While Groups A and C fight for the ‘Group of Death’ title and Group D features the best player in the world, not too many know what to make of Group B in the 2011 Women’s World Cup. There’s no true world power in this grouping, with Japan being the highest ranked of the teams involved. They take on New Zealand in the group’s first game. In Monday’s night cap, emerging power England takes on a resilient Mexico side.
Women’s World Cup 2011: Japan Vs. New Zealand, England Vs. Mexico, Group A
Japan vs. New Zealand
The Kiwis have never won a game in the Women’s World Cup, but they still won’t make things easy for Japan. It’s a classic strength vs. skill dynamic, as Japan are one of the best teams in the world at keeping the ball, but they will have a size disadvantage against New Zealand. Look out for New Zealand’s Ali Riley, one of the best fullbacks in America’s WPS, as well as Japan’s Yuki Nagasato, a deadly striker with a great scoring rate for her country and Turbine Potsdam in Germany.
England vs. Mexico
The incredible thing that these two teams have in common is that they’ve both beaten the United States in the last year. Mexico shocked the world when they downed the USWNT in Cancun, forcing the United States into a playoff with Italy just to get here. England did the same in a friendly at home as they completely outplayed the US. England are true dark horses in this competition, and they’ve shown that they can beat anyone. Their playmaker Kelly Smith is one of the best players in the world and should be tough for Mexico to slow down.
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