Well England women were so impressive in Canada that I thought it deserved a little blog post of its own. So, here it is. A pretty brief run-down of the matches as they happened. At the end I give some general ratings and select my best sides of the tournament. Then I briefly discuss the final, USA v. Japan.
Other talking points raised in the competition will be discussed later if I have time, such as the media coverage, pitches, goalkeeping etc.
Ratings explained
1-3 = very poor, 4 = poor, 5 = average, 6 = OK, 7 = good, 8 = very good, 9 = excellent, 10 = unbelievable
England were drawn in group F with France, Mexico and Columbia. Pre-tournament expectations were probably getting out of the group in at least second (most third-placed teams also got through) and progressing past the last-16 stage into the quarter-final.
---
First group game vs. France
England 0 France 1
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33044255
Overall team rating = 5
England coach Mark Sampson made some controversial team selections and tactical decisions, in picking a very defensive lineup. In a clear attempt to nullify France's attacking prowess, our own strengths going forwards were not capitalised on. Whilst Sampson was largely successful in nullifying France, with them failing to cut us open on many occasions, the lack of attention payed to our own attacking game cost us. England were very unambitious and relatively poor going forward, with Eni Aluko looking a very isolated figure up front with little support from elsewhere. It only took a single mistake from Bassett and Chapman to allow Le Sommer to get the winner, which we didn't really threaten to reply to.
However, these tactics were not particularly surprising to those who'd been following England's recent progress. The 3-0 loss to Germany at Wembley hurt, and was the result of playing too high and attacking a game against an opponent who was technically superior and much more clinical on the day. Later displays against the like of USA were more defensively oriented and we kept the scoreline down to respectable levels and were generally more competitive throughout. This was the intention at the start of the WWC15 competition in what was our toughest group game. It was a generally solid defensive display, however the team were very disappointing going forward and created very few chances - and only one shot on target.
---
Second Group game vs. Mexico
England 2 (Kirby, Carney) Mexico 1
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33055451
Overall team rating = 7
After a frustrating first half in which we dominated possession but surprisingly created little, the side cracked on in the second, to dominate play and create numerous chances, 2 of which were excellently taken. The biggest impact was made by 2 substitutions where Karen Carney and Alex Greenwood both came on and gave excellent showings. Carney was a consistently dangerous attacking threat and Greenwood, effective at crossing from the left. Our goal did not look under much threat in general, and 2-1 is slightly flattering to Mexico. They scored a late consolation goal due to a combination of defensive errors and moderate goalkeeping by Bardsley.
After the hype and promise that the side would play in more positive fashion following the disappointing France game, I was left a little non-plussed at half-time. The side were still not really gelling going forward. It was a shame, as it looked like we easily had the beating of Mexico. In fact it took the introduction of 2 substitutes to ignite the game in our favour. This was the first occasion that we really saw some of the tactical nous from Sampson that would become a major feature of the campaign later on.
---
Third (final) group game: England vs. Colombia, 18 June 2015
England 2 (Carney, Williams (pen)) Columbia 1
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33158945
Overall team score - 7
This was a game where England achieved what they'd been trying to do since the start of the tournament. They managed to start strongly, make a load of chances, score a couple of goals and get a half-time lead. We let slip a late goal thanks to mainly Bardsley once again in the second half, and weren't as creative going forward, but truth be told we'd already done enough to get through against a Columbia side who struggled to create a lot against us.
The win meant we were able to finish second in the group and get a favourable run-in to the semi-final stage, which as it turned out was vital in the longer view of the campaign. We were to face Norway in a tough-looking round-of-16 knockout match.
This was a great match for Alex Scott, who gave a terrific performance at right-back with her positional play and work-rate. The defence was solid, with Greenwood giving another option at set pieces, although in this game she was mainly used as a dummy for Fara Williams who herself delivered some good free kicks and corners in a class performance from midfield. The promising Jade Moore also gave a strong showing. Up front, Carney (who got the opening goal) and Duggan also worked hard and gave good accounts of themselves.
