The final of this year’s FIFA U-20 women’s championship in Germany will take place on Sunday 1 August 2010 between Nigeria and the host country Germany. The two countries have worked hard to reach this stage, showing character, tactical discipline and hard work.
The host team is arguably the most powerful in terms of attack, having scored around 18 goals in 5 games (an average of 3.6 goals per game). His defense is also very tight; they have conceded just two goals in 5 matches. The girls have the advantage of height and physical fitness in their favor.
The Nigerian team is also good in terms of ball control, fitness and teamwork. They have scored 6 goals in 5 games (an average of 1.2 goals per game) and have conceded 4. They are not a scoring team, but that does not mean that they are a push. On paper, the Germans are clearly favorites to win the tournament, but that’s not always the case; Soccer is not math.
One way the Nigerians could win this match is to prevent the Germans from dictating the pace of the match; they should try as much as possible to block the midfield and cut off the supply of the ball to the German attackers. If the attackers lack the ball, they will not be able to cause any damage.
They must also closely guard the European team, leaving them with no room to dribble and strike. In particular, Popp must be prevented from scoring more goals. However, not much attention should be paid to Popp alone; otherwise the unmarked ones would do considerable damage.
Sunday Esther must be allowed to combine with Ebere Orji and Oparanozie to put pressure on the German defence. They would collapse if the pressure is maintained for a long time. The girls must also seize their chances and not waste their chances – they must be ready to hit the goal from any distance. They should not wait to dribble into the 18-yard box before shooting.
The Falconets should also be prepared to match their European opponents’ fitness for fitness; they should not be intimidated by the height and build of their opponents. They also need to be ready to play their traditional pattern and not allow the Germans to force them into their fast-paced European pattern. If their rivals increase the pace of the game, they must slow them down by grabbing the ball and close by marking them.
The German goalkeeper is very tall and agile; therefore, the falconets must be ready to follow any shot on goal and convert any rebound. The gatekeeper is subject to errors; therefore, they should always approach her to take every opportunity in case he slips. He must also play his corner kicks directly into the yard area and stop passing it at the edge of the line.
