Gutsy gals eye Germans
By TERRY JONES -- Edmonton Sun
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- They ain't afraid of no Die Deutsche Frauen-Nationalmannschaft Weltmeisterschafters.
Canada has never won a game. Been beaten 7-0 and 7-1 by the top-seeded teams in their two previous Women's World Cups.
Germany is ranked No. 3 in the world. Defending European champions. Bronze-medal winners at the Sydney Olympics. Runners-up to Even Pellerud's champion Norway in the 1995 World Cup. Three-and-oh versus Canada over the years, outscoring our gals 12-2 in the process.
CANUCKS IN THE MOOD
If it's mood and attitude you're looking for, Pellerud's Canadians have it as they prepare to play one of the best teams in the world to open USA 2003 here today.
"Some people may think we'd rather play Argentina or Japan in our first game, but we wanted to open against a top team,'' says Canadian keeper Karina LeBlanc of Maple Ridge, B.C.
"We want to see where we're at as a country and as a team, to find out how far we've come and to take the challenge and show the world where we're at right off the bat. Germany is a great team and a good challenge. We live in the here and now and now it's finally here and it's Germany and we can't wait to play them.
"There are so many reasons why we want to do well. For ourselves. For our program. For all the kids back in Canada to inspire for the future. Because Canada has never won a World Cup game, men or women, and it would be great to win Canada's first game against one of the best teams in the world. A lot of reasons.''
Pellerud says the only fear here is that his team was ready to play the day before yesterday.
"The only important thing is to play as we have played and not be overwhelmed by the importance of the World Cup. The important thing is to trust our own abilities.
"I think our confidence level is healthy. It is good. We are confident but not overconfident. It's balanced. If there is a concern it is that we may be too eager. I hope not.''
There's no lack of respect here either way.The Germans aren't looking at Canada as a mere speed bump like our nation has been in the past.
It's German experience vs. Canadian youth, but Frauen-Nationalmannshaft coach Tina Theune-Meyer says "even their young players have 50 caps.''
She sat down with Canadian media members here yesterday and said this should be one of the best games in the opening round of the 16-team tournament, period.
"I think it will be a tough game for both teams. Canada has improved so much.
They are ranked No. 12 in the world, but they are much better than 12th place. They can beat everyone.
"They have strong strikers. They can score every game ... everybody. And they play hard every game, every minute in the game. They are strong, have good organization, are dangerous and exciting. They are not going to hold back.''
She agrees with American coach April Heinrichs' assessment of the Canadians.
"Canada is reckless, destructive, scrappy and shows absolutely no concern for their own bodies,'' said Heinrichs.
Theune-Meyer, too, is happy to get this going against a team she believes ranks with the top five or six in the world.
"It's good for us, too. Everybody is excited to be in the World Cup and has been waiting for the first game. We are dangerous, too. We are exceptionally strong in the midfield and create chances with short passes.''
Two different styles, to be sure.
PRO PLAYERS RETURN TO PLAY
The Germans improved dramatically within the last two weeks with the return of two stars who had retired from the national team but have been playing in the pro WUSA league.
Maren Meinert and Steffi Jones, 30-year-old midfielder and defender respectively, were convinced to return to the team at the last minute.
"It is bad news for us that Meinert and Jones have come back,'' said Pellerud.
"They are key ingredients to their team. Without them and with them they are two different teams. They are much better with them, feeding passes to their strikers.''
People who follow female football know superstar Birgit Prinz, a prolific scorer who is easily Germany's best-known player. She testifies to Meinert in particular.
"She's a great player. Everybody in the U.S. knows how good she is,'' said Prinz of the woman selected MVP of 2003 in the WUSA league. "She is very important to our team. With her we have more players dangerous to the goal.''
Pellerud says they create a focus.
"The organization of our team now becomes very important, a key for us. Denying space becomes more important. Our offensive style doesn't change. We will play our normal fast-attacking style.''
Pellerud says he knows this team.
"I have played six or seven of them when I coached Norway,'' he said.
The Canadian coach also believes there is an advantage for his team in scouting.
"I think we know their players better than they know our players. I'm not saying they don't know us. But I think we may know them better.''
Ready or not, bring on Die Deutsche Frauen-Nationalmannschaft Weltmeisterschaft. On with the show, this is it.
