Team notes by seeding group
Top seeds
Netherlands – 1st in Pool A
Started the tournament as very warm favourites. Are now red hot ones after being the only top seed to win their group. More than that, the Dutch have looked extremely slick. Their 26 goals scored (7-0, 7-1, 12-1) is over a quarter of the total (102 in the 24 pool games) and more than double the next highest scoring side (Spain with 10)! Some of the goals scored against Italy were so good that even the Dutch coach was laughing in incredulity about it all. The only possible problem might be if they have peaked too soon, but for the rest of the sides the alternative, that they haven’t peaked at all yet, doesn’t bare thinking about.
England – 2nd in Pool B
Looked nervous and then stuttering against the hard work of the Indians and the defensive solidity of the USA. Also went very negative after going ahead against the States, quickly conceding an equaliser. Being at home looks like it’s adding pressure rather than uplift. Played better against Ireland, the player movement and ball pace was a lot sharper, but the short corner conversion ratio was as bad as ever with luck rather than skill seeing one eventually find its way home, and are now on the wrong side of the draw. Do not look like the second best side in the world so far.
Argentina – 2nd in Pool C
Started well, coming back from being an early goal down to Spain to win 6-2. But then lost a high quality match against Germany, and then suffered from England style short-corner yips against South Africa as utterly dominated on all stats apart from goals (none scored from 14 attempts, the count via my Argentinian clubmate who recorded every one on her phone in anticipation). The Germany defeat has also dumped them on the wrong side of the draw.
New Zealand – 3rd in Pool D
The Black Sticks came in ranked above Australia for once, and started well enough with two goals in a minute during a come-from-behind 4-2 win over Belgium. However this was followed by a shock loss to an enthusiastic Japan side and a tense 1-1 draw against Australia with the threat of elimination hanging.
England, Argentina and New Zealand combined have won as many games (3) and scored fewer goals (18) than the Dutch have managed on their own!
Second seeds
China – 4th in Pool A
Yeesh. This all went wrong from the opening performance, a shock 3-0 defeat against Italy. Defeat against Netherlands is not a terrible result, but the score (1-7) was, particularly as that put them below Korea on GD and so needing to win their last game. The blew a 1-0 lead in that, which was a significant one given that the previous four China-Korea matches had only produced one goal. Very disappointing and going home ranked last of the 16 competing teams.
USA – 4th in Pool B
Also highly disappointing. This was a pretty new look States side, with few left over from the 4th place finish in 2014 and the strong opening then petering out performance in the Olympics. The squad has been effectively in a training camp for many months, due to the lack of a domestic infrastructure outside the college game. That choice is going to be questioned, given the return. Strong defensively, lacking sparkle going forward, very typical of a US team but without the usual ground out results.
Germany – 1st in Pool C
The most impressive side outside the Dutch and the only other one boasting a 100% record. Certain national sporting stereotypes were lived up to as Holland were explosive skill and staggering play and Germany were good, accurate and ruthlessly efficient, scoring three each time then declaring. Winning the group has them on the good side of the draw, where they will be most people’s tip to reach the final.
Australia – 1st in Pool D
The FIH rankings made them second seeds. Did they show these up by winning the group? Well yes and no. They were top, but it was with just one win and two draws. The first half against Japan was where the coach would have wanted them to be, but after that they ended up hanging on it that game as Japan nearly fought back, failing to break down Belgium in the tournament’s only 0-0 to date and then getting a tense 1-1 in the Tasman derby against NZ. That last draw was all that was needed to top the group but at the same time was not outstanding either. The QF against Argentina or NZ looks a knife-edge game, and the Aussies will need to up their level.
