The Morning Dump: Women’s World Cup [R]

Discussion in 'Sporting Kansas City' started by Wizardscharter, Sep 10, 2007.

  1. Wizardscharter

    Wizardscharter New Member

    Jul 25, 2001
    Blue Springs, MO
    OK. Germany just pounded Argentina in the opener in China. Pounded them like, well, like something you would pound with a hard, repetitive, and merciless motion. The scoreline was not only a shutout for the Holders, but also a FIFA record differential for women in a Finals, a record by a full 3 goals. 11-nil.

    Now you, FIFA, and every other cynic in the world may pigeonhole this single game as the very reason not to pay attention to women’s sport, women’s soccer, or at least pseudo-meaningless openers. In this case I can’t agree. Germany was unbelievably brilliant. Germany efficiency at it's uber-riffic finest. Germany was everything you want to see as a viewer of soccer. Germany was pure class in the most attractive facets of the game, set up and finish.

    Argentina’s hapless goalkeeper did have own goals on Germany’s first and last, punctuated by the beautiful line from Tony DiCicco, “Well, you may as well finish the game like you started it.” Nice. Other than her, Argentina was actually fairly competent, especially so for the scoreline. Clearly they were outmatched physically and technically. That said Argentina was not easy to play against. Germany was simply that good.

    Most every ball Germany gave was weighted well and accurate. Every single cross was quality; most of them were exceptional. Most every shot from Germany was not only of a certain caliber by the runner to get there in the first place, but also classy in the finish. Even without GK errors this is still a 6 or 7-nil game.

    I mention all of this for two reasons. First, if this game is on later, take the time to watch it. It's how you dream you could play your weekly rec game. Also, to let you know that FIFA is watching this competiton for all the reasons they do plus one more reason. That being FIFA is considering going to 24 teams on the Women’s side, up from 16 today It’s FIFA, so of course this is about money. Whatever can be done to create more FIFA events and make more money for FIFA, by the fat wallet of Blatter’s cronies, it will be done.

    An ESPN article has FIFA’s official opinion as being that they are watching this competition to see close games because repeated X-nil scores isn’t good for the women’s game. Somehow I doubt FIFA’s sincerity on this one. I doubt 15 such lopsided scores will deter FIFA in any way from growing this event.

    More importantly, I don’t think it should, based on this game. First, Germany was classy. They could easily not play to that level in any future game and still win the Cup in so doing. Argentina has little to hang heads over – other than the GK.

    Second, Two of the top 12 teams in the world are not here as they were tripped up in qualifying. There are worse teams than Argentina in this tournament. Including another 8 teams would lessen the standard some initially creating more blowouts like the above. But, why not have another 8 nations in China? Experience gained must help the women’s game. Blowouts mean more goals and that’s good for viewers (or at least me). Also, better to have blowouts in the opening round, than uncompetitive games in the quarterfinals, no? Lastly, there just shouldn't ever be a World Cup without Italy, The Netherlands, and Mexico. Let's get them and 5 other teams involved.


    Last point: Germany has one of the better women’s leagues in the world. It shows. USA has the physical tools to compete with and beat Germany. USA’s defense will be tested when they meet, as will Germany's defense. USA opens tomorrow early AM on the ESPN family.

    -WC
     
  2. s0ccerstud86

    s0ccerstud86 Member

    Aug 19, 2005
    Columbia, Mo
    i've never seen a team -- men's or women's -- cross and finish crosses as well as germany did today. sheer brilliance and a joy to watch indeed.
     
  3. Sachsen

    Sachsen Member+

    Aug 8, 2003
    Broken Arrow, Okla.
    Club:
    Sporting Kansas City
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    When I turned on the TV this morning it was in the 2nd half and I had to restrain myself from slapping the TV to make sure the picture wasn't bad.

    "Is that an 8 for Germany?!?"
     
  4. Silock

    Silock Member

    Feb 8, 2007
    KC
    Club:
    Arsenal FC
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Well, US had a disappointing game. NK DOMINATED that game. US had no possession. Ending in a 2-2 draw. Luckily for us, Sweden and Nigeria also tied. Best possible outcome for us right now.
     
  5. YilmazOrhan

    YilmazOrhan Well Brian, I hit it first time...

