Germany (2-0-0, 6 pts., +6 GD) plays Argentina (0-0-2, 0 pts., -9 GD) in match 20 at RFK in DC at 3:30 PM. Germany is already guaranteed a quarterfinal berth in Group C. With a win or draw against Argentina, Germany has first. Germany is heavily favoured, but will rest a few players in anticipation of the quarters. Even with a loss Germany holds the edge over their rivals Japan and Canada due to goal diff.
FT Germany 6 Argentina 1 Wow! What a surprise. Germany wins Group C while Argentina had already booked themselves out of the tournament. 1. Germany 9 pts, +11, 13 goals 2. Canada 6 pts, +2, 7 goals 3. Japan 3 pts, +1, 7 goals 4. Argentina 0 pts, -14, 1 goal
Watched some of this when I got home. Argentina didn't seem too bad with the ball. They looked better on the attack than Ghana. But they looked like they were unexpecting Germany to take the ball away from them after their little runs. Anyway, love the story about what the Argentines did when they first came to RFK for practice.
In the 20-25th minute, Sandra Minnert threw the ball in, and was whistled - I think for an illegal throw-in. I didn't see it at the game. When I came home, I couldn't see anything on the tape, either. Seems the ball is behind the head, both feet down. Perhaps she stepped over the line. Anyone with an opinion?
Steffi Jones got hurt. Looked bad live - worse on the replay. Looks like the ACL. No contact and the way the knee buckled and she went down. Immediately subbed for - she was limping very gingerly off directly to the locker room - after having limped an extra 100 yards to the bench and back. This could have very serious impact to Germany's chances for the championship. ESPN reported the lineup to be the following: Rottenberg Hingst Minnert Stegemann Gottschlich Jones Wiegmann Garefrekes Lingor Meinert Prinz That is not how I saw it. Other than Wiegmann who could be considered more offensive, I would say that the lineup was the following: Rottenberg Hingst Jones Stegemann Minnert Lingor Wiegmann Garefrekes Gottschlich Meinert Prinz If anyone sees how Steff is doing, please post the link. She'll always be a Washington Freedom player to me.
http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/03/en/030927/1/abb.html Unfortunately for Jones looks like an ACL. I think Germany may have enough depth to still have a good tourney...........
Regarding the lineup: Germany started game 1 with Rottenberg - Stegemann, Minnert, Hingst, Bresonik - Jones, Wiegmann - Lingor, Meinert, Gottschlich - Prinz Game 2 was changed as Bresonik (meanwhile returned to Germany as far as I know) was replaced by Garefrekes. Jones returned to the central defence, Minnert was moved to left backer, Gottschlich played Jones' part and Garefrekes the offence part from Gottschlich. This lineup was kept also for yesterday. Jones being out is bad, but should be compensated as she had some problems to find into the team after he comeback and did not belong to the top performers. I think Nia Künzer will play instead of her, either in the central defence or as left backer (Sonja Fuss is another option for this position), moving Minnert back to central defence.
I am surprised that you didn't see her as one of the top performers. She was critical for the Washington Freedom WUSA championship success. As far as her comeback (and Meinert's), those players still upset about this need to examine their goals versus the teams goal and get over it. Steffi has been a class player and team mate for the past 2 years for the Freedom and I can't imagine that she wasn't a positive contributor for Germany. The defense looked suspectible to fast 1-touch ground attack. Without Jones, may open holes in the air attack. However this is based on just seeing the ARG game - which could just be an abberation. Thanks for the info on the preceeding games. They haven't been on my cable channels (so I could tape) and I was at other games.
So far Germany is reduced to 18. Linda Bresonik out with a thigh injury, Steffi Jones with ACL . Hopefully they can be replaced.
Yes, I know. I meant replaced by one player of the 18 left. So that another player steps up in the defense.
Even without Jones and Bresonik Germany has enough talent to beat any team in the tournament, but I think the loss of those two players could be critical if they play the US in the semis (which looks likely I think). Looks like it will be China against Germany in the 1/4 finals, I think Germany will still win that. Too much class and strength.
Missed that story, where is it? As for Argentina's play, it was to be expected. The team didn't come together til the Pan Am games due to the Argentine Federation suffering from the country's economic situation. With heightened support of their domestic league so that the team isn't made up of just boca and river players, these girls should make huge improvements by the Olympics. Romina Ferro, Noelia Lopez, Mariella Medina, and a few others showed real promise.