Third seeds
South Korea – 3rd in Pool A
The most fortunate side to still be in the competition. Took a shellacking from Holland, just like everyone else. Didn’t score in that, nor more damningly against Italy and were then hit by a goal against in the last five seconds to lose again. Were in big trouble when they fell behind to China (to a goal that shouldn’t have stood), but then got lucky when the Chinese defence appeared to confuse an air horn in the crowd for the half-time hooter, leading to a goal slapped home with only fractions of a second on the clock. No further score in that game meant Korea scrambled through with one point, one goal scored and a -8 GD. England should beat them comfortably…
India – 3rd in Pool B
India are something of an emerging force in the Women’s game, but they haven’t really lived up to that growing reputation. Fell away after a strong start against England to be luck to draw, were lacklustre against Ireland with insufficient workrate and team play. Managed to be good enough against the USA though also quite negative. Are yet to win a game, but have a do-able route to the Semis so may yet…
Spain – 3rd in Pool C
Very up-and-down. Went ahead against Argentina with an overhead volley after a short corner was deflected upwards (also scored a very similar goal against Germany) but then lost 6-2. Bounced back from that to beat South Africa 7-1 with a number of good drag-flicks from their specialist, but were then well beaten 3-1 by Germany to finish third in their pool. Unlikely to last long in the knock-outs based on current form.
Belgium – 2nd in Pool D
Are not yet at the level of their Men (Olympic silver medalists in 2016) but are developing quickly. They were somewhat unlucky not to get more than one point from their games with NZ (2-4) and Australia (0-0) but how they competed in both did show their level. Then, when presented with a must-win against Japan, they did, racing into a 3-0 lead and eventually winning 6-3. Can realistically hope to beat Spain in the cross-over, but Germany will probably be a step too far.
Fourth seeds
Italy – 2nd in Pool A
Had a pool stage to remember, mostly for good reasons but with an unpleasant grain at the end of it. The game against China was their first World Cup match in 40 years and they won it 3-0. Backed that up with the dying seconds win over Korea, missing a glorious chance with 30 seconds to go but getting another with 5 to play and finishing that. Reality then intruded in the shape of Netherlands, who inflicted the highest ever World Cup defeat on the Italians. Have probably peaked and will lose to India in the cross-over.
Ireland – 1st in Pool B
The revelations of the tournament. The marker was set down just 4 minutes into their opening game against the US when Roisin Upton produced what will surely be the pass of the tournament, a 70 yard ball from her own 25 to pick out her centre-forward unmarked in the US circle. Deirdre Duke was then very calm in doing all the skills cleanly; trap the fast moving and bobbling ball, round the ‘keeper, lift the shot from a narrow angle. It would have been so easy to panic. Everything good about Ireland was encapsulated in that moment – the tactical play to overcome the traditional US high press with early, long direct passes, the solid skills in executing it all and the calmness in doing so. There is no fluke about Ireland winning their group, their play (skills, fitness and teamwork, the training camp has really worked) has merited it, and if one was to nominate a SF line-up based on games so far Ireland would be involved along with Netherlands, Argentina and Germany. Fingers crossed it doesn’t peter out and Ireland do get the chance to play for a medal as their level to date has deserved.
South Africa – 4th in Pool C
The only one of the lowest batch of seeds to perform in line with expectations, i.e. low ones. Part-timers in amongst full-timers with limited games to get their patterns ready and it did show in the attacking third. That said they put on intense, hard-working defensive shows backed up by superb goalkeeping against Germany, to only lose 3-1, and Argentina, holding the South Americans to a 1-1 draw, but were very well beaten (1-7) in the match they would have been targeting against Spain. At least they got that point against Argentina, even if it was a complete backs-to-the-wall effort with a dozen or more Argentine PCs going unconverted against South African attacking stats of 3 circle penetrations, 2 shots, 1 goal.
Japan – 4th in Pool D
The unluckiest side to be going home at this stage. Can make a strong argument to be the best Asian side at this tournament, having been the only ones to win a game, picking up more points (3) than any of the others (2, 1 and 1) and also scoring more goals (7) than China, Korea and India combined (5). But such are the vagaries of sport that Japan, who have been plucky and attacking in their intent, are going home alongside China whilst much less inspiring Korean and Indian sides continue in the tournament. When push came to shove against Belgium their defence just wasn’t good enough.
