INTERVIEW WITH WORLD CUP!
Of course, with some trouble before, I could not tell anything more…
Now, I will go to the main. The tournament has started!
Let's get through Group A.
Group A, which included host nation Canada, 1999 runners-up China, debutant Netherlands and New Zealand, definitely the most balanced group, except that Canada had advantages.
But before the opening match, I suddenly felt worried. Canada would play different, or they would be another Brazil's version?
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6 June, 2015
Edmonton, Canada
Commonwealth Stadium…
Canada 1-0 China
After the opening ceremony, which wasn't huge and big like the men's, Canada began their title journey by facing the hunger girls from China. Red Canucks vs. Red Dragons. China'd returned to Women's World Cup after missing it 4 years ago. With this tournament, Canada had participated in all Women's World Cup through 1991.
Canada started with a lot of chance on the opening minutes. John Herdman, however, turned upside down when seeing his players missed many chances. Meanwhile, Hao Wei's force sometimes almost caused danger, especially the freekick.
But no goal after 45'.
I saw the match with new guests belongs Madame Canada and China (the PreCure, Shugo Chara and the Sailor Moon). Not The Doraemons anymore, since they returned to Chile for 2015 Copa América; going back Europe for Euro 2016 mission; or back to Asia and CONCACAF for 2018 men's World Cup qualifying (to the Moscow Winter is totally a creppy dream); about 2015 U-20 World Cup they spent in a different way. I'm a man, not a girl. But be honest, the ladies seemed played nicer than gentlemen.
And at least, Canada did not suffer an own goal like Brazil.
Second half was not different. Canada secured their domination, but when they needed goal, they failed. Meanwhile, China, with mostly youngsters, did not have much time to wait. China needed a goal too.
However, through Sophie Schmidt to Christine Sinclair, I only saw disappointment. Goalkeeper LeBlanc had to work a lot to prevent China's goal. But Canada's strikers did not do better.
Surprisingly, when I believed on a draw, something changed…
A FOUL! China's caused a foul! Captain Sinclair, it's your. I don't like China, they've robbed Senkaku/Diaoyu and South China Sea from other sovereignty states. Now, I could not wait something better than that. A penalty in their death zone.
Mr. Sergio Markarián "El Armenio" had told me: "If you grab them to your home without preparation, you're died." That Uruguayan man is right. The Uruguayan Armenian coach who took responsibility for Peru's great return in 2011 Copa América, the man that Turkey and Azerbaijan hate, but Uruguay, Greece, Cyprus, Peru, Bolivia and Armenia like, made me mentioning to Christine Sinclair's penalty.
…
…
…
I asked Saki Hyuuga. She told me nothing…
…
…
…
GOAL! 1-0! Canada got the lead on the late of the match! I waved the flag of Armenia (don't know why?) like a symbol. I thought, I paid back a thank to Sergio Markarián.
And so the girls cheered for Canada. I thought what if Sakura had been here…
OVER! 1-0! Canada won their opening match. But I would point them only 6.7. Canada won the match but not successfully dominated tactics. They failed to manage a single goal until the penalty. Good thing! Kateryna Monzul, Ukrainian referee, did not make a same mistake like Yuichi Nishimura. All facing nuclear disasters, why Yuichi is different to Kateryna? I guess…
Who care?
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Edmonton, Canada
Commonwealth Stadium…
New Zealand 0-1 Netherlands
Of course, Canada only put 6 stadiums, as Halifax was "disqualified" while Toronto is busy for 2015 Pan American Games. Commonwealth Stadium (Edmonton), Moncton Stadium (Moncton), Olympic Stadium (Montreal), TDC Place (Ottawa), Winnipeg Stadium (Winnipeg) and BC Place (Vancouver) where the Final takes place in. So in two first legs, 4 teams on a same group would maintain on their own ground.
Edmonton was for this group. New Zealand was going to fight against the Dutch ladies.
