Also: Leagues Cup is fun, Soccer Day in Huntsville, Strikers and MUFC updates, and best wishes to Richie Layrea

“Every time a WC (men or women) is held in an ungodly location like Qatar or Australia/New Zealand or Korea/Japan … these weird things happen.”

That was the tongue-in-cheek text I sent to my friend, fellow Huntsville Soccer Club board member, and Liverpool/England supporter Graham Pollington on Wednesday morning after South Africa’s inexplicable injury time win over bella Italia and Jamaica’s 0-0 draw with Brazil.

In both cases, the underdogs took down the favourites and advanced to the knockout rounds.

Then Thursday morning, Morocco beat Colombia while Germany (the number-2 ranked team in the world) drew 1-1 with South Korea, sending the African nation through and the Europeans home.

This is a few days after Canada was demolished by Australia and Nigeria joined the co-hosts in the knockout rounds.

The number-1 ranked U.S. team, and defending World Cup Champions, didn’t have it easy either, finishing second in their group behind the number-9 Netherlands after one win and two draws.

The American’s reward for finishing second is a date with a third-ranked Sweden squad that is confident of their ability to win this match after beating the U.S. in both the Rio and Tokyo Olympics.

There were several other matches where the underdog got a win or a draw in the group stages, leading to too much chatter about the “world catching up” to the big name nations in women’s football/soccer.

However, it is very likely these fairytale stories will end in disappointment sooner than later.

Remember, there was talk of that on the men’s side as well. Yet, still the usual suspects are winning trophies while the upstarts eventually fail.

These Women’s World Cup upsets are much like the Moroccan men making the semi-finals in Qatar in December 2022 and the South Korean men’s semi-final appearance in 2002 – it’s nice and all, but inevitably it’s just a blip on historical graph.

Unless of course one of these underdog teams can finish the job in Australia/New Zealand this year and really prove that the world of women’s football/soccer is levelling out.

Personally, I hope it’s the 10th ranked Australian team who gets the job done on home soil and send their nation into a frenzy. It’s the least the supporters deserve after packing the stadiums as they have and will continue to do.

If it’s not the hosts, then we may as well see the Lionesses from England do what their men’s team can’t and win a tournament. Plus, Lauren James (pictured below) is so much fun to watch!

Round-of-16 Schedule

Saturday, August 5, 2023
Switzerland vs. Spain, 1 a.m.
Japan vs. Norway, 4 p.m.
Netherlands vs. South Africa, 10 p.m.

Sunday, August 6
Sweden vs. U.S., 5 a.m.

Monday, August 7
England vs. Nigeria, 3:30 a.m.
Australia vs. Denmark, 6:30 a.m.

Tuesday, August 8
Colombia vs. Jamaica, 4 a.m.
France vs. Morocco, 7 a.m.

Visit FIFA Women’s World Cup for the full schedule and results.

All Matches are available on TSN channels and apps.

Leagues Cup is fun

Maybe it’s the magical play from the GOAT Lionel Messi (plus his pals Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba) in Miami. Maybe it’s the major tournament format and the fact all MLS and Liga MX teams were involved from the start. Or maybe, it’s just a fun tournament because the teams seem to be taking it seriously.

With the first knockout round of 32 well underway and a NCAA-style bracket to follow, plus Vancouver still alive representing Canada (see the end of the column on why we’re cheering for them), there has been something for everyone. Vancouver takes on Tigres at 10:30 p.m. on Friday, August 4.

Low-scoring games, high-scoring games, penalty kicks, and Miami getting a ridiculously favourable penalty kick call against Orlando the other night. The Messi factor was in full effect with the ref as well as his two goals in the 3-1 victory.

Inter Miami’s next match is on Sunday, August 6 against Dallas FC.

The third place match winner plus both finalists quality for the CONCACAF Champions League. Meanwhile, the champion gets a direct qualification into the Champions League round of 16.

MLS Season Pass on Apple TV airs all the Leagues Cup matches.

HUNTSVILLE SOCCER CLUB ROUND-UP

The Adult League semi-finals were postponed due to thunderstorms. On a brighter note the youth house league campaign finished up with a fun Soccer Day event on July 29.

Here are some photos courtesy of Denise Yacknowiec, who volunteered her time for the Huntsville Soccer Club.

LARYEA HEading to van city

Upon hearing the news that Canadian and longtime Toronto FC defender Richie Laryea is heading to Vancouver on loan from Nottingham Forest, who have his playing rights, I was saddened.

Not only because I was hoping a second loan spell at TFC was in the cards, but because he has and will always be on of our family’s favourite players. His combination of skill, speed, grit and effort always stood out on the pitch.

But, more than that, it was Laryea – not long after first signing for TFC – who took time to meet with and take pictures with my U11 boys team in 2019. He was patient and encouraging and will always have a soft spot in our hearts.

Good luck, Richie Laryea! Since TFC won’t make the playoffs, we’ll be cheering for you in Vancouver to represent Canada!

ThANKs for reading! Don’t forget to subscribe, it’s free!