 5-2 aggregate in two-game playoff.
Latest Results:
Peace Cup: Tied South Korea 0-0, Tied New Zealand 0-0.
UEFA Playoff Round: Defeated Switzerland 2-0, Defeated Switzerland 3-2.
UEFA WC Qualifiers (since July, 2010): Defeated Turkey 3-0, Defeated Austria 4-0.
Cyprus Cup Roster:
Goalkeepers: Karen Bardsley, Siobhan Chamberlain.
Defenders: Sophie Bradley, Lindsay Johnson, Alex Scott, Casey Stoney, Dunia Susi, Rachel Unitt, Faye White.
Midfielders: Anita Asante, Laura Bassett, Jess Clarke, Steph Houghton, Jill Scott, Sue Smith, Fara Williams, Rachel Yankey.
Forwards: Eniola Aluko, Kelly Smith, Ellen White.
Hope Powell and the English National Team are probably looking forward to some tough competition at this tournament. They have only played one other World Cup qualified team over the past year, that being New Zealand at the Peace Cup. Not that they haven't faced some tough sides in the interim, having played matches against Switzerland, South Korea, and Spain. England has not lost a match since their 1-0 loss at the hands of Canada in last year's Cyprus Cup.
England has a strong, veteran team. Any conversation about the Lionesses must start with perennial Player of the Year candidate Kelly Smith. The 15-year national team veteran has scored 42 international goals and her next cap will be her 100th. Smith is a smart, strong player who is a threat to score any time she takes the field.
If you like speed, young forward Eniola Aluko can give you plenty. With a couple of WPS seasons and a strong 2009 Euro Tournament under her belt, she is an emerging star.
Most of the English team is made up of veterans including Faye White, Casey Stoney, Alex Scott, and Fara Williams. Karen Bardsley has been seeing more and more time as the English goalkeeper and is competing for the number one job.
Italy
Coach: Pietro Ghedin
World Rank: #11
World Cup: Just missed qualifying after winning UEFA Group 7 and losing by 3-2 aggregate to France. Then defeated Ukraine and Switzerland, before falling 2-0 aggregate to the USA in playoff.
Latest Results:
World Cup Qualifying Playoff: Lost to the United States 1-0, Lost to the United States 1-0.
World Cup UEFA Playoffs: Defeated Switzerland 1-0, Defeated Switzerland 4-2, Defeated Ukraine 3-0, Tied Ukraine 0-0, Tied France 0-0, Lost to France 3-2.
Cyprus Cup Roster:
Goalkeepers: Chiara Marchitelli, Anna Maria Picarelli, Katia Schroffenegger.
Defenders: Elisa Bartoli, Alia Guagni, Elisabetta Tona, Viviana Schiavi, Roberta D'Adda, Sara Gama, Laura Neboli.
Midfielders: Alessia Tuttino, Elisa Camporese, Giulia Domenichetti, Pamela Conti, Alice Parisi, Carolina Pini.
Forwards: Patrizia Panico, Melania Gabbiadini, Ilario Mauro, Evelyn Vicchiarello, Daniela Sabatino.
One thing that must be said about this Italian side is that they have been well-tested. They took the longest route of any team to World Cup qualifying only to fall just short in the end after two 1-0 losses to the United States.
After a grueling fall schedule where every match had so much on the line, this year's Cyprus Cup must almost seem like a holiday to them. The Italian squad has a nice mixture of young players and veterans. They are a very competitive side, with all of their losses over the past year being by just one goal.
Long-time veteran Patrizia Panico, now 36 years old, is nearing 100 career goals. She is the Italian's primary scoring threat. Melania Gabbiadini is back from an injury that sidelined her from the matches against the US. Playmaking midfielder Elisa Camporese is also a player to watch.
The Italians have a sturdy defense that can be very hard to score on. Young Sara Gama is a threat from the outside back position going forward. Short, but scrappy, Anna-Maria Picarelli holds down the goalkeeper's position.
Scotland
Coach: Anna Signeul
World Rank: #24
World Cup: Failed to qualify, finishing second in UEFA Group 3, just behind Denmark.
Latest Results:
Friendlies: Defeated Wales 4-2, Defeated Poland 2-1.
UEFA WC Qualifiers (Since July, 2010): Tied Denmark 0-0, Defeated Greece 4-1.
Cyprus Cup Roster:
Goalkeepers: Gemma Fay, Shannon Lynn.
Defenders: Jennifer Beattie, Frankie Brown, Rachel Corsie, Ifeoma Dieke, Emma Fernon, Rhonda Jones, Rachael Small.
Midfielders: Hayley Lauder, Kim Little, Joanne Love, Leanne Ross, Megan Sneddon.
Forwards: Diana Barry, Rebecca Dempster, Christie Murray, Suzanne Grant, Jane Ross.
Scotland just missed getting out of their group stage in UEFA World Cup qualifying, falling just a point shy of Denmark. Since the last qualifying matches in August, the team has been fairly inactive, playing just one match, a victory over Wales. They will get thrown into the fire in a tough group stage at the Cyprus Cup.
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Scottish star, Julie Fleeting, was not on the roster released to the press for the Cyprus Cup. Fleeting, who just gave birth to her first child, may not be quite ready from a fitness standpoint.
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Ifeoma Dieke is probably the player with whom WPS fans are most familiar. The veteran defender has played 32 matches for the Chicago Red Stars and Boston Breakers over the past two seasons. Gemma Fay has over 100 caps in goal for the Scots.
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Scotland has several talented young players such as Rachael Small, Kim Little, and Rebecca Dempster, that will give a bright future to the team.
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Cyprus Cup-Group A Schedule
Wednesday, March 2
Canada vs. Scotland (Ammochostos/Larnaca)
England vs. Italy (GSZ/Larnaca)
Friday, March 4
England vs. Scotland (GSP/Nicosia)
Italy vs. Canada (GSP/Nicosia)
Monday, March 7
Scotland vs. Italy (GSZ/Larnaca)
Canada vs. England (GSP/Nicosia)
Wednesday, March 9
Finals Day.
March 3, 2010
Canada win Cyprus Cup
Canada beat New Zealand 1-0 in Cyprus Cup final today.
Cyprus Cup is 8 nations tournament that take place every year in Cyprus.
Standings :
1. Canada
2. New Zealand
3. Netherlands
4. Switzerland
5. England
6. Italy
7. Scotland
8. South Africa
Cyprus Cup is 8 nations tournament that take place every year in Cyprus.
Standings :
1. Canada
2. New Zealand
3. Netherlands
4. Switzerland
5. England
6. Italy
7. Scotland
8. South Africa
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