Before the match, New Zealand, she felt confident and believed on New Zealand's first ever World Cup victory, since the men's and women's never win in any World Cup. Besides, her nation was hosting the U-20 World Cup. Tony Readings also agreed with her.
But Roger Reijners and his team did not think so…
I saw Holland. She was very pretty at that day. I remembered, when I was a kid, I always drank Dutch Lady, a milk from the Netherlands (and also Belgium). This held a lot of memories…
And the match started!
The girls from the Low State started not really well. They faced a lot of attacks from the Kiwis. Oranjes vs. Kiwis. If I were a Cameroonian I would never hope for that in a women match.
So the Dutch tried to blockade the New Zealanders. But the New Zealanders were not too passive so she found that they needed to escape from that circle.
I did not really know what Roger said to his students, but it was definitely helpful. The Dutch conquered New Zealand's defense and Lieke Martens scored for the Dutch's first ever World Cup goal. We knew about their men's: Wilnajdum, van Nistelrooy, van Basten, Cruyff, Rijkaard, Robben, van der Sar, Bergkamp, van Persie, Huntelaar,… but this must be the first time I heard about a Dutch scorer in Women's World Cup. 1-0 for European side.
New Zealand should have converted to a new one. A common job. The girls from Oceania launched a "full invasion" in the second half, to gain back at least a point. She told to Tony: "Mr. Iron Man, stop the Dutch before too late!" Tony Readings was an Iron Man? No, I guessed she called him like this just because he had his name "Tony". Tony Stark. Wow…
But Stark was not there. Instead was Tony Readings. Be reality!
Luís Suárez called to me right after 2015 UEFA Champions League Final with Barcelona, where his team won the trio, again. Beating Juventus 3-1 in Berlin, he told that: "Don't hope on 'Iron Man' Tony Readings." I did agree. New Zealand, she tried to confront her team, but her plan was deactive. The Dutch stilled blockade entire of her team. Netherlands was about to win…
Oh yes. 1-0 for the Netherlands! Right on their first World Cup match. Once again, I did mention to Sergio Markarián. He won again! Sadik Adnan and Azerbaijan were not in the stadium due to the Armenian flag I got before.
"Turks are getting jealous!"
Peru! Peru's voice 100%. Arriba Perú! I just laughed. Peru still honored Sergio Markarián for Peru's comeback.
Going back, New Zealand lost 0-1 to the Netherlands. With this lost, New Zealand and China got 0, Canada and the Netherlands got 3. 1st leg ended.
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11 June, 2015
Edmonton, Canada
Commonwealth Stadium…
China 1-0 Netherlands
The Red Dragons vs. Oranjes. You can admit that. Holland, nation which Orange is the main color, was at heat when they battled against Red China. Since China put the 9-line row in South China Sea, I don't like them.
But I must say, Hao Wei's students were totally better than the Dutch.
1st half started. Red Ladies vs. Oranges. Dragons vs. Oranjes! China was totally dominating on their opening. But still, they managed no chance. Meanwhile I saw Netherlands' face: she seemed not scared. With China, her face got more stress than Holland. Of course, Netherlands had 3 pts, China had 0. So China's mission must be winning this match.
Unfortunately, Netherlands almost scored. China lost focusing…
Canada and I watched it carefully. I might see Asuna. SwordArt Online again. She arrived so fast from now. Peru did not stay in here, he returned to Chile for 2015 Copa América, making me bored…
Because since he and his lovely girl partner Bolivia came to Canada to watch it, I always felt like having protectors, due to my current conflict with Turkey and Azerbaijan. Peru and Bolivia gave me strength to fight that. Bolivia looked cute, like a Quechuan kid.
No time! The battle between ladies continued. China dominated all first half. But no goal! Arturo Vidal might laugh: "China stupid!" despite that he still wanna beat the Dutch to revenge for 2014 World Cup. Hao Wei, you needed to do better than that. Haha…
Roger Reijners and his girls stood far from over.