Top seeds
Netherlands – 1st in Pool A
Started the tournament as very warm favourites. Are now red hot ones after being the only top seed to win their group. More than that, the Dutch have looked extremely slick. Their 26 goals scored (7-0, 7-1, 12-1) is over a quarter of the total (102 in the 24 pool games) and more than double the next highest scoring side (Spain with 10)! Some of the goals scored against Italy were so good that even the Dutch coach was laughing in incredulity about it all. The only possible problem might be if they have peaked too soon, but for the rest of the sides the alternative, that they haven’t peaked at all yet, doesn’t bare thinking about.
England – 2nd in Pool B
Looked nervous and then stuttering against the hard work of the Indians and the defensive solidity of the USA. Also went very negative after going ahead against the States, quickly conceding an equaliser. Being at home looks like it’s adding pressure rather than uplift. Played better against Ireland, the player movement and ball pace was a lot sharper, but the short corner conversion ratio was as bad as ever with luck rather than skill seeing one eventually find its way home, and are now on the wrong side of the draw. Do not look like the second best side in the world so far.
Argentina – 2nd in Pool C
Started well, coming back from being an early goal down to Spain to win 6-2. But then lost a high quality match against Germany, and then suffered from England style short-corner yips against South Africa as utterly dominated on all stats apart from goals (none scored from 14 attempts, the count via my Argentinian clubmate who recorded every one on her phone in anticipation). The Germany defeat has also dumped them on the wrong side of the draw.
New Zealand – 3rd in Pool D
The Black Sticks came in ranked above Australia for once, and started well enough with two goals in a minute during a come-from-behind 4-2 win over Belgium. However this was followed by a shock loss to an enthusiastic Japan side and a tense 1-1 draw against Australia with the threat of elimination hanging.
England, Argentina and New Zealand combined have won as many games (3) and scored fewer goals (18) than the Dutch have managed on their own!
Second seeds
China – 4th in Pool A
Yeesh. This all went wrong from the opening performance, a shock 3-0 defeat against Italy. Defeat against Netherlands is not a terrible result, but the score (1-7) was, particularly as that put them below Korea on GD and so needing to win their last game. The blew a 1-0 lead in that, which was a significant one given that the previous four China-Korea matches had only produced one goal. Very disappointing and going home ranked last of the 16 competing teams.
USA – 4th in Pool B
Also highly disappointing. This was a pretty new look States side, with few left over from the 4th place finish in 2014 and the strong opening then petering out performance in the Olympics. The squad has been effectively in a training camp for many months, due to the lack of a domestic infrastructure outside the college game. That choice is going to be questioned, given the return. Strong defensively, lacking sparkle going forward, very typical of a US team but without the usual ground out results.
Germany – 1st in Pool C
The most impressive side outside the Dutch and the only other one boasting a 100% record. Certain national sporting stereotypes were lived up to as Holland were explosive skill and staggering play and Germany were good, accurate and ruthlessly efficient, scoring three each time then declaring. Winning the group has them on the good side of the draw, where they will be most people’s tip to reach the final.
Australia – 1st in Pool D
The FIH rankings made them second seeds. Did they show these up by winning the group? Well yes and no. They were top, but it was with just one win and two draws. The first half against Japan was where the coach would have wanted them to be, but after that they ended up hanging on it that game as Japan nearly fought back, failing to break down Belgium in the tournament’s only 0-0 to date and then getting a tense 1-1 in the Tasman derby against NZ. That last draw was all that was needed to top the group but at the same time was not outstanding either. The QF against Argentina or NZ looks a knife-edge game, and the Aussies will need to up their level.