---
Norway v. England ratings 22 June 2015
Last 16 knockout game - England 2 (Houghton 61', Bronze 76'). Norway 1 (Gulbrandsen 54')
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33085746
Overall team score - 7
After what seemed a strange starting XI selection, going back to a similar side as against France in the opener, the team turned what seemed to be another competent but uninspiring defensive display into a powerful performance in the second half following Norway's goal, which seemed to jump-start us. The puzzling selection of Chapman in midfield, coupled with dropping Alex Scott after her best England performance for a while, was strange and, seemingly, did not bode well for us.
But Bronze, Scott's replacement, played brilliantly and Sampson's tactical genius in moving Chapman further forward in the second half, killed 2 birds with one stone. Her break-up play was able to disrupt Norway's passing rhythm in their defence and midfield, and any give -aways that would have been defensive errors in our own half were nullified by dint of the advanced position. Her tough tackling and experience really unsettled Norway and they were completely unable to follow up on the goal that put them ahead. Moore, Williams and Scott happily joined in, and we were soon in complete control of midfield.
Again the substitutes played a huge role, and two defenders got on the score sheet, with Bronze hitting a screamer from just outside the box - before we managed the last 20 minutes or so very effectively. In Jill Scott and Lucy Bronze we had two players who look like world beaters down the right, and Scott, Moore and Chapman in midfield must be among the best players at closing the opposition down. Still, questions must be asked as to why we can't start out with these intentions and really put teams like Norway to the sword. This type of display will compete against Canada, but is unlikely to worry Japan, USA or Germany. Or, so it seemed at this stage!
---
England v. Canada ratings 27 June 2015
Quarter-final, England 2 (Taylor 11, Bronze 14) Canada 1 (Sinclair 42)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33085911
Overall team score - 8
The Lionesses continued what has become a remarkable run with a strong, tough and spirited display against a Canadian team playing their best game of the tournament and in front of 54000 partisan home fans. Two early goals set the tone for the match in which Canada just managed to get back into before half time thanks to a defensive error. However, England defended more strongly in the second half and shutout the Canucks whilst creating a few chances of their own as well. It was a special display in many ways, and a remarkable performance, despite the referee's efforts to give Canada any and all opportunities, with some very soft free kicks.
Although we did not have much possession, we used what we did have better than Canada and a low pass success rate may raise eyebrows with some, but when your passes are threatening to cut up the opposition defence regularly, not many have to be accurate. In truth England dominated midfield, with Moore, Jill Scott and Chapman in particular offering extremely impressive performances in harrying and closing down the opposition. These 3 almost look like world beaters now, and no other side in the tournament has been as effective in destroying the oppositions attacks before they even begin. To me, Moore, Scott and Chapman are among the very best 3 defensive midfielders in the competition and act as England's "Wrecking Crew". The grit and resolve of this Lionesses side is impressive.
Carney and Taylor always looked dangerous and threatening going forward. And the back line held their nerve well, restricting Canada to half-chances in the second half especially. Coach Sampson, after making some puzzling, strange and seemingly dubious decisions earlier in the tournament, is now looking like a master tactician whose every decision is paying off big time. This has now been a highly successful tournament for the Lionesses, and even a defeat to Japan in the semis would leave us with another game to cement our position as a major force in the game with a 3rd/4th place playoff.
Their performances have drawn a lot of attention for their determination, if not style, (as seems to be the wont of England teams generally) and they have been inspirational for many people back home in the UK. Of course the disgrace that are the national print media can't decide when to stop criticising, and everything I hear from abroad reinforces the opinion that their lack of coverage has been in very poor form. Any results form now on are a bonus. Even if Japan get through, we will get to see a memorable match between either England and USA, or England and a deflated Germany and opportunity for some payback for Wembley.
---
Semi-Final Review
England vs. Japan 01 July 2015
England 1 (Williams 40' pen) Japan 2 (Miyama 32' pen, Basset 90' og)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33085949
Overall team score - 8
It was a very unlucky result for the Lionesses, who were much the better side in a good match that ended in disappointing fashion, when Laura Bassett netted a late own goal with literally one minute of extra time left on the clock. It was a very unfortunate way to get knocked out and their performance deserved better. Up until that point, England had been very competitive and created more chances. We were all looking forward to extra time.
