I clamour for d inclusion of new players in todays game..but at the same time I hope the fact that it's their first game at the worldcup n the importance of the game does not put too much pressure on them.

This is where the teams psychologist come in...we need the girls with the right mental conditioning.

USA faces Nigeria in Final Group of Death Match.

Preview: USA Faces Nigeria in Final Group of Death Match.
On Tuesday night, the USA has its final shot to win the Group of Death.
The struggling US side needs this chance to regain confidence and rebut the murmurs that they aren’t capable of winning this World Cup. The group stage opener against Australia was a weak outing for the US, with defensive solidity the only demonstrable improvement in the following draw against Sweden.
Tomorrow night rounds out group play for the US, and can be described only as a make-or-break moment.
The Competition
Taking down Nigeria will not be a walk in the park for the US. They surprised Sweden by returning from a 2-0 first half deficit, ultimately concluding the match in a 3-3 tie. Nigeria’s offense is a force, withNgozi Okobileading the way; she scored one of the three goals against Sweden, and was a key playmaker in the other two. Desire Oparanozie and Francisca Ordega round out the powerfully fast Nigerian attack, capable of dangerous individual and coordinated efforts on goal.
In contrast to the relentless offense, the Nigerian defense leaves much to be desired. Specifically, Nigerian keeper Precious Dede is apt to making mistakes, from misjudged dives to poor clearances. This gaping hole in the Nigerian lineup could be their downfall against the United States. In addition to Dede’s weaknesses, the defense suffered a self-described embarrassment as defender Ugo Njoku was fined and suspended for three matches in response to Njoku’s malicious and nearly jaw-breaking attackon Australia’s Samantha Kerr. It’s unclear what impact this will have on the defense’s morale, but watch for either extreme caution or overcompensating aggression against the US.
Projected Starting Lineup:
Forwards: Abby Wambach and Christen Press. While Wambach has struggled in the first two matches of the tournament, Ellis will likely give her another shot up top to aggressively batter the relatively weak Nigerian defense. Ellis will turn to Press for first half creativity before she’s moved down to wing as Alex Morgan replaces her in the second half. Alternately, Ellis may start Morgan from the get-go, seeking to garner an early lead, breaking the US tradition of a second-half surge.
Regardless of Ellis’ choices, the US’ lack of offensive success is now openly acknowledged, even dropping in the Fox Sports’ Women’s World Cup power rankings. They must prove themselves against Nigeria.
Midfield: Megan Rapinoe, Carli Lloyd, Lauren Holiday, and Morgan Brian.
The midfield is defensively weak in the center. The U.S. will have to aggressively push forward to compensate. Rapinoe will have more opportunities against a weaker Nigerian defense, so expect to see more of what she brought to the opener against Australia. Lloyd and Holiday will remain in the center, and will hopefully have a better showing than they have thus far in the competition. Lloyd has been out of her groove, with far fewer on-target feeder balls and opportunities on goal than she had in earlier 2015 play.
Ellis has shown no signs of rearranging her formation from the 4-4-2 she so favors, or of switching out either Lloyd or Holiday for a different holding midfield option. Brian appears a viable option, moving up and down the wing efficiently against Sweden, though Lloyd and Holiday were unable to dish the ball out wide enough to fully utilize Brian. Given Ellis’ history, the only possible switch-up at midfield would be the insertion of Tobin Heath at wing in the second half.
Defense: Meghan Klingenberg, Julie Johnston, Becky Sauerbrunn, and Ali Krieger. The back line is the present pride of the US side; they saved the US from Sweden on Friday, looking much improved since their shaky start against Australia. Klingenberg and Sauerbrunn made absolutely key stops defensively, with Johnston and Krieger doing the same — while also performing upfield, creating opportunities and taking shots on goal. Their solidity is extremely important to holding the US together as it struggles offensively.
Goalkeeper: Hope Solo is still a lock to start. Despite continuing media attention, and even a letter from Senator Richard Blumenthal to US Soccer Federation President Sunil Gulati, Solo appears completely unfazed on and off the pitch. Look for another strong performance from the focused US stalwart.
The Bottom Line:
A victory over Nigeria would provide the US with a first-place group finish, allowing for an easier path through the knockout rounds. The USWNT offense is struggling tremendously, and need to seize this final group play opportunity to find the solution to their evident struggles.
Long story short, the US cannot afford a draw, much less a loss, to Nigeria.
The United States faces Nigeria on Tuesday, June 16th at 8pm (Fox, NBC Universo).
www.empireofsoccer.com/preview-nigeria-group-36190/