    Jun 18, 2006
    Suburbia, Kansas
    Club:
    Kansas City Wizards
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Kim Jong Il has no doubt ordered up an extra half-slice of bread for the entire population to celebrate this historic triumph over the Imperialist American Opressors.
     
  6. Silock

    Silock Member

    Feb 8, 2007
    KC
    Club:
    Arsenal FC
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    I'm just glad they didn't actually pull out their deserved victory. The rhetoric would have been completely unbearable.

     
  7. Wizardscharter

    Wizardscharter New Member

    Jul 25, 2001
    Blue Springs, MO
    In other games, Denmark was completely and totally bent over by the ref in their 3-2 loss to the hosts. The Colombian (I think she was from Colombia) ref should be banned from the tournament. Unbelievable what the Chinese were allowed to get away with. In addition to the standard jersey pulls, lowbridges, and underhooks, the Danish GK was clubbed in the face after getting a loose ball in the air. Play didn't even stop. The slightest touch from Denmark in response was not only called but occasionally carded. One Dane was so mad she literally pounded the turf several times in anger and frustration after being put to the turf and then called for the foul. The Danish coaches were highly animated and turning slightly dark purple in dressing down the Swedish head coach of China post game...couldn't find an English version of a Danish paper. Cannon game winner by the Chinese gal at the death though. That was a goal on any level.

    Even all of that was less remarkable than the roundish and heavilly "muffin topped" shape of the Ghanian GK. Muffin topped if the baking dish was a beaker, maybe. Puma obviously has not yet manufactured a fabric strong enough to restain that jiggle. My goodness. She was much closer to the shape of a bowling ball than the sleek statuesque form of many GK in this tournament. It cost Ghana at least one and maybe two. Also obvious with Ghana was that their best player came off the bench. I have no idea why she was relegated to the bench. Ghana have 5-6 parts of a very good team. Seemingly all of them play NCAA/NAIA stateside.

    BTW, the Aussie team? Some of them look pretty good...and they can play a little too. A couple of 4th officials earned several cut aways for no particular reason also. Norway's demise was signifigantly overstated, they are wearing gold numbers, BTW. Canada didn't choke, they were beaten. Kelly Smith was worth watching - like the shoe kiss thing. Original. England's other 10 were mostly disappointing. Lack of fitness led to late fouls, leading to the outstanding free from Japan and the draw. Ouch.

    USA is joint top of their group on GD. Both goals against were while Wambach was out getting 2 stitches. Later she took 11 in total. US Soccer should look into hiring a full time hockey doc for every major tournament. Those guys usually get 'em stitched up without missing a shift. Sweden up next.
     
  8. kopiteinkc

    kopiteinkc Moderator
    Staff Member

    Jun 1, 2000
    Shawnee
    Club:
    Liverpool FC
    Nat'l Team:
    England
    following the England - Germany WWC match, great line from the BBC text commentary:

    "England are well supported by the MAD BAPs in the stadium - Mums And Dads, Boyfriends And Partners"

    Now in England a "bap" is basically a hamburger bun. Mad baps, I like it.

    Much better than WAGS, the "wives and girlfriends" at the Men's WC.
     
  9. cjgwizard

    cjgwizard Member

    Apr 25, 2006
    LSP, section 129
    Club:
    Sporting Kansas City
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
  10. Spoon

    Spoon Member

    Feb 25, 1999
    Overland Park Ks
    Club:
    Kansas City Wizards
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Nah, she would be hurt after a week. It would be Dario Fabbro like signing. Just a waste of money.

    I do have a question though on the lady Nats. Who is the chick that is "Sleeved" on her right arm?
     
  11. kopiteinkc

    kopiteinkc Moderator
    Staff Member

    Jun 1, 2000
    Shawnee
    Club:
    Liverpool FC
    Nat'l Team:
    England
    And the English women just managed to get a 0-0 draw against Germany. Yes!! :D
     
  12. KCRovert

    KCRovert BigSoccer Supporter

    Jun 17, 2004
    Overland Park
    Club:
    Kansas City Wizards
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Natasha Kai, #6, Forward from Hawaii. This is the best pic I saw yesterday that showed her ink:
    View attachment 3240

    Here is her "official" team photo....think she's having fun being on the team:
    View attachment 3241
     
  13. Jarnevic

    Jarnevic BigSoccer Supporter

    Apr 21, 2005
    Club:
    Sporting Kansas City
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    I watched a program on FSC a while back that profiled most of the starting 11 for the womens team. She seemed like quite a character. She even explained her ink, but I don't remember the story behind it.