0-0 was the result when the second half go in. Not being passive, the Dutch launched an offensive in paying for China's massive attacks. But China's defense lived well, thanked for Wang Fei. Ey Yeimy, be careful!
And…
WTF? Suddenly China created another offensive! Later, they would destroy the Dutch. NO! IT CAN'T BE! Wow… the Netherlands still alive from the axe of my unlikely rival. But it's just the first, it did not stop. And the thing I got worried, finally exist.
In 90+1', China's Wang Lisi kicked… and a GOAL! 1-0 for China in late of the match. China'd survived. Goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal did not play like Roger's wish. And so Yeimy Martínez shouted! 1-0 and China won. China defeated the Dutch in a battle which China must win. China was lucky this time.
And so be it, China would have a big chance: only defeating New Zealand, they would qualify. With Holland, their mission was more difficult than they thought.
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Edmonton, Canada
Commonwealth Stadium…
Canada 0-0 New Zealand
Miss Bibiana, you must prepare for it…
FIFA's officials were getting worried for the Brasil 2014's mistakes repeat, especially about the penalty in the first match (at least it's a right decision). Canada now marched to the field. Only 35.000 spectators watched this, lower than their opening game. Women's World Cup had a ton of problem. Spectators did not feel interested about ladies. Not good.
It did make me miss Brasil 2014.
At the opening of the 1st half, Canada launched an offensive first, but when they still not found the result, they… MADE A PENALTY, for the guest. New Zealand had a chance.
Sadly, they failed. 0-0.
Now once again I remembered Sergio Apraham Markarián Abrahamián. Why that Armenian mentioned to me so much? I meant, he's Uruguayan, but sometimes I raised Armenian flag. Armenia in the field, again.
Unlikely, in all 1st half, I wanna sleep. No goal. In the second, nothing changed at all. The host dominated all the match but Canada managed no difference. New Zealand wasn't better.
So be it, 0-0 was the good score. New Zealand and Canada only grabbed 1 point. Canada maintained top of the table, meanwhile New Zealand must win in faith to qualify…
John Herdman, if you don't get hurry, you will face your doom. With his blood-partner Tony Readings, your New Zealand was not over yet.
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15 June, 2015
Montreal, Canada
Olympic Stadium…
Netherlands 1-1 Canada
And he should be. Shugo Chara! Once again. Cute Amu Hinamori once again made appearance. She cheered for Canada. This could be an advantage for John Herdman and his squad.
"MOVE OUT, GIRLS!"
In South America right now Copa América is at tense. So with the girls, they needed to show up in front of million of soccer lovers that they can play like men. Luís Suárez secretly appeared, which only I realized (even Mark Evans of his Inazuma team couldn't).
START!
I hate North Korea (because the referee was from North Korea), but I did not think about it now. But just 10 minutes after the whistle, suddenly Canada broke distance! They kicked the ball, it hit into Loes Geurts and…
Loes missed! The ball came into Ashley Lawrence! And… OH YES! 1-0 CANADA! 10'! Netherlands 0-1 Canada! If the Netherlands lost, they would need lucks to pass through. But would Roger Reijners stepped down?
I thought… not. John Herdman was totally in worry for his defensive line and his attackers since they worked not fully 100%. Like an English gentleman, John knew what to do. He and Tony Readings supported English team, but he wanna see Canada won the title since England was not a champion's candidate (I believed this is England's advantage).
Canada, she knew what to do! She yelled… But Holland was louder.
Girl vs. girl! First half was over! Netherlands 0-1 Canada! Canada felt happy, so she showed to Emily that "she can win this". But Emily F. Jones thought not same: "I guess you should worry on your team". She might be right. The United States of America is world's powerhouse of women's soccer.
And the biggest worry… arrived.
Second half began when Canada played pressure against the Dutch. But the Dutch not just standing further, but far more, they almost caused danger for the host. Canada managed to stand strongly, but… their mistake once again warned me to focus on Brazil's first own goal in World Cup history.
