Women’s World Cup 2011: Quarterfinals, England Vs. France

The organizers of the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup have seriously lucked out with the way their quarterfinal matches fell. The two most intriguing quarterfinal matchups are the first and last games of the set, while the hosts Germany play in the middle. England and France kick off the quarterfinals on Saturday in a match that’s hard to predict, as both teams have had some serious ups and downs.

France and England are similar in talent, but both teams had their last match work out in different ways. England put in a stellar performance against a Japan team that previously looked unstoppable, while France fell to hosts Germany. Though France was able to finally expose the Germany back line as weak on set pieces, their own back line struggled against the hosts.

England aren’t quite as great of a team in the air as Germany or the United States, but they’re no slouches in that department. Still, most of the play will run through Kelly Smith on the ground, while Ellen White will try to continue to impose her physical skills on the France defense.

While England have the raw talent and they certainly have the form, they could potentially run into the same problem Canada did where they aren’t quite on the same technical level as France in the midfield. The good news for England is that their back line is much stronger, much more experienced, and much more composed than that of Canada. Three Lionesses captain Faye White will have to keep track of France striker Marie-Laure Delie, whose impeccable goal scoring record and finishing instincts could be the x-factor for France.

The players to watch in this one are probably Louisa Necib and Kelly Smith, the best technical players and primary playmakers for their respective teams. Neither player has been on absolute top form so far in the World Cup, but if either steps up their game and plays to the best of their abilities, it should make a massive difference in the match.