    I wouldn't be suprised if FSC were to re-air that at some point during the WC. It's worth checking out.
     
  14. KCRovert

    KCRovert BigSoccer Supporter

    Jun 17, 2004
    Overland Park
    Club:
    Kansas City Wizards
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Since she is Hawaiian, I would suspect that there is a historical/cutural meaning behind it.
     
  15. Wizardscharter

    Wizardscharter New Member

    Jul 25, 2001
    Blue Springs, MO
    Yes, very surprising. Even more so as Germany beat England in the buildup to this tournament 5-1. Great for England as they now have he best shot at #2 in the Group. Either way, you shutout the rampagind World Champions and you have to feel good about your chances.

    One other note on Germany was that FIFA changed the 2 own goals that Argentina's GK btted in herself to actual goals for the players thatsent the crosses goalward. If the GK didn't touch either, neither would have went in.

    Sweden was toothless after the first :15. USA choked the life out of their attack with the addition of a second DMid. Game over. It's a shame as Sweden probably has the second best looking team after the Matildas of Australia.

    Speaking of easy on the eyes, there was a "separated at birth" set of pics in the KC Star Fri. morning with USA GK Hope Solo and Faith Hill. It was close enough. They could be sisters. USA wins this WC and she has some endorsements waiting for her, no doubt. She kinda smokin'. Nothing sells like a sexy Champion.

    The antihysis of the Matildas would be the very athletic but very boyish looking North Koreans. Upon looking at their team, FIFA would have to wonder if the manditory chromosome tests are accurate...ahem. As for thier soccer: The People's Democratic Republic of Korea were barely able to take advantage of :90 worth of mistakes by Nigeria to only win 2-nil. That leaves the door open for USA to steal this group by blitzing Nigeria. USA have a good shot of winning the group, if they show up and their coach doesn't get in the way.

    Germany likely will cancel Japan like a stamp Tuesday after being shut out by Eng-er-land. England, if given a reasonable call at the death of the Japan game, would have a shot at the Group title, instead England can only hope for second.

    Argentina needs a GK. Pitiful. Argies' two awful GK's are not the only ones. So far this WC is memorable only for the 9 or 10 goals scored as a direct result of the abundant youth level GK errors. Several balls bouncing over the heads of GK, balls batted in, crosses misjudged and sailing over their heads and into net, overweight GK unable to move, etc. Very poor play overall in net. Some of it can be accounted for by wet weather or wind, but not nearly enough of it.

    UEFA made a decision to use the results of this tournament as Olympic Qualifyers. Top 3 UEFA teams go to Beijing. That will never happen in the men's game. The point was made by the announcer (Ohio St. head coach) that this can only hurt Federations' willingness to financially support the women's side of football as there isn't anything to work towards for all but 3 countries. Good for USA, I guess.

    With women's sport fighting for respect and money everywhere (and mostly losing worldwide), this level of play in the biggest women only sporting event in the world does not help anyone. It's been mostly hard to watch, and I'm among those that willfully pay attention. Some of this happens as the disparity of the First Round is sorted out. The 8 games of the Second Round are usually better stuff.

    4 games in a couple of hours. USA/Nigeria Tuesday. England/Argentina too. A dollar says Argentina gets a pk...
     
  16. YilmazOrhan

    YilmazOrhan Well Brian, I hit it first time...

    Jun 18, 2006
    Suburbia, Kansas
    Club:
    Kansas City Wizards
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    USA 1 - 0 Nigeria
    Sweden 2 - 1 North Korea

    US wins the group, and, assuming they all aren't swept away by the typhoon, faces England next. NK goes through on goal differential, I believe they get Germany next.
     
  17. Wizardscharter

    Wizardscharter New Member

    Jul 25, 2001
    Blue Springs, MO
    Correct.

    I've seen every game.

