Dave Clarke is the Head Women's Soccer Coach at Quinnipiac University and a member of the US National Coaching Staff. He also has worked with the Republic of Ireland Women's National team and with Connecticut Football Club. He writes a weekly column for Soccer Banter entitled 'Extra Time'.
Quarterfinals:
Germany v Japan - Germany
The Germans should have too much fire power for Japan who struggle to score against the better teams. They beat up on Mexico, but beating the Germans is an altogether different proposition and it would be the shock of the tournament if the hosts were to lose.
Sweden v Australia - Sweden
The Swedes deserved their win against the USA and have given themselves a great chance to make the semis. Caroline Seger will be back after suspension and with Lotta Schelin looking the part up front the Swedes have the edge over the Aussies. Australia were the width of the cross bar from being eliminated against Norway who wasted some excellent chances to advance. The Australian defense was all over the place and only the lottery of penalties will see them having a chance to advance.
England v France - France
England has looked good, they have looked poor, they have looked quick, they have looked tired. In short, they have been inconsistent in their three games. I would have fancied them to beat Canada, but France with the backbone of Lyon's Champions League winners should have too much for them. The only issue for the French is how they deal with the suspension of their starting keeper. If England can expose the replacement they have a chance.
USA v Brazil - USA
I felt that the USA would be best served by coming second in their group and avoiding a semifinal match up with Germany, so I will stand by the prediction. Brazil with more time and preparation under their belt would be a different proposition in the final, but they have flaws in their game which the US can expose. It is not a great US team, but they will find a way to win this game by putting the Brazil back three under pressure and for the first time in the tournament will really test them and their keeper. This is a game that could go to extra time and even penalties where Hope Solo can become the heroine.
Quarterfinals:
Germany v Japan - Germany
The Germans should have too much fire power for Japan who struggle to score against the better teams. They beat up on Mexico, but beating the Germans is an altogether different proposition and it would be the shock of the tournament if the hosts were to lose.
Sweden v Australia - Sweden
The Swedes deserved their win against the USA and have given themselves a great chance to make the semis. Caroline Seger will be back after suspension and with Lotta Schelin looking the part up front the Swedes have the edge over the Aussies. Australia were the width of the cross bar from being eliminated against Norway who wasted some excellent chances to advance. The Australian defense was all over the place and only the lottery of penalties will see them having a chance to advance.
England v France - France
England has looked good, they have looked poor, they have looked quick, they have looked tired. In short, they have been inconsistent in their three games. I would have fancied them to beat Canada, but France with the backbone of Lyon's Champions League winners should have too much for them. The only issue for the French is how they deal with the suspension of their starting keeper. If England can expose the replacement they have a chance.
USA v Brazil - USA
I felt that the USA would be best served by coming second in their group and avoiding a semifinal match up with Germany, so I will stand by the prediction. Brazil with more time and preparation under their belt would be a different proposition in the final, but they have flaws in their game which the US can expose. It is not a great US team, but they will find a way to win this game by putting the Brazil back three under pressure and for the first time in the tournament will really test them and their keeper. This is a game that could go to extra time and even penalties where Hope Solo can become the heroine.
Semifinals: Germany v Sweden - Germany
Germany would cruise past Australia were they to advance, but Sweden will provide a different proposition for the hosts. It will be a typical dour Northern European battle with the Germans superior talent and home backing ensuring a less than comfortable win.
France v USA - USA
The French have the talent and the experience of Champions League football to put the US under pressure. If the US advance against Brazil in 90 minutes they will dispense with the French. Going into extra time against Brazil will test the fitness and resolve of the likes of Abby Wambach and Heather O'Reilly, but the Americans resilience will see them through.
Final: Germany v USA - Germany
If the US get to the final the two knockout tough games will take their toll and the Germans will win comfortably. The only way the US to win is to defend in numbers, frustrate the Germans, take the game into extra time and take their chances from there. Yes, they have beaten the Germans in a friendly this year, but a World Cup Final in Germany is another thing and the hosts won't slip up in front of an adoring crowd.
Germany would cruise past Australia were they to advance, but Sweden will provide a different proposition for the hosts. It will be a typical dour Northern European battle with the Germans superior talent and home backing ensuring a less than comfortable win.
France v USA - USA
The French have the talent and the experience of Champions League football to put the US under pressure. If the US advance against Brazil in 90 minutes they will dispense with the French. Going into extra time against Brazil will test the fitness and resolve of the likes of Abby Wambach and Heather O'Reilly, but the Americans resilience will see them through.
Final: Germany v USA - Germany
If the US get to the final the two knockout tough games will take their toll and the Germans will win comfortably. The only way the US to win is to defend in numbers, frustrate the Germans, take the game into extra time and take their chances from there. Yes, they have beaten the Germans in a friendly this year, but a World Cup Final in Germany is another thing and the hosts won't slip up in front of an adoring crowd.
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