Third seeds
South Korea – 3rd in Pool A
The most fortunate side to still be in the competition. Took a shellacking from Holland, just like everyone else. Didn’t score in that, nor more damningly against Italy and were then hit by a goal against in the last five seconds to lose again. Were in big trouble when they fell behind to China (to a goal that shouldn’t have stood), but then got lucky when the Chinese defence appeared to confuse an air horn in the crowd for the half-time hooter, leading to a goal slapped home with only fractions of a second on the clock. No further score in that game meant Korea scrambled through with one point, one goal scored and a -8 GD. England should beat them comfortably…
India – 3rd in Pool B
India are something of an emerging force in the Women’s game, but they haven’t really lived up to that growing reputation. Fell away after a strong start against England to be luck to draw, were lacklustre against Ireland with insufficient workrate and team play. Managed to be good enough against the USA though also quite negative. Are yet to win a game, but have a do-able route to the Semis so may yet…
Spain – 3rd in Pool C
Very up-and-down. Went ahead against Argentina with an overhead volley after a short corner was deflected upwards (also scored a very similar goal against Germany) but then lost 6-2. Bounced back from that to beat South Africa 7-1 with a number of good drag-flicks from their specialist, but were then well beaten 3-1 by Germany to finish third in their pool. Unlikely to last long in the knock-outs based on current form.
Belgium – 2nd in Pool D
Are not yet at the level of their Men (Olympic silver medalists in 2016) but are developing quickly. They were somewhat unlucky not to get more than one point from their games with NZ (2-4) and Australia (0-0) but how they competed in both did show their level. Then, when presented with a must-win against Japan, they did, racing into a 3-0 lead and eventually winning 6-3. Can realistically hope to beat Spain in the cross-over, but Germany will probably be a step too far.
Fourth seeds
Italy – 2nd in Pool A
Had a pool stage to remember, mostly for good reasons but with an unpleasant grain at the end of it. The game against China was their first World Cup match in 40 years and they won it 3-0. Backed that up with the dying seconds win over Korea, missing a glorious chance with 30 seconds to go but getting another with 5 to play and finishing that. Reality then intruded in the shape of Netherlands, who inflicted the highest ever World Cup defeat on the Italians. Have probably peaked and will lose to India in the cross-over.
Ireland – 1st in Pool B
The revelations of the tournament. The marker was set down just 4 minutes into their opening game against the US when Roisin Upton produced what will surely be the pass of the tournament, a 70 yard ball from her own 25 to pick out her centre-forward unmarked in the US circle. Deirdre Duke was then very calm in doing all the skills cleanly; trap the fast moving and bobbling ball, round the ‘keeper, lift the shot from a narrow angle. It would have been so easy to panic. Everything good about Ireland was encapsulated in that moment – the tactical play to overcome the traditional US high press with early, long direct passes, the solid skills in executing it all and the calmness in doing so. There is no fluke about Ireland winning their group, their play (skills, fitness and teamwork, the training camp has really worked) has merited it, and if one was to nominate a SF line-up based on games so far Ireland would be involved along with Netherlands, Argentina and Germany. Fingers crossed it doesn’t peter out and Ireland do get the chance to play for a medal as their level to date has deserved.
South Africa – 4th in Pool C
The only one of the lowest batch of seeds to perform in line with expectations, i.e. low ones. Part-timers in amongst full-timers with limited games to get their patterns ready and it did show in the attacking third. That said they put on intense, hard-working defensive shows backed up by superb goalkeeping against Germany, to only lose 3-1, and Argentina, holding the South Americans to a 1-1 draw, but were very well beaten (1-7) in the match they would have been targeting against Spain. At least they got that point against Argentina, even if it was a complete backs-to-the-wall effort with a dozen or more Argentine PCs going unconverted against South African attacking stats of 3 circle penetrations, 2 shots, 1 goal.
Japan – 4th in Pool D
The unluckiest side to be going home at this stage. Can make a strong argument to be the best Asian side at this tournament, having been the only ones to win a game, picking up more points (3) than any of the others (2, 1 and 1) and also scoring more goals (7) than China, Korea and India combined (5). But such are the vagaries of sport that Japan, who have been plucky and attacking in their intent, are going home alongside China whilst much less inspiring Korean and Indian sides continue in the tournament. When push came to shove against Belgium their defence just wasn’t good enough.
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