    Germany looks far and away the highest level of technical skill and attacking power, although they have not shown anything close to that level in games 2 and 3. I like Germany to pound North Korea on sheer size. 4-1 maybe.

    Sweden, mercifully is out. Gone is the georgeous blonde hair (except Shalin) and pleasing Nordic cheekbones, but everyone's road is now definitely easier. They died the second Nigeria got the equalizer in Game 1. It could have easily been USA instead. Nigeria - out, but a much better team than in '03. They are the best pool doormat by far. Japan also looked improved, but goals in two games in injury time will do that. Argentina, embarassingly bad. No defense and two clueless GKs. Other players did have a high level of technical on-ball skill. North Korea (no nickname) has tapered markedly off from their performance v the USA. England has constantly improved all 3 games and Kelly Smith can win games all by herself if needbe. Their GK has had a nice run as well. That is something needed to hoist a Cup. Not a good matchup for USA in my opinion from what we've seen. England is clearly better in midfield. Kop, they have more than a good shot at the upset, IMO. I would have to think the price on England will go down over the next couple of days, so get it now if you're going to.

    USA have to find :90 consistency as they have looked shaky in moments to everyone. USA's advantages here are threefold. Christine Lilly hasn't dominated and has been severly lacking in front of goal. She finds her shot (or even a shadow of it) and USA gets better by leaps and bounds very quickly. Second is England has no answer for Wambach at her best. USA is the more physical team clearly. If England has an issue it might be getting muscled off of balls too easy on occasion and refs are allowing a high level of contact.

    For England, I don't know that USA has an answer for Smith, Wamback was less effective late today and has been pounded in all 3 games. I like England's wing play and that is where USA have had problems in possession. Lastly, USA's coach has not utilized the bench as England has. There could be an opportunity on fitness late for England, we'll see.

    In Pool C:
    Norway ("The Viking B1tches" - their nickname in US Camps gone by according the Fouty) has been spotty like the US but should win the group on GD. They will pummel Ghana. Australia (The Matildas) are mostly very easy on the eyes and I hope they paste Canada (The Maple Leafs) in Game 3 to go through. A draw would be enough. This if for no other reason than to see 7 or 8 gold-clad hotties hop around like kangaroos again in celebration of a big goal. Good stuff. Canada hasn't been at their best yet. Ghana needs to regroup, find a GK that weighs less than me, two or three defenders, and a coach. If Ghana is what is on offer as the best of Africa outside of Nigeria, that is a sad commentary of the African women's game. So sad that the Algarve Cup is looking like a much better event than the World Cup.

    Note to FIFA: Always good to avoid typhoon season in Asia.

    In pool D:
    Contender Brasil (Samba Queens) have been rampant and stylish, but they haven't played anyone yet. Sorry, New Zealand (The ferns) doesn't count and I really think China just isn't that good. NZ needs some size and experience. China (Steel Roses) have not impressed, and might have paid the ref against Denmark, but they should beat New Zealand in the rain to progress. It wouldn't shock me to see NZ get a draw or a 1-0 loss. Denmark was very unlucky to not get full points v China. They have the hardest road as a multi-goal win over Brazil will be required. As it is, Denmark is tied with China on 3 points and has a 4 goal differential in their favor over China. They could upset Brasil, but their play at the back would have to improve and it would be an upset. Marta and Brasil are worth more than a look if you have avoided it so far.

    Lastly, UEFA is using this tournament as qualifying for Bejing - 3 spots available. Germany and England are through to the Quarters. Norway looks a sure bet. Sweden are out - no Olympics for them, pity. Denmark's road is an upset of Brasil, surviving goal difference and tiebreakers, and then they would probably have to upset Norway. I don't know what the tiebreaker would be for the third UEFA spot in Beijing if both Denmark or Norway and England go out in the quarters. If it's pool points, England only have 5, Denmark would have 6 barring 2 unlikely draws in thier pool.

    Games the next two days at 3:55am and 6:55am on ESPN2.
     
  18. kopiteinkc

    kopiteinkc Moderator
    Staff Member

    Jun 1, 2000
    Shawnee
    Club:
    Liverpool FC
    Nat'l Team:
    England
    Nice rundown Dave.

    I don't see England troubling the US to be honest. I think the US forwards will be too much to handle.

