Updates

I have added updates to a couple of my older posts. Click the links below to view them.

More news on the Alcohol Situation click here.

Additions to the Womens Group B Preview.

Slight alterations to Womens Group A Preview.

Things We Hate About Soccer/WCP

We decided to put together a list of a few things we hate both on and off the field. Here is what we came up with: (Again this is just to poke fun, don't make me regret this.)

1. Oscar Worthy Players - I think this is universally hated. When a guy is running with hardly a man around him and he goes down like he's been shot by a sniper. This is usually followed by 2.5 rolls on the ground, 30 secs on the sideline and then a 10 second hobble. Brutal.

2. Overly Acrobatic Goalkeeping - So annoying when the ball is headed directly towards a keeper and instead of catching it he dives outrageously and punches it, usually out of bounds. Particularly annoying when its your keeper.

3. Popped Collars, Low Socks, Rolled Shorts - We are not at a club (and even if we were), low socks look sloppy, and find a pair that fit. Nothing more needs to be said.

4. Tirades On How To Improve Your Team -  I think everyone has been wandering around the facility during WCP only to be stopped by some random person (usually slightly intoxicated) and given a list of things that could improve your team. Everything from tactics to formation to what you should be done with "that guy who plays on the wing." Actually maybe this should be on the love list.

5. Unnecessary Stepovers - Yeah, there is a time and place for a stepover but its not when you are playing center back and it's definitely not when the closest player is 7 yards away and you are planning to play the ball backwards.

6. Post Game Line-Up Handshakes & Hip-Hip-Hoorays (at senior level only) - Now I am not trying to endorse poor sportsmanship but there is just something so emasculating about grown men cheering hip-hip hooray at the end of a game. We already shake hands before the game. When the final whistle goes, find a couple players on the other team, shake their hand and get on with it. No one will be offended.

7. Beer Lineups -  Now I personally have never been in one but rumor has it they can grow quite long. If you want a beer for a 5:00 game better hit that line up around 3:00. Oh and bring your own chair you'll want to sit down. 

8. The Crickets - The Crickets that get played over the PA system at the tournament. Once or twice a weekend is fine but they insist on doing it once or twice every 10 minutes. I really hate this one.

9. Consistently Inconsistent Refereeing - You know how it is, one game you can't touch anyone without a call going against you, the next you would have to be coding out there for the referee to stop it. Great for fans, frustrating as heck for players.

10. Seating - I have never actually had to watch a final but it usually looks pretty packed out there. Nothing that can really be done about this but standing room only is not an ideal set up. 

The "Things We Love List" will come tomorrow.

Must See Games (Mens Version)

I've managed to narrow it down to seven can't-miss games. Obviously their will be lots of other great games during the tournament but in order to save space I am only listing seven. These seven are listed starting with what I feel will be the most epic game of the round robin and moving downwards from there.

Laos vs El Salvador - 10:00pm Saturday April 16th

Canada vs Jamaica - 9:00pm Saturday April 2nd

Jamaica vs Germany - 7:00pm Saturday April 9th

Canada vs Germany - 8:00pm Sunday April 17th

Norway vs ROI - 5:00pm Sunday April 17th

France vs Nigeria - 9:30pm Friday April 15th

Nigeria vs Botswana - 10:00pm Saturday April 9th (A Classic)

As with the Women's, previews for these games will come closer to the actual dates.

Must See Games (Womens Version)

I have decided to pick out the best games of the round robin to ensure that nobody misses out on these potentially great matches. There is not much to pick from on the Women's side simply because their aren't many teams and even less good team. But I have picked out the three which I believe will be best.

Ireland vs Germany - Saturday April 2nd 7:00pm

Then what we are calling the SUPER SOCCER SATURDAY DOUBLE HEADER:

Germany vs Chile - Saturday April 16th 5:00pm

Ukraine vs England - Saturday April 16th 6:00pm

These games will be previewed as the games get closer.

