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EVEN PELLERUD ON THE FIFA WWC 2nd May 2011

While Germany is the expected favourite for top spot when the FIFA World Cup Final takes place on July 17th, other teams are set to challenge for gold.

• The Scandinavian teams (Norway/Sweden) are expected to be strong and do well, but they are rarely mentioned as winning candidates. This has been the case for quite some time now.

• The Asian teams are coming back, after a period in which former powerhouse China has lost its footing and is now being replaced by Japan, North Korea and Australia. Even South Korea has closed the gap with China (Neither qualified for this World Cup).

• The group of runners up - countries is steadily increasing. This includes almost all other teams in this finals - with the exceptions of New Zealand, Equatorial Guinea, Colombia and Mexico. These four latter teams cannot realistically be mentioned as being capable of winning the World Cup this time out. Yes, I do know that Mexico beat USA in November, but I account that to the law of big numbers. David will beat Goliath every once in a while.

So, when trying to be a little bit braver in my predictions, my assessment is that there are a number of genuine possibilities. The English, the French, the Swedes, the Norwegians, the Nigerians, the Australians, and the Japanese - are all very strong teams and can beat anyone on a good day, but can they sustain such a high level over a lengthy tournament like this is? I doubt it!

My regard is higher for these teams:

Brazil
While most experts hold Brazil up as a favourite, along with USA and Germany, I am not one of them. However, with stars and match winners in abundance, this team could go all the way to win. But they need to be fitter and they need a strong coach to keep their egos in check.

North Korea
I have the utmost respect for this team. The North Koreans have had a bad habit of unfortunate group draws (and it has happened again this time!), but this is a group with skill, physicality and good harmony. They know the game very well, but have never been able to finish off an entire event. Their weak point has always seems to be goalkeeping, but maybe this time...?

Canada
When I did my farewell speech to this team after their 5th place finish in the Beijing Olympic Games, I pointed out to them that soccer is a tactical game - and that the peak performance level takes place in an age bracket between 27 and 31 years. This team has played together for a decade with more or less the same lineup. They seem to be healthier than ever before and they are smarter as a team. I believe the last six months have proven that they are indeed peaking.

In addition, they have received a superior means of funding (good job CSA!) and stayed together as a core group month after month. I genuinely believe this team can go all the way to win the World Cup.

That said, Canada did not have luck in the draw. With their first match against Germany at home in front of a big home crowd - nobody can realistically expect a Canadian win. Nigeria is a tough opponent as well, and so is France. The Canadians have been playing together for years, and have gained valuable experience by traveling and competing around the world, consistently playing big finals (Olympics, World Cups, Gold Cups, Peace Queen Cups, Cyprus Cups). All their players have appeared in several U19/U20 and senior World Cups and the Olympic games. Not many teams, if any, can match these women in terms of their volume of international exposure on the world stage. They are ready for everything, even a rough opening game should be tackled with poise. Go Canada!

In conclusion, here are my personal rankings at this time, less than two months before the kick off of the sixth Women's World Cup:

Tier 1:
Germany, USA

Tier 2:
Canada, Brazil, North Korea

Tier 3:
Sweden, Norway, Japan, Australia, Nigeria, England, France

Tier 4:
Mexico, New Zealand, Colombia, Equatorial Guinea

INJURY BLOW FOR CANADA WNT

The members of the Canadian National Women’s Team have less than two weeks to make sure they are in top shape. Coach Carolina Morace has set a May 10 deadline for all her players who are carrying injuries. They must be ready to participate in full training by that date, or will be left off the squad for the upcoming Women’s World Cup.

Morace feels that any players still not ready by May 10 won’t have enough time to prepare for Germany 2011. Canada opens the World Cup Finals June 26 against the hosts. Morace has to have a final roster of 21 ready by June 21.

The scramble for fitness has already been lost by striker Josee Belanger, who has scored five times in 11 appearances for the Canadian team. She indicated to Quebec media sources Friday that her injured ankle would not be ready in time for the World Cup.

Midfielder Kelly Parker is racing to be fit in time to meet Morace’s deadline. Parker’s time has been limited by a foot injury, and she needs to show she is ready to do more than simply provide a couple of minutes off the bench.

Sources have indicated that the Canadian Soccer Association is working to set up a pre-World Cup friendly match with the Swiss women’s national side. June 18 is the tentative date.

Soccer Suffragist