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 Holland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holland. 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 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.
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