The Top 7 WCP Players Who Would Never Wear A Snood

The inability to wear a snood is something possessed only by the toughest players in the soccer community. Players who would rather turn blue or lose a digit than ever admit to being cold. The hardmen of soccer.
That being said here are my Top 7 WCP Players Who Would Never Wear a Snood:

1. Mark Wernikowski - Defender/ROI -  A real tough guy who could TEACH a lot of players a thing or two about getting stuck in. Plus if you can grow an awesome beard in a day there really no need for a snood.

2. Tyler Dorosh - Defender/Ukraine - Still probably have a few cleat marks in my legs from playing against Tyler. It helps that I am not sure Yorkton is fashionable enough to have snoods. Maybe Andy can fill us in?

3. Reis Cooper - Midfielder/Norway - For some strange reason Reis reminds me of Joey Barton. The kind of guy who is out in a snow storm training in shorts and a t-shirt. Yikes.

4. Bryan Murrell - Defender/Laos - Any player the size of Bryan has no business wearing a snood. Not to mention that Bryan already stands out above everyone out there as it is.  

5. Kevin Holness- Midfielder/Jamaica -  This is more hopeful than anything because I could actually envision Kev rocking a snood. But if he did the the next thing we'd see is 400 kids running around in AC emblazoned snoods. Not to mention the worker bees. I will pass on that.

6. Benno Looft - Defender/ROI - There is absolutely no way that Benno would ever wear a snood. Even though he is quite European I don't think the man can feel pain. Not going to find the need for a snuggly blanket around his neck.

7. Any Cabylis - All positions/Greece - Seriously can anyone imagine one of these guys walking into a sports store and asking to be directed to the snood section? Not a chance. 

Honorable Mention:
Mike Collins - Midfielder/ROI - They seem like they would be annoying to wear and frankly I am not sure I could squeeze one on over my ego. Not willing to try anyway.

And so concludes my series on the snood. Did I miss anyone on my lists? Should they present snoods instead of medals this year? We want to hear what you think!

The Alcohol Situation

I have spoken to the authorities and beer will be allowed on the upper mezzanine. They are still awaiting a response as to whether or not it will be allowed on the main floor. You may purchase a delicious beverage up in Sellinger Corner (the far corner of the upper mezzanine) at the reasonable cost of $10.50 a schooner.

In unrelated news, backpacks will be allowed in the facility.

Update: Alcohol will not be allowed on the ground floor of the facility. Better get there early.

  

Top 7 WCP Players Who Would Wear A Snood

For those who are not aware what a snood is here is a very brief lesson. Snoods are essentially scarfs worn by soccer players for cold whether games. However, recently they have been banned by FIFA because they were becoming for of a fashion statement than a functional accessory. Snoods are typically worn by the skillful and flashy as opposed to the hard men. That being said here are Top 7 players who would be most likely wear a snood if they could:
 (Keep in mind this is meant to be a bit of fun. Please don't get carried away with this.)

1. Adam Chomos - GK/Jamaica - Not sure but Adam may be the only player in the tournament who actually currently sports a snood. Always seems to be cold even in that balmy facility I am sure he would wear a winter jacket if it didn't impede his mobility.

2. Braden Husdal - Defender/Norway - Just the kind of guy who seems like he should have one and if it were to ride up and muffle him on the field at all I think we would all be thankful.

3. Kevin Murphy - Midfielder/France - Any englishman willing to celebrate by bowing down to a flag of Zidane seems like a prime snood wearer to me.

4. Jerson Hamilton - Striker/El Salvador - If I came from the beaches of Mexico to playing on a snow covered pitch in Saskatchewan I would be wearing a snood too.

5. Kashmir Bahia - Midfielder/France - Let's face we are always one snood-clad Beckham appearance away from seeing Kash in one too.

6. Jordan Peto - GK/Germany - Plays in a position where getting cold is always an option. Plus he is often seen in an Arsenal jersey and I am pretty sure snoods were part of their uniform for awhile.

7. Alvaro Campos - Midfielder/El Salvador - Though Alvi is a known collar-popper, which a snood would surely impede, Alvi would certainly wear a snood. Even if it was only to anger everyone.

