07-29-2023, 05:02 AM
We missed yesterday, so I'll start the weekender.
Taken on a very early morning walk two days ago...
I'm watching the Sweden vs Italy World Cup game to see how good Sweden (ranked #3 before the Cup started) to see how good they look because it's quite possible the USA may face them in the knockout phase. Sweden is up 3-0 after scoring three times within a few minutes late in the first half.
I'm really looking forward to the next game pitting Brazil (#8) against France (#5). France really needs a win after their shocking scoreless draw with Panama (#52). If asked to pick a mild upset winner of the tournament it would be Brazil. I enjoy their style of play. If USA doesn't win the final I hope it's Brazil, because I'd like to see the amazing Marta end her career as a World Cup champion.
Here is my guess as to which of the top teams are likely to win it all:
1) USA (2-0-0) (World Rank #1) Haven't played up to their capability, but if they get things rolling they could prove why they are ranked as the world's best.
2) Germany (1-0-0) (#2) Although I haven't seen them play, I have a nagging sense that they will be dangerous against any opponent.
3) Sweden (1-0-0) (#3) edged South Africa by 2-1 in their first game, but are looking dominating #16 Italy midway through the second half. Their offense is looking very potent.
4) Brazil (1-0-0) (#8) took care of business in their first game against Panama (#52), winning 4-0. We'll see in a few hours if they can beat France.
5) England (2-0-0) (#4) has won both of it's games by 1-0. Not many goals, but they won despite missing several key starters due to injuries.
6) Japan (2-0-0) (11) is playing very well, scoring 7 goals and yielding none in two wins.
7) Spain (2-0-0) (6) is also playing extremely well, scoring 8 goals and yielding none against the same teams Japan has played.
My vote for most over-achieving team so far is Nigeria. Ranked #40, they tied Canada (7) and upset Australia (10). They could well beat unimpressive Ireland (22) in their 3rd game, which would probably be enough for them to advance into the knockout phase.
Most disappointing team has injury plagued Canada (7) which must beat Australia for any chance of advancing.
Taken on a very early morning walk two days ago...
I'm watching the Sweden vs Italy World Cup game to see how good Sweden (ranked #3 before the Cup started) to see how good they look because it's quite possible the USA may face them in the knockout phase. Sweden is up 3-0 after scoring three times within a few minutes late in the first half.
I'm really looking forward to the next game pitting Brazil (#8) against France (#5). France really needs a win after their shocking scoreless draw with Panama (#52). If asked to pick a mild upset winner of the tournament it would be Brazil. I enjoy their style of play. If USA doesn't win the final I hope it's Brazil, because I'd like to see the amazing Marta end her career as a World Cup champion.
Here is my guess as to which of the top teams are likely to win it all:
1) USA (2-0-0) (World Rank #1) Haven't played up to their capability, but if they get things rolling they could prove why they are ranked as the world's best.
2) Germany (1-0-0) (#2) Although I haven't seen them play, I have a nagging sense that they will be dangerous against any opponent.
3) Sweden (1-0-0) (#3) edged South Africa by 2-1 in their first game, but are looking dominating #16 Italy midway through the second half. Their offense is looking very potent.
4) Brazil (1-0-0) (#8) took care of business in their first game against Panama (#52), winning 4-0. We'll see in a few hours if they can beat France.
5) England (2-0-0) (#4) has won both of it's games by 1-0. Not many goals, but they won despite missing several key starters due to injuries.
6) Japan (2-0-0) (11) is playing very well, scoring 7 goals and yielding none in two wins.
7) Spain (2-0-0) (6) is also playing extremely well, scoring 8 goals and yielding none against the same teams Japan has played.
My vote for most over-achieving team so far is Nigeria. Ranked #40, they tied Canada (7) and upset Australia (10). They could well beat unimpressive Ireland (22) in their 3rd game, which would probably be enough for them to advance into the knockout phase.
Most disappointing team has injury plagued Canada (7) which must beat Australia for any chance of advancing.
Don't blame me - I didn't vote for him!
Nikon D7500 with Nikkor 18-300 mm; PSE2021, PSCS5
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