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Who Will Win
Our 1999 World Cup Predictions
Posted: Friday July 23, 1999 06:36 PM
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Hamm's got to come out of her scoring
slide. Simon Bruty |
Compiled by Lars Anderson
First Round, June 19-27 (Teams are listed in predicted order of finish.)
Games played in Boston; Chicago; East Rutherford, N.J.; Los Angeles; Portland, Ore.; San Francisco; and Washington
Group A
United States
Mia Hamm is in a scoring funk (one goal in her last nine games), and the U.S. lost to China 2-1 in an April tune-up. That won't matter, though, at least not in the early rounds.
Denmark
Gitte Krogh and Lene Jensen give Denmark what most coaches consider the key to success in women's soccer: two fast forwards who have the ability to break away and score at any moment.
North Korea
The North Koreans came from nowhere to qualify, thanks largely to the sublime play of forward Kim Kum Sil (six goals in five qualifying games). But they won't be able to sneak up on teams anymore.
Nigeria
In its two previous World Cups, Nigeria has failed to win a game. Despite the presence of forward "Marvelous" Mercy Akide (10 goals in five qualifying games), that trend will continue in '99.
Group B
Germany
The Germans skillfully employ a long-ball offense, in the style of the U.S. team, and boast one of the world's top defenses (with Steffi Jones and Doris Fitschen), all of which means they'll advance.
Italy
Led by midfielder Antonella Carta, Italy, a conservative offensive squad that's at its best when on the counterattack, will be the surprise team early in the tournament.
Brazil
Forward Roseli leads a team with fantastic goal-scoring ability and dazzling individual skills, but Brazil will go out in the first round because of a suspect defense.
Mexico
The roster is loaded with Mexican-American players who honed their game in the States, such as midfielders Laurie Hill and Andrea Rodebaugh, but this won't be a happy homecoming for any of them.
Group C
Norway
The defending World Cup champs have it all: a talented striker in Marianne Pettersen, one of the world's top midfielders in Hege Riise and a solid defense -- as well as a winning (11-10-1) record against the U.S.
Japan
Though goalkeeper Nozomi Yamago had her confidence shaken in a 9-0 loss to the U.S. on April 29, Japan will live until the quarterfinals because of the play of star midfielder Homare Sawa.
Russia
The Russians are as physical as any team in the tournament, and defender Marina Burakova is one of the world's finest, but Russia's first World Cup appearance will be a brief one.
Canada
In its qualifying tournament Canada outscored its inferior opposition 42-0, and forward Silvana Burtini (14 goals in five games) appeared unstoppable. South of its border, though, things will be different.
Group D
China
The Chinese have one of the best goalkeepers in the world in Gao Hong, a defense that's virtually impenetrable and two proven scorers in forwards Liu Ying and Jin Yan.
Australia
Though the Matildas finished last at the 1995 Cup, they'll advance this time because of the strong play of goalie Belinda Kitching (one goal allowed in four qualifying games) and a tough-tackling defense.
Sweden
The Swedes, who are led by forward Victoria Svensson (five goals in six qualifying games), haven't failed to get out of the first round in two previous World Cup appearances-until this year.
Ghana
A 2-1 road loss to China in March showed that Ghana and striker Vivian Mensah are for real. Still, there's not a snowball's chance in Africa that this team will advance to the second round.
QUARTERFINALS
June 30 in San Francisco
China over Japan
Norway over Australia
July 1 in Washington
U.S. over Italy
Denmark over Germany
SEMIFINALS
July 4 in San Francisco
U.S. over Denmark
July 4 in Boston
Norway over China
FINAL
July 10 in Los Angeles
Norway over U.S.
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