Honorable Mention:
Felipe Dos Santos - Midfielder/Canada - Lots of clamoring for him to be added to the list and I did think of him and how he wears leggings well playing indoor. However, Felipe is such a stickler for the rules that he would never wear something banned by FIFA. In fact he would be the first to report you if you wore a snood.

What do you think any who should be added/removed from this list? Are you a snood-wearer yourself?
Let us know!

WCP Cup Cabaret!

Ticket Prices

Adult: $7 per day
Youth: 15 and under $2 per day
Kids: 10 and under Free
Tournament Pass: $85 
(April 2-April 22 does not include Final day)

*Tournament Passes will be available 12:30pm April 2nd
at the front desk of the Eventplex.

Final Day April 23 Ticket Prices:

Adult: $10 
Youth: 15 and under $3 
Kids: 10 and under Free

2011 Mens (Group A)

Group A appears to be the second hardest of the four groups. Laos are last years champs and there are rumors abound that El Salvador has strengthened their team. Northern Ireland is a team known to pull off the occasional upset (trust me I know) and Austria gave France a tough battle last year. Columbia and Sudan round off an intriguing group.

Laos:

Last years champs will look to repeat which is not an easy thing to do. It's cliche but they will be getting everyone's best shot.

Strengths:

Tactically they are very strong, I mean any team that actually practices during the tournament better be organized. Laos is as quick of a team as you will come across and play a very high tempo game. Hardworking and technically solid. Would be easy to say they are undersized but do surprisingly well in the aerial battle.

Weaknesses:

If they have lost Northey it is the hardest hit any team will take it the entire tournament. That guy demands loads of attention which can now be distributed elsewhere. Center mid may also have taken a hit.

Player to Watch:

Boun Phoummabout - Winger - If Northey is out Boun will be expected to saddle a lot more of the load. Not sure anyone is capable of doing that but if I had to pick someone out it'd be Boun.

Odds of Winning:

5/1

El Salvador:

Champions the very first year the WCP Cup existed have failed to be able to make it back to the finals. A team that loves to have fun and that is evident in their play. Celebrate on!

Strengths:

Technically one of the best teams, if not the best, in the entire tournament. Don't want to get caught in a 1 v 1 situation with almost anyone on this side. They are an offensive threat every time they get the ball.

Weaknesses:

The cost of all out attack is that you are often prone to the counter. With so much dribbling they sometimes forget to shoot. Not sure about their goalkeeping situation? Something to watch.

Player to Watch:

Josip Coric - Forward - A natural goalscorer who will ripple the twine at least a few times. Will show up in game shape.

Odds of Winning:

4-1

Columbia:

A team that has never really come close to advancing to knockout stages but has played in some very memorable games.

Strengths:

Have a couple solid young players who are willing to run and will shoot from everywhere. Dangerous from set pieces, keepers will be called into action. Driven on by tremendous fan support.

Weaknesses:

Heavily reliant on just a few players who will be gassed by the time this tournament is done. Suspect defense and goalkeeping will mean they will need goals galore to keep up.

Player to Watch:

Paco - Midfielder - A swift footed player who just needs a yard of space to let loose a shot. Their main set piece taker I would assume.

Odds of Winning:

90/1

Austria

Another team which has never made it through to the knockout stages but has played some very good teams into tight games. Not a team to be overlooked.

Strengths:

Bring your shinguards because even if Austria don't beat you, you will certainly know they were out there. A powerful, fast team that can score out of nowhere. Skill is underrated.

Weaknesses:

Sometimes can be too physical and their tempers will flare causing lapses in concentration. Not the deepest squad you will find. Have lost their keeper so that is a major cause for concern.

Player to Watch:

Ben Wolfmueller - Defender/Mid - Not as consistent as he used to be but can still be a dominant player when he wants to. Tough as nails and has a cannon of a left boot.

Odds of Winning:
75-1

Northern Ireland:

Have previously made it to the knock out stages and didn't look out of place. Are in tough to repeat that feat.

Strengths:

This is a team that is going to play whistle to whistle. Willing to sacrifice everything they have for the cause and are defensively sound. Keeper has been known to come up with big saves when called upon.