    But you never know what can happen and that's why you play the game. Cliche mode off :)
     
  19. Abracadabra

    Abracadabra BigSoccer Supporter

    Sep 11, 2006
    Olathe, Kansas
    Club:
    Kansas City Wizards
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    You don't think we can see right through this, kopite? Quit trying to jinx the USA! Let me see here: [jinx]No way can we get through England. They are far too disciplined and technically gifted. They should win by 4 goals. [/jinx] :D
     
  20. Wizardscharter

    Wizardscharter New Member

    Jul 25, 2001
    Blue Springs, MO
    Both teams playing well, I agree. That just isn't the case here unfortunately. The door is open. Rain should favor England right?

    Anyway, something nice happened to both teams today, that being teh move of the other two Wednesday games to Thursday to avoid the local hurricane. That means all Pool C & D matchups are Thursday night. The nice part comes in that Pool A/B crossover quarterfinals will still be Saturday and the C/D ones are Sunday. Those 4 teams, should England or USA run into them will be playing on one less day of rest. Not a small detail when talking about the 5th and 6th game on 3 days rest.

    4 games Thursday on ESPN and ESPN2 starting at 3:55am.
     
  21. kopiteinkc

    kopiteinkc Moderator
    Staff Member

    Jun 1, 2000
    Shawnee
    Club:
    Liverpool FC
    Nat'l Team:
    England
    Nice!
     
  22. Wizardscharter

    Wizardscharter New Member

    Jul 25, 2001
    Blue Springs, MO
    This is long, it had to be.

    Wow. Unbelievable. So many themes to comment on in this tournament. Most importantly, USA is out. Brazil goes on 4-nil. I didn't just miss a button on the numeric keypad, it really was four-nil. To paraphrase the ledgend Bob Johnston, It was not a good day for soccer.

    >>It was mentioned from several sources in the run-up that the only GK switch in US history comparible to Greg Ryan's inexplicable and ultimately catastrophic benching of Hope Solo for Bri Scurry was the 1980 Olympic Russian Hockey coaches' semi-final benching of the single best GK and GK coach in hockey history Vladislov Tretiak. Of course, the end result of the "Miracle On Ice"* made it notable. There was no miracle in China this morning our time. Here an improving #8 with the best player in the world beat a mentally crushed and fading #1.

    *On an endless loop at the US Hockey Hall of Fame just off an exit I-35 in Southern Minnesota.

    >>How does a coach, especially on the women's side completely abandon trust to make a move like this? Greg Ryan gave his reasons as Scurry haing the best reactions and that being the main thing needed in net for Brazil. So many problems with htis line of thinking that go well beyond the clarity of 20/20 hindsight that comes with the result.

    Anyone who has spent more than a practice or two around both a group of women atheletes and a group of male athleletes should understand a basic mental differential. Guys can absolutely hate the guys they are next to or be unfamiliar with them and at the end of the day killing the other guys in the off color jerseys is always the goal. For women, in my experience, the above is always meshed with a bond that when broken or changed always creates an unease under the very best of situations. Inattention to this has destroyed countless lesser female teams at every level in every sport.

    The USA today looked uncertain, tentative, flawed, lost, non-communicative, and generally beaten from the opening whistle. For me the early own goal isn't just something that happened; it was destined and created by Ryan's decision. New keeper leads to a defense thinking they have to somehow do more to "pick up slack". Even if that was pure perception and Bri was in fact a step up, the perception after being pounded for two days by international media in upteen launguages was that the team was in trouble. That would seemingly be impossible to pass off under any conditions involving a world semi-final, much less introducing gender into the equation. Our defender takes a ball that never cleared head height, should have been easily cut out with a foot (or smothered by Bri) by a communicative defense, and puts it in the net with a diving header. Game over.

    >>It shouldn't have shocked anyone that minutes later Bri Scurry fails to execute a reaction type for deep off of Marta's foot. 2-0. So much for tactics. Marta is awesome. She has been all tournament. She is the best player in the world. It still may not be enough to beat Germany. germany will not only have an extra day of rest, but Brasiz will come in feeling as though they have accomplshed their mission. Most of the Brazilian media has focused on the failure of Brasil to beat USA in the last Olympics. Their tone was that USA were lucky (they were), were outplayed (debatable), and Brasil's time for domination on the distaff side is at hand (could be). After this win, many of Brasil's players just knelt and held each other at great length as if a great weight had been lifted from their very souls. Seemingly anything Brasil does from this point forward will be viewed as spoils. Make no mistake the war was won today. It was all very touching, but Germany will not care much.

