Especially good 7am games each day:
Saturday because it’s USA-England – Revolutionary War II and all that …
Sunday because it’s Brazil, which has started to really play like Brazil.
Saturday, 4am: Germany-North Korea
On paper, the best game of the round: No. 2 vs. No. 5. Germany’s 11-0 opening win awed everyone, but they’ve looked rather ordinary against both England and Japan. North Korea’s buzz-saw midfield could run them to death.
Saturday, 7am: USA-England
England beating the U.S. women would be like the U.S. men beating England: Unthinkable, but quite possible. The Americans have really settled down and improved as this tournament has gone along, but the Brits – made up mostly of players from English league champion Arsenal – are very organized, and creative in attack. Kelly Smith will cause some problems for the U.S. back line.
Sunday, 4am: Norway-China
The hosts have been unconvincing and fragile, but have some skills. Norway may have quietly crept back into the world’s elite; I think they can score a lot of goals against this defense.
Sunday, 7am: Brazil-Australia
Styles make fights, so they say. Here we have two very good midfields, who both like to play ball-possession, short-passing games. Something’s got to give, and that’ll probably be Australia. They haven’t faced this kind of team before; it’ll be like looking in a mirror and seeing a more skilled version of themselves. But you never can tell; both teams have blazing fast attackers (notably Marta and Sarah Walsh) who can outrun any of the opposing defenders; it’ll be a nervous game for both back lines. And Brazil’s hasn’t really come under any pressure yet.
All games are broadcast live on ESPN2
This article appears in September 21 • 2007.