Weaknesses:

Goals will be few and far between for N. Ireland. Not a real goal scorer or playmaker amongst the bunch. They will be under a lot of pressure as they have some trouble holding the ball.

Player to Watch:

Sascha Franzke - GK - Played against him in an exhibition game this year. Was nearly unbeatable and made several spectacular saves.

Odds of Winning:

45/1

Sudan:

This team is new to the tournament and very little is known about them.

Strengths:

Have heard they are extremely fast and will chase down everything. Nothing is a lost cause. Tough to prepare for since so little is known.

Weaknesses:

Reckless tackling results in fouls and if they don't have a solid keeper that could spell big trouble.

Player to Watch:

Odds of Winning:

200/1

2011 Mens (Group B)

The group is led by tournament front runners ROI and Norway, both of which have won the coveted WCP Cup in the past. The rest of the group consists of underdogs Serbia, England, Sierra Leone, and Portugal. Although this group appears to be a piece of cake for ROI and Norway, don't count anybody out. Could easily see someone pull off an upset.

Republic of Ireland:

Three time champions have been in the last 5 finals. Have only lost 3 games ever.

Strengths:

Have worked hard on recruiting, resulting in more stars in an already star studded lineup. Two strikers who are known to score special goals when called upon. Have bolstered their wings.

Weaknesses:

Almost whole team is from Saskatoon, not even I know who will show up for each game. Team is a blizzard away from forfeiture. Will have not played together at all going into the tournament.

Player to Watch:

David Brown - Striker - Known for his clinical finishing which often verges on the spectacular (see last years bicycle kick and goal vs France).

Odds of Winning:

7/3

England:

Have never advanced to the knockout stage, and appears they are in a rebuilding stage from the original England team.

Strengths:

Youthful resilience and a short memory will serve this team well. Hard working and being in shape will definitely be a plus.

Weaknesses:

Inexperience at a high level will hurt this teams chances of being competitive to go along with a lack of skill. Work is needed overall.

Player to Watch:

Andrew Kitchen - Defender - keeps things organized at the back. Calm and collected under pressure.

Odds of Winning:

250/1

Serbia:

A team on the verge of being a threat. Every year the talk about this team is their Winnipeg talent, and we are still waiting for them to show up. A few new players in the mix will help Serbia's chances in group B.

Strengths:

Have the ability to keep games close and are never to be counted out. Have good youth coming up that will help this team build a solid base for the future.

Weaknesses:

Do not have a well known striker to score goals. Suffer defensive breakdowns that lead to playing from behind. The playing time is distributed too evenly to keep them competitive, could be the downfall of this team.

Player to Watch:

Ivan - Midfielder - good touch and knowledge for game. Can distribute the ball well and will need to play amazing for Serbia to have success.

Odds of Winning:

100/1

Sierra Leone

New team to the tournament. Not much is known.

Strengths:

Have heard they possess speed and are great in the air.

Weaknesses:

New team to the tournament, may not have the experience yet to be successful.

Player to Watch:

Odds of Winning:

150/1

Portugal:

Have lost some of their top players from last year, appear to be in a rebuilding stage.

Strengths:

Bicycle kicks. Have attempted more than any other team in tournament history and are due for one to finally hit the mesh. Most of them have played together as a team in the indoor league and have good skill. Take lots of shots from all over.

Weaknesses:

Not organized at the back. Lost 2 of their strongest players. Attacks are often over elaborate. Goakeeper has tendency to let in some weak shots.

Player to Watch:

Justin Freitas - Midfield - Has a low center of gravity making it tough for defenders to push him off the ball. Has a good shot if he can get enough time to release it.

Odds of Winning:

125/1

Norway:

Very confident coming into this tournament that they will make it past the group stage. This team is still flying high on confidence from winning the tournament 4 years ago.

Strengths:

They have a never say die attitude and are all blue collar hard working players. Can manage to keep games close no matter who they are playing. Have a well balanced attack which gets goals from almost everyone on the roster.

