Ecuador achieved something this June that no other women’s team in the nation’s history has achieved and that was to appear at a World Cup. La Tricolar were drawn in what some would argue as a decent group, however it proved far from it as Ecuador suffered huge defeats in all three of their group games, thus failing to advance to the knockout rounds. However performances did improve after the 6-0 defeat to Cameroon, they were hammered 10-1 by Switzerland (although they played fairly well for most of the game). Their final game was against the 2011 champions Japan and with Ecuador already being eliminated they had nothing to lose, only a lucky goal after 5 minutes saw the South Americans lose the game by the finest margins. Against Japan, Ecuador played really well and at the very least deserved a draw if not all 3 points. Despite all 3 group defeats and statistically being the worst team at the tournament (-16 GD, 0pts), there are still plenty of positives to take from the tournament with a number of players putting in a fantastic showing as well as scoring their first ever World Cup goal. Firstly the manager Vanessa Arauz (youngest in World Cup history) deserves huge credit for not only qualifying la Tricolar for the tournament but for the togetherness of the team and the fighting spirit they showed during all 3 games. As well as the team performance there was a number of standout players who showed plenty of potential and look to have a great future in the industry. These standout players included goalkeeper Shirley Berruz who pulled off a number of outstanding saves including one which was in contention for save of the tournament. Another standout star was Angie Ponce who impressed me with her determination and set-piece ability, despite scoring 2 own goals in Canada. She also has the honour of scoring Ecuador’s only goal of the World Cup. Despite only scoring one goal Ecuador’s attack impressed me with Monica Quinteros’ hold up play and strength up top. It was thanks to Quinteros in the first place that la Tricolor made it to Canada and she justified her selection. Also up top was Denise Pesantes who has a reputation for being quite creative, despite it being limited during the tournament. Pesantes did nearly score what would’ve been up there for goal of the tournament against Switzerland after her long range effort agonisingly hit the crossbar and bounced away. Overall there were plenty of positives for Ecuador and lots to build on as they attempt to qualify for France in 2019. However there are more pressing matters ahead with the Pan-American games taking place in Canada in July, so la Tricolor will be looking to put into place what they’ve learnt from their tournament experience.
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What a month it has been for the Lionesses, leaving late May to go to Canada more in hope than expectation and just over a month later they arrive back as heroes and rightly so. When England played their first game out in Canada against the host a week before the tournament it is fair to say the team performance looked fairly disjointed with only a couple of players sticking out. Manager Mark Sampson tactics were questioned having taken a number of players who had recently returned from injury. Things didn’t get any easier for the team heading into their first group game against France and again Sampson’s tactics left fans including myself astounded. In that game for example he had right back Lucy Bronze starting on the left wing while also playing a number of others in positions which left the fans scratching their heads. England went on to lose that match but from then on the team grew and captured a nation’s hearts back home. The Lionesses won their remaining two group games against Mexico and Colombia to clinch 2nd place in the group behind and France and advance to the knockout stages. After this England did something they’ve never achieved and that was winning a World Cup knockout game where the edged out Norway 2-1 thanks in partly to a cracker from England’s player of the tournament Lucy Bronze. The Lionesses then went on to face their toughest test, host Canada in Vancouver, this was ultimately their best performance and got fans to believe that they could win the World Cup having recorded a 2-0 win. In the last four they faced 2011 Champions Japan, where the dream of lifting the trophy was diminished in a very cruel way. Having looked the more likely team to advance to the final a unfortunate 92nd injury time own goal by one of England’s stand out players, Laura Bassett saw the Lionesses bow out, but bow out with plenty of pride. A 3rd place play-off victory over a Germany side that they had never beaten in 20 attempts, saw the team break even more history. Overall the Lionesses achieved much more than what was expected of them as they capped of their best ever finish at a World Cup. For this Mark Sampson and his coaching staff as well as well as the 23 players who worked their socks off need to be praised and have. As all their hard work has inspired a nation and hopefully as a result more fans will be eager to get down and support their local women’s side. Exciting times ahead for the women’s game if the authorities play their cards right. Regarding the national side if all goes well they will be participating in the Netherlands at the 2017 European Championships, while in four years’ time France is the destination for the next World Cup and I for one am inspired to be there and play a part of it. Lionesses we are all proud of your achievement, here’s to a bright future!
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