    >>To Brasil: They played this Finals having not played in the two years previous to their CONMEBOL qualifyers. FBF pretty much has stated with their lack of money that they don't care. They didn't see the wisdom of throwing money into a second rate team that couldn't compete with the upper teams. They are women after all. It is said that there are many of Marta's skill in Brasil simply waiting to be found. Bad news for USA, Germany, England, and Scandinavia. No doubt the Brasilian public will demand further glory and the support to make it happen.

    This is important as I believe Brasil would have beaten USA today regardless of other events. They were simply better in most every facet of the game. What happens if they are supported?

    >>To the World: Brasil beating USA insured that the next World Cup will be 20 teams at least if not 24. Good for the Women’s Game.

    >>Changes needed badly right now: Shannon Boxx made a bad decision to take an early red in her defensive zone. She earned it cleaning out a forward aggressively. Later, but still early in the game, a Brasilian attacker stepped on her back foot as Boxx was retreating to cover. The attacker fell behind Boxx as Boxx was falling on her front still unaware of why she was falling over. The contact was off of the ball. The center ref, who had done a good job in at least 2 other earlier games I saw, pulled the second yellow and USA are down to 10. Hope died. If you had any lingering doubt, the world feed cut to a shot of Hope Solo dealing with the depths of blackness as a coach came to her with a word of who knows what.

    USA were beaten before the red, but you would have liked to have seen 11 v 11 after a halftime regroup. That call was one of many missed during this game, and way too many missed during the tournament. Roughly 100 touches were missed leading to errant OB calls. Even if you don’t see a change in direction of the ball, you should be able to hear it. This seems to be the price paid for refs having headsets that put them in touch with the other 3 refs. I don’t know that it’s worth the tradeoff. Either way the refs must be better than what they’ve shown in China.

    >>Hope Solo: I’ll admit I know little that is universal about women in general or women elite athletes specifically. One thing in my experience that is universal is an available vengance if you will, a pervasive inability to forgive the situation that when mentioned, immediately lights all burners to HIGH. I know two female All-Americans well, and have talked and played with others. All of them have the above quality. Wrong them at your peril. It’s part of what made them that good. I mention it because I have no idea how Greg Ryan can rescue his relationship with Solo. To me it’s not possible.
    Further, what Hope Solo lost the day Ryan decided to bench her, is the opportunity to be Brandi Chastain. USA comes through Brasil and overcomes Germany then there is no question Hope is the face that Madison Avenue looks to in the marketing of everything. What’s not to like about Hope? She beautiful, confident, speaks well, athletic, large, personable, polite, and did I mention she’s beautiful? Ad execs all over threw files into the trash can the moment Brasil scored the opener. In one decision Greg Ryan ruined a team and individually took away any possibility at the rewards offered within this tournament and also it’s aftermath.

    Coach Ryan is dead to her from this point forward. It’s equally untold what the collateral damage to the other 20 players will be. As I mentioned before, that there will be some collateral damage is a certainty, a mortal lock. For that reason alone, Greg Ryan cannot be the Olympic coach.

    Germany will win this Cup. USA are in tatters. Brasil and Australia are without question the two most attractive teams to watch in the world…for many similar and one or two slightly different reasons.
     
  23. cjgwizard

    cjgwizard Member

    Apr 25, 2006
    LSP, section 129
    Club:
    Sporting Kansas City
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Damn those Brazilians! They make both our boys and girls look bad.:(
     
  24. Buzz Killington

    Buzz Killington Member+

    Oct 6, 2002
    Lee's Summit
    Club:
    Kansas City Wizards
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    You are correct, that was just plain stupidity on Ryan's part.
     
  25. Ihateusernames

    May 16, 2007
    Merriam, KS
    Club:
    Kansas City Wizards
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Right now I'm still too mad at the ref to be getting upset with coaching tactics and our general poor play. I'll get to it eventually.:eek:
     

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