Weaknesses:

Not the most skilled team in the tournament. Outspoken captain may lead to fans cheering against them, which will give opponents a boost.

Player to Watch:

Stefan Husdal - Midfielder - strong midfield player that can defend and distribute very well.

Odds of Winning:

20/1

2011 Mens (Group C)

Group C is led by tournament favorite France, with the rest being a toss up for second place. Every game will be a battle in this group, whoever can play the most consistent will be awarded a birth in the knock out stage.

France:

Had a disappointing loss in the semi's for the second consecutive year. Will be looking to get over that hump and make it to the finals.

Strengths:

Team has solid depth at every position especially in the midfield. They are made up of 100% Regina players, so are familiar with each others playing styles. Great though often angry goalkeeping.

Weaknesses:

Have failed to win a big game when they need to. Lack elite quality on the wings.

Player to Watch:

Brett Bachelu - Mid/Striker - creates goal scoring opportunities and finishes many of them himself. Has had success at every level he has played.

Odds of Winning:

2/1

Botswana:

Has consistently improved every year since their existence. One of the most enjoyable teams to watch with fantastic fan support.

Strengths:

Very quick on the pitch, speed is definitely one of their main assets. The fact that they have been improving year after year means this year should be no different. Look for them to present a serious challenge to everyone in group C.

Weaknesses:

At times become wreckless and take many fouls. Will need to remain disciplined. Also will need to find a way to score more goals or at least create chances.

Player to Watch:

David Chabi - Midfielder - Has a fantastic touch on the ball and is a real joy to watch. Fan Favorite!

Odds of Winning:

100/1

Greece:

Looking to improve from last years tournament, Greece will have to battle hard to be successful in this group. Several years removed from making it to the knock out stage.

Strengths:

Arguably the most physical team in the tournament. Teamwork is what makes this team successful. Greece is full of confidence that they can make it out of this group.

Weaknesses:

Although they are very athletic, their technique is not the most refined. Their physical play often becomes excessive, which leads to fouls, free kicks and cards.

Player to Watch:

George Korolis - midfielder - Very quick player with good ball skills. Will be the key to Greece's midfield.

Odds of Winning:

75/1

Italy:

Continue to enter a team with very little turnover. Have never really been a contender, but have the possibility to maybe upset someone in this group.

Strengths:

Have been practicing hard which should help their product on the field. If they continue to work hard, this often translates into better results on the field.

Weaknesses:

Where do I begin? Depth is not a strong point and have shown no improvement on depth leading up to this year. They lost their goalie to Serbia which will not help.

Player to Watch:

Nestor Garzona - Midfield - Solid midfielder who will be one of the bright spots on this team. Could probably use a couple more of him.

Odds of Winning:

 251/1

Nigeria:

Nigeria is on the verge of being considered a contender. Will need to play consistently to make it out of this group.

Strengths:

Nigeria plays a very fast paced game that some teams can't keep up with. Great work ethic, with their wingers going back and forth all day. They have really started to come together as a team and will be very tough to beat when they are on their game.

Weaknesses:

They lack technical ability, this leads to many missed scoring opportunities. Do not react well to pressure at the back, and patchy goalkeeping often has dire consequences.

Player to Watch:

Emmanuel Otitoju - Striker - A massive wrecking force up front, physical specimen is lethal if he can turn and fire. Defenders be prepared to play most the game in his shadow.

Odds of Winning:

18/1

Afghanistan:

Have been practicing hard and will be looking to contend in group C.

Strengths:

Learning how to play as a team which will be needed for success. Have a strong center back that keeps them organized and can clear balls from danger areas. Experienced goaltender known to make fantastic saves in big games.

Weaknesses:

Finishing. Lack the personnel with consistent ability to put the ball in the net. Will need to score on their chances in order to be successful.

Player to Watch:

Noor Mitri - Keeper - Solid keeper that brings much needed leadership to this team. Has had success with other teams in this tournament, and has experience in big games.

