For Canada’s women’s soccer team. They’ve done exceptionally well at this year’s World Cup, exceeding all expectations to compete for third place in the tournament. For a fledgling team ranked 12th in the world, this is a great accomplishment. There’s hope for 2007 as well, given that the average age of the team is 22. Mind you, that number is skewed by Cara Lang, 16, and Brittany Timko, 18.
Speaking of Lang, the goal she scored in the Sweden game was world class for either gender. An extraordinarily powerful free kick from at least thirty yards, it was remarkable for a player of her age. Given her apparent skill, power and confidence, she may be the best player in the world in five years.
Though I was skeptical about the women’s game, I really enjoyed watching the World Cup. Admittedly, it lacks the pace and finish of the men’s game, but this was offset by my patriotism and, frankly, their heart. I really appreciated that, in the four games I watched, I rarely saw a player take a dive. In the men’s international game, particularly among the poncy nations like Italy and Argentina, players go down as if shot, as if phasered, as if date-drugged, at the slightest touch from a defender.
DarrenBarefoot.com 
I was previously tempted to comment on your post suggesting that the Canadian women’s team (and their accomplishments) are uncomparable to the men’s team… I was kind of irked by that. I’m glad you came around to the women’s game and gave it its fair praise. I agree that the women play with fantastic heart and sports(man)ship – I’m sick of watching the men take dives.
Thanks for this. I stand by previous post (http://www.darrenbarefoot.com/archives/000064.html)–comparing international achievement between men’s and women’s teams is impractical, for all of the reasons I outlined.
What irritated me about the article was that the journalist seemed to be suggesting that, say, being ranked 12th in the world is the same accomplishment for the men’s and women’s teams. It’s just not. In twenty years, it may be, but right now they’re still on two different scales.
Lang is quite a talent (and only 16!…check her out playing for the Breakers) but that goal was a mistake by the goalkeeper too. Also worth mentioning is BC native Christine Sinclair, a decent looking forward who looks a natural goalscorer and lethal in the box too. Yay Canada, we’re looking good for 2007, better than the yanks, I’d say. All we need is more flair in midfield…
International men’s footy is second-tier compared to the club play in Europe. England’s got the fastest game, Italy the most technical and Spain a good mix of both. The World Cup was fun to watch, but for quality of football it was nothing next to the leagues which is where it’s at. Casual fans should check out TSN from March to May for the Champions League quarter-finals all the way to the finals to see some of Europe’s best, but to really get into a league is a ton of fun.
Agree. Glad you said that.