World Cup brings out authentic play
Updated: 2007-09-27 11:44
TIANJIN : Germany is ruthless and efficient, Brazil is flamboyant and Australia battling.
Sound familiar? At the women's World Cup, national stereotypes transcend gender.
So it was no surprise when England crashed out in the quarterfinals, or when Brazilian flair subdued an against-the-odds assault by brave Australia.
 Brazil's Cristiane (11), in whom shades of Ronaldinho can be seen, and Australia's Dianne Alagich (4) fight for the ball during their quarter-final soccer match at the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup in Tianjin September 23, 2007. [Reuters] |
DPR Korea showed typical Korean vigor in its run to the last eight, Japan was lightweight and China was talented but couldn't score.
"The key to our success is that we all play as a unit to win," said Korean striker Ri Kum-suk.
Meanwhile, the Scandinavian teams have been predictably well organised and physical, Nigeria impressed against the odds and New Zealand was out of its depth.
Obvious exceptions include double champions the United States, whose success can be traced to its professional league, and Argentina, who shipped an uncharacteristic 18 goals in three group games.
These aside, the similarities are often striking. Defending champion Germany is even questioned about its coolness under pressure and penalty-taking skills.
The reason, apart from lazy cliche, could lie in women players being inspired by their high-profile male counterparts.
Thus Australia's Matildas sought to emulate the have-a-go Socceroos' success at last year's men's World Cup,
"Like they said with the Socceroos, we won't just be going to make up the numbers - we want to put a stamp on the World Cup," said goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri before the tournament.
Shades of Ronaldinho can be seen in Brazilian forward Cristiane, who cites 'O Fenomeno' as her idol.
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