Odds of Winning:

50/1

2011 Mens (Group D)

Group D is by far the most difficult group to make it out of. Considered to be the group of death, only 2 of these teams will live to make it to the knock-out stage. Every game in this group will be important into determining the final standings and none of these teams are a walk in the park. Mark your calendar for these games, you definitely do not want to miss out!

Poland

Poland have made it out of their group the past two years and are confident they can do it again. 

Strengths:

They play together as a team and move the ball around the pitch very well. They are good defensively and have a steady keeper. A team that cannot be taken lightly.

Weaknesses:

Do not have a consistent finisher and have lost one of their top players in Brett Levis. Goals will need to be scored to keep up with their opponents in group D, where they will come from is yet to be seen.

Player to Watch:

Aleks Wosik - Midfielder - Strong on the ball, plays with good pace. A good shot but aim is inconsistent.

Odds of Winning:

25/1

Scotland:

Finished dead last in 2010, the only place to go is up!

Strengths:

Have been having alot of exhibition games and are developing chemistry with each other. They should be in game shape and are going to work very hard to cause a stir in this group.

Weaknesses:

Tactics will need to be strong to make up for area's in which they lack. Not sure they will be. Probably do not have the depth to be a contender in this group.

Player to Watch:

To be determined

Odds of Winning:

250/1

Ukraine:

Flying under the radar this year, have been potential contenders in the past, but have not lived up to the hype.

Strengths:

Most of the team plays with each other on the Yorkton mens team. The Yorkton shell is a well developed defensive tactic, which has been notably hard for even the best teams to break down. Combine this with a great keeper (may or may not be playing) and you have a chance at making it out of this group.

Weaknesses:

Goal scoring, goal scoring, goal scoring. Where oh where will these goals come from? Ukraine in the past has failed to make it out of their groups due to too many draws. Full points are a must to make it out of this group.

Player to Watch:

Steve Delong - Attacking Midfielder- If the goals are going to come, look his way. Hard working midfielder is one of the keys to this teams success.

Odds of Winning:

25/1

Canada:

One time finalist, Canada finished an impressive 4th at last years tournament. Arguably pre-tournament favorites to make it out of this group.

Strengths:

Not a team renowned for their gorgeous soccer, but their tactics are more than effective. A very hard working defensive unit that always plays as a team and never relies on one person alone. This team will be tough to break down. If they develop a lead on you, it will definitely be an uphill climb for their opponent.

Weaknesses:

That being said, they are missing a game-breaker that can score goals in crunch time. They can work the ball up the field but don't have that reliable option up front.

Player to Watch:

Tavis Workman-Winger- Speedy with very quick feet. Look for him to be an offensive threat. Can shoot with both feet

Odds of Winning:

11/2

Jamaica

Perennial under achiever. Jamaica didn't make it out of the group of death last year and has the misfortune of being in the group of death once again this year. Won't be happy just making it out of this group.

Strengths:

Will be as well organized tactically as any other team in the tournament. In the midfield they have fast wingers that will be working hard on both ends of the field. A midfield containing Korthius and Holness will be terribly hard to contain.

Weaknesses:

Not good defensively. Putting pressure on their backs causes them to panic and could lead to costly mistakes. When attacking, they don't always make the best of their opportunities. Depth could possibly be an issue.

Player to Watch:

Mark Korthius- Centre Midfielder- One of the best players in the tournament. Big, strong and technically gifted and has a left foot second to none. As competitive of player as they come.

Odds of Winning:

11/2

Germany:

Made it out of the group of death last year and has a good shot at doing it again. Not a team you want to face in the knock out stages.

Strengths:

Very physical squad that battles hard from start to finish. Physicality will give skilled teams a tough time getting comfortable. Very direct offense that is more concerned about effectiveness than style and looks to shoot from anywhere and everywhere. Also has two top notch keepers.

Weaknesses:

All out attack leads to defensive breakdowns and leaves them vulnerable on the counter attack. Physical style of play can land them in trouble with referees. A free kick specialists dream.

Player to Watch:

Patterson twins-Midfielder- They are as difficult to contain as they are to tell apart. These 2 players are talented midfielders that are dangerous everywhere on the pitch.