Oh! It'd come! Over 2 defenders in their ground while facing 2 other Dutch forwards. The ball was passed to Kirsten van der Ven! Oh no it could be… A KICK! GOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL! 1-1! The Dutch managed to survive!
John Herdman shook his head. He might not be happy on it. At least Brazil got 7 points on group stage, while Canada only got 5. Canada now played exactly like Brazil's 2014 version. Canada stood up and said something to… England.
"Please, you must help me!"
"Why?"
"Because now I'm losing confident…"
I guessed so.
1-1! Canada and Holland drew 1-1, which meant Canada and the Dutch would both qualify if the Netherlands were one of 4 best third-place team. Canada, however, secured their 1st place and they would meet the third place from Group B/C/F/… or… I did not know.
Lucky Canada.
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Winnipeg, Canada
Winnipeg Stadium…
China 2-2 New Zealand
But far from Montreal was the city of Winnipeg. Hey, I have a Canadian friend from Winnipeg too. This would be the venue between the Kiwis and the Red Dragons for their decisive fight. About the Kiwis, their mission: win or die; the Red Dragons: secured the second. I was not in Winnipeg. I was in Montreal remember?
To tell on it, the only word: rock! No, it should be ROCK'N ROLL! The rock'n roll in Group A. Despite nearly 27.000 spectators came, the battle started fiercely.
Hao Wei's students began very slow and tried to build a 2-floor bus defense like the Brits. Unfortunately, New Zealand closed to England enough…
"They will make a 2-floor bus! Quickly!"
New Zealand whispered to Tony Readings. Uruguayan manager Óscar Tabárez could claim: "this is football". But he wasn't there. He wasn't there to see the result, then. New Zealand quickly got the lead in 28'. Good goal from Rebekah Stott. However, a mistake (I did not know it was a tackle or handball) from New Zealand giving China a penalty shot. China did not miss it. Goal in 41' from Wang Lisi.
The second half looked more crazy. Amu Hinamori oh Amu, why you chose to sit in Montreal? Katalin Kulcsár, Hungarian referee, started the second half. China called her fans "not give up".
In 60' Wang Shanshan made it 2-1! Goal! Red Dragons had now taken the lead. But New Zealand showed no mercy on it. In this match Annalie Longo worked like a bee. A real bee. She gave a chance for the Kiwis…
And oh YES! 2-2! Hannah Wilkinson in 64' equalized 2-2. However, Phineas and Ferb had already been there, in Winnipeg. After few days through Canada, the riot boys got a chance now. Candace did not even mention just because she was going shopping with Stacy.
New Zealand did not feel great. She asked help from England but not this time. Alice Kirkland said "no" so she had to care on her own. China, with a bit of tiny advantage, must secure it.
And…
And…
AND…
Yeah. China had made an impressive comeback after missing Deutschland 2011. With New Zealand, their chance to made history must be 4 years later in France. Geez, looking back to my eternal enemy I would not be happy.
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…
Hey, who like having a Fireside Girls cupcake buy please. I don't want to eat now.
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This time, I would give an interview to all 4 nations after the group stage.
Might be difference was shown.
Canada: "It is a shame! We could have won the group with enough 9 points but we played like Brazil last year. John Herdman, please change your move. I don't like another 1-7."
China: "Yes! Our team is back. After missing Germany 2011 we adopted a reformation plan. Now, our reform is going to be completed. Let see China can do in the knockout."
Netherlands: "Seems… to be well. Not too bad. Our debut is not so worse and I can be proud that we, Dutch ladies, would give you more lovely milks in knockout stage."
New Zealand: "We do have a chance… we do. But we don't know to use it. Now, we are out, once again. I think this time, we should really focus back on football. Look to South Africa 2010, our men's team drew all 3 matches. At least for that."
Hhhhmmm… okay. Good job ladies.