An even first half saw a penalty apiece converted. Japan's came first when Rafferty brought down a Japanese player after a through-ball, however it was a poor decision - as the contact was outside the box. England were correctly given a penalty shortly after, when Houghton was felled following a corner. In the second half, we played better and created a host of chances, hitting the bar twice from Duggan and Rafferty, with Jill Scott and Ellen White also going close.
Ultimately Japan created relatively little and can consider themselves rather fortunate to get into the final. They will certainly need a much better performance against USA to have a serious chance at winning the trophy, unless the US really let themselves down. England meanwhile will face Germany in a game where there is not much to lose. They may go to win again, or try a damage limitation exercise. Any result better than a 3-0 defeat will be at least some consolation, if there is much to be taken from this result.
England could have easily won this game 3-0, with a bit more fortune. We are left to rue those missed chances in the second half. It was strange that in the one game we actually played positively to definitely deserve the victory outright, we were denied at the last by a fluke own-goal. Sampson did make a few curious decisions that did not really pay off this time, however, like substituting Taylor off and starting with Duggan rather than Carney.
Overall the team can be really proud of how they played in the tournament. Their resolve, character and work ethic was extremely impressive. The story of our success for me was how well we disrupted other teams' passing rhythm with combative and resolute midfield pressure from the "wrecking crew". You can make a missed pass and yet earn a corner or throw in from nothing, if you force a clearance, the same result as 10 successful passes. The "wrecking crew" won the ball so often from the opposition defence or midfield, in such dangerous positions, that they only need a 20% pass success ratio to create enough chances to win a game. England are very much a side better than the stats say, and better than the sum of its parts. We don't look as good on the stats sheets as we do in the match. No team really got on top of us and we can bow out holding our heads high.
---
Third-Fourth place play-off match, Sat 04 Jul 2015 (Edmonton, Canada)
Germany 0 - 1 England (AET) (WIlliams 108' (pen))
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33085963
Overall team rating - 9 - (Well it had to be, to beat the Germans!)
England's Lionesses made history again by beating a strong German side for the first time in 20 attempts, to finish third and collect their bronze medals in what has been an incredibly successful tournament. It's always a day to remember when we manage to get one over on the Germans (it happens so rarely, in any sport!) and might I remind the detractors that being the top-ranked European nation at these finals is no small achievement. Remember it was only a matter of about 8 months ago that England lost 3-0 to Germany at home. The turnaround in that time has been remarkable. OK, so Germany weren't quite at full strength and were a bit deflated from their semi-final loss, but you could say the same for us as well.
Sampson again made some interesting and unexpected changes prior to the kick-off, most notably playing a back five with the full backs pushing on into wing-back roles, hence Greenwood was preferred to Rafferty. Potter started for the first time, out of her normal midfield position as 3rd centre back; Moore, Duggan and Taylor were rested and White started up front. It seemed though, that his tactics payed off again as Germany, despite a strong start, were unable to break us down very effectively and we posed enough of a threat throughout to keep them right on their toes.
Near the end of the second half and in extra time, England fought back strongly - creating a few chances as subs Aluko and Sanderson made big impacts from the bench. In the end, we converted a hard-earned Sanderson penalty, and despite a few nervy moments as the clock ran down, we held out at the back - keeping the first clean sheet of the tournament. England were highly deserving of the victory.
I may have bumped up the ratings a touch for this game but it's just a reflection of how much I admire our teams' performance. The Lionesses have given absolutely everything for their country at these finals and we could have wished for no more. What heroines they all are!
My overall best England team of the tournament:
GK- Bardsley
RB - Bronze, CB - Houghton, CB - Bassett, LB - Greenwood
MD - Moore, MD - Chapman, MD - J. Scott, MD - Williams
FW - Taylor, FW - Carney
BBC Review - England ratings
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33397931
| 1-3 = very poor | Name | Match | ||||||||
| 4 = poor | France | Mexico | Columbia | Norway | Canada | Japan | Germany | Average | Total | |
| 5 = average | Steph Houghton | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8.1 | 57 |
| 6 = OK | Fara Williams | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 7.4 | 52 |
| 7 = good | Lucy Bronze | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8.2 | 49 | |
| 8 = very good | Jill Scott | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 7.8 | 47 | |
| 9 = excellent | Karen Carney | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 9 | 7.7 | 46 | |
| 10 = unbelievable | Jade Moore | 6 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 7.5 | 45 | |
| Laura Bassett | 5 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 7.3 | 44 | ||
| Karen Bardsley | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 6.3 | 44 | |
| Katie Chapman | 4 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7.6 | 38 | |||
| Claire Rafferty | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.0 | 35 | |||
| Toni Duggan | 5 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6.8 | 34 | |||
| Jodie Taylor | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.8 | 31 | ||||
| Ellen White | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7.3 | 29 | ||||
| Fran Kirby | 6 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 6.8 | 27 | ||||
| Alex Scott | 4 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 6.3 | 25 | ||||
| Alex Greenwood | 8 | 6 | 8 | 7.3 | 22 | |||||
| Casey Stoney | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7.3 | 22 | |||||
| Eni Aluko | 6 | 6 | 9 | 7.0 | 21 | |||||
| Jo Potter | 7 | 8 | 7.5 | 15 | ||||||
| Lianne Sanderson | 6 | 9 | 7.5 | 15 | ||||||
| Siobhan Chamberlain | 8 | 8.0 | 8 | |||||||
| Jordan Nobbs | 6 | 6.0 | 6 | |||||||
| Grand Average | ||||||||||
| Average | 5.6 | 7.0 | 7.1 | 7.3 | 8.0 | 7.7 | 8.7 | 7.3 |
Top defender - Houghton
Top midfielder - Williams
Top striker - Carney
---
Final Overview
USA 5 Japan 2
USA - Lloyd 3', 5', 16'. Holiday 14'. Heath 54'
Japan - Ogimi 27'. Johnston 52' (o.g.)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33085994
In an amazing, historic, thrilling and fairly one-sided match, a powerful US team gave another strong performance and easily blew past an error-ridden Japanese side early on, to record a remarkable 5-2 win, and claim back the prize that had eluded the USWNT for 16 years.
In the end the US were just too strong, fast, fit and dynamic for a flagging Japanese team, in my view lucky to reach this stage, that were effectively out of the contest after 15 minutes. I can't help but think our England side would have given a better account of themselves and a much closer match than Japan did. We would certainly not have been 4-0 down after the first sixth of the game.
Carli Lloyd's performance was also incredible, scoring a hat-trick inside the first quarter-hour which included some almost comical, inept and schoolground defending from Japan (um, there's Lloyd! Scored in last 3 games! Mark her! No?) and in contrast, a remarkable and stunning blast from dead on the halfway-line (60 yards) from Lloyd, that was so accurate it bounced just in front of the goal, hit the post and went in, despite a despairing dive from an out-of-position Kaihori!
See it here
Overall teams of the tournament
4-4-2 formations
An interesting choice, given women's teams often use 4-3-3. But it was a tournament for midfielders, rather than strikers, on the whole and with 4-4-2 you can do more justice to the best performing players.
First team
Manager/Coach - Sampson (ENG)
GK - Angerer (GER),
DF - Bronze (ENG), DF - Sauerbrunn (USA), DF - Houghton (ENG) , DF - Sameshima (JPN),
MD - Lloyd (USA) , MD - Williams (ENG), MD - Henry (FRA) , MD - Miyama (JPN),
ST - Sasic (GER), ST - Mittag (GER)
Second team
Manager/Coach - Ellis (USA)
GK - Solo (USA),
DF - Krieger (USA), DF - Renard (FRA), DF - Johnston (USA), DF - Catley (AUS),
MD - Leupolz (GER) , MD - Brian (USA), MD - Necib (FRA), MD - Moore (ENG),
ST -Carney (ENG) , ST - Morgan (USA)
No comments:
Post a Comment