Odds of Winning:

11/2

2011 Womens (Group B)

*If someone wants to send in summaries of teams or players names for the teams I am currently missing it would be greatly appreciated.

Germany:

Past champions and last years runner's up. Looking to avenge last years defeat and might have the squad to do it. Defence is second to none.

Player to Watch

Laura Guzik is the anchor on this solid defensive lineup and rarely makes mistakes.
Shayla Kapila is an up and coming star to watch.
Meagan Cormeir is another good dribbler, she beats players most of the time in 1 v 1's, has a good shot, and should never be left open in the middle...always needs to be marked tightly.

Ireland:

I watched them lay a thrashing on Poland this week However, In their first ever WCP Cup game they have the unenviable task of having to play last years runners up Germany. Ireland is a team whos strength resides in the middle of the park with some very strong midfield play. Their game against Chile could decide which team comes out in this group. I personally think that will be Ireland though I may be slightly biased.

Player to Watch

Ireland have a reliable keeper in former Cougar Amanda Stith. A solid defense which includes Kaci Manz and Naomi Picard and a terrific midfield trio which includes Shelly Krahenbil, Zoe Threlfall, and Taylor Bacala.

Austria:

Player to Watch

El Salvador:

Player to Watch

Veronica Boesch is a gifted attacker and a serious goal threat everytime she gets the ball.
Adrianna Bonutti is from Calgary and this is her first time playing in world cup. She can hold the ball up and can score. Her and Veronica together are a threat together.

Chile:

Though rumour has is Chile may not be as strong as it has been in past years. Chile is never to be taken lightly and always a top contender. Has incredible fan support and they are the heartbeat to this team.

Player to Watch

Mackenzie Bulych. This intelligent striker links attack with midfield, and weighs in with her fair share of goals.
Catherine Collins is always steady and works hard all over the pitch.

2011 Womens (Group A)

*If someone wants to send in summaries of teams or players names for the teams I am currently missing it would be greatly appreciated.

Ukraine:

Defending champions from last year. Has a few members from the U of R cougars. Will be looking to defend their crown.

Player to Watch

Sarah Novak is a stud. Cool and composed at all times. Great passer with tremendous vision and an impeccable work ethic. Can play all over the park and shows up when it matters. Could not ask for more.   
Tegan Koroluk won the mvp last year, very skilled player that scores big goals at big times.
Tiffany Gyurek has a powerful shot, and is one of the keys to ukraine's midfield.

Poland:

Did not look very strong in the game I watched vs Ireland. Battled back in the next exhibition game against Ireland to win 2-1. If they can show such exponential improvement between every game they will win the whole thing. I mean Ireland is no pushover.

Player to Watch:

Cassandra Westerman is a composed midfielder.
Chelsey Lupastin is a force up front, that can hold up the ball well, and also score from time to time.

Canada:

Player to Watch:

Italy:

Player to Watch:

England:

Past winners looking to improve on their finish last year. A well coached squad that always looks the part.

Player to Watch:

Tayler Firth - can shoot with both feet, is very strong, and scores a lot of goals.
Carly Dueck - has very good ball control, likes to dribble, has a nice shot. Kind of reminds me of the female version of Tavis.

2011 Youth Boys (Top 4 Advance)

*If someone wants to send in summaries of teams or players names for the teams I am currently missing it would be greatly appreciated.

Here are the teams and a few players to watch:

Canada: Bryce Hubick is a good midfield player who is always composed on the field.

England:

Germany: Levi Mann is a strong defender who can chip in with a goal every now and then.

Italy: Kristian McCullough, Jordan Kraft and Macello Gonzales are a trifecta of gifted attacking players and are always on the prowl for goals.

2011 Youth Girls (Top 4 Advance)

*If someone wants to send in summaries of teams or players names for the teams I am currently missing it would be greatly appreciated.

Here are the teams and a few players to watch:

Brazil: Sydney Langen should be a future star. Very effective all over the pitch.


Canada: Shayla Taylor is a solid defender. Tegan Galger is a versatile defender.

El Salvador:

England:

Germany: