Celebrations, Commiserations and Embarrassing Ignorance.

Colombia beat Germany

There is just something about seeing Germany get beat. Being English, it is something of a rarity to see the Three Lions triumph over their historic rivals but it does occasionally happen and when it does it just feels good.

Germany are obviously a heavyweight among footballing nations, regardless of gender. Although they have dropped outside the top ten in the FIFA Men’s World Rankings, they currently stand second in the Women’s and therefore should be considered one of the favourites to win the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Whilst Germany demolished Morocco 6-0 in their group opener, they came unstuck in dramatic fashion against Colombia. The South Americans, who also won their opener against South Korea 2-0, led the Germans 1-0 until the 89th minute when they conceded a penalty which was converted by Alexandra Popp. Hopes were not dashed though as Manuela Vanegas rose from a corner to power in a header in the 97th and last minute of injury time.

The celebrations were typically South American in their passion and as a passing viewer, I have to say it was a joy to watch. The victory in the dying moments, the close score line and the stories that came out of it like the comeback of Linda Caicedo, the 18 year old forward who has overcome cancer and scored the opening goal. It felt like a huge underdog upset and as I say, always fun to watch Germany get beat.

Having said that, should it have felt that way? Colombia are no push overs. They sit currently sit 25th in the world rankings, only Brazil rank higher as a South American nation, they have been runner up in three of the last four editions of Copa América Femenina (losing to Brazil each time) and this isn’t their first World Cup but their third. There’s no reason why Colombia shouldn’t be considered as a nation who can hold their own in a major tournament and go far. With the confidence and momentum already instilled in this team, I’d back them to earn a victory against any of the participating nations.

Australia beat Canada

Now, this one upset me a bit. I’m all for the host nations defending their back yard and going far in a competition. Japan and South Korea showing off their determination at the men’s 2002 World Cup was fantastic to see.

However, anyone who reads my stuff for Heart of Football will know I have a soft spot for Canada. The vast nation is my happy place and their following their football is somewhat of a hobby of mine from the Canadian Premier League to seeing their international teams doing well. I can’t wait for the next men’s World Cup which will be joint hosted by Canada.

So, as I say, Australia 4-0 Canada stung a bit. New Zealand are sadly out so it falls on the Aussies to fly their version of a similar flag and I really hope they do. It just would have been nice for me personally to be cheering Canada on in the next round. Oh well…

Japan beat Spain

Given my shameful naivety of women’s game, Japan beating Spain took me by surprise. It shouldn’t have done. This is a World Cup with nations such as Haiti and Philippines and Zambia. These are countries who are not associated in my mind with global tournament football. But they are obviously there on merit, even if they aren’t expected to really challenge for the trophy. Japan, unlike Spain, are not big hitters in the men’s game but upon doing some actual research rather than lazily casting my eye over it all, it turns out Japan are former world champions while Spain have never had a sniff at it! Up until their last 16 match versus Norway, Japan hadn’t conceded a goal and had chalked up 11 in three games! They then beat Norway 3-1. My head truly hanging in shame, I now reflect upon the Spain result completely differently. It is true that the Spaniards are currently ranked higher than the Japanese in the FIFA world rankings but actually on current form, 4-0 seems about right. Can they win it again? Not beyond the realms of possibly at all!