dodobytes:
I clamour for d inclusion of new players in todays game..but at the same time I hope the fact that it's their first game at the world cup n the importance of the game does not put too much pressure on them.

This is where the teams psychologist come in...we need the girls with the right mental conditioning.

That is why the coach was supposed to fashion a way of introducing some of the players on the bench so that in the later stages of the competition, these players may not be too nervous. Which he failed to do. In our last match against Australia, Bright Dike came into the match and her touches and movements on the ball where not too bad. How I wish she was introduced earlier than the time she came in. If you also notice she was full of energy, running and keeping the Australian players busy throughout the remaining minutes.

terzurum5:


That is why the coach was supposed to fashion a way of introducing some of the players on the bench so that in the later stages of the competition, these players may not be too nervous. Which he failed to do. In our last match against Australia, Bright Dike came into the match and her touches and movements on the ball where not too bad. How I wish she was introduced earlier than the time she came in. If you also notice she was full of energy, running and keeping the Australian players busy throughout the remaining minutes.

well said...but last time I checked Bright Dike na dude oo. ..lol, I get u shaa

Up Falcons! !

Super Falcons training

*In Leonidas' voice 4m d movie, '300'*

FALCONS!!! WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSION?!










>>>WINNING GAMES!!!



Ok then, Let's go get them... The World no.1 must fall at our feet today. Insist on it! Fight 4 it! Coz they wont give it to u... U've gotta take it by force!

1am Loading...

GO GO GO GO GO GO GO SUPER FALCONS! ! ! ! ! ! !

terzurum5:


That is why the coach was supposed to fashion a way of introducing some of the players on the bench so that in the later stages of the competition, these players may not be too nervous. Which he failed to do. In our last match against Australia, Bright Dike came into the match and her touches and movements on the ball where not too bad. How I wish she was introduced earlier than the time she came in. If you also notice she was full of energy, running and keeping the Australian players busy throughout the remaining minutes.

bright dick?

When is the match starting

enomakos:
bright dick?

Whaaaaaaaaaaaat you mean?
''''''''.....''''''''*smiles''..."",,,,**...::'''

FIFA dealt Falcons a serious blow with the suspension of Njoku. She is the real enforcer in the Nigerian backline. I hope Edoho could be used in the right back position. Or the coach could draft Chukwunonye to the right back while Ohale pairs with Ebi at the center back even though Ebi has been useless in this tournament. It could be culpable crime if the coach allows Ayinde and Nwabuoku to step on the field against USWNT.

mashad:
When is the match starting

1am Nigerian time

Duru1:
FIFA dealt Falcons a serious blow with the suspension of Njoku. She is the real enforcer in the Nigerian backline. I hope Edoho could be used in the right back position. Or the coach could draft Chukwunonye to the right back while Ohale pairs with Ebi at the center back even though Ebi has been useless in this tournament. It could be culpable crime if the coach allows Ayinde and Nwabuoku to step on the field against USWNT.

That is why the name FIFA is synonimous with KWARRUPSHIEN. During the 2014 FIFA world Cup in Brazil, a French player stamped on Ogenyi Onazi and no sanctions were meted out to him. Even after serious calls from ex internations like Diego Maradona nothing happened. But in our own case FIFA sensing that that position is secured with Njoku, they decided to sanction her to enable USA's chances against us very bright. FIFA is KWARRUPSHIEN and Kwarrupshien is FIFA.
Dearis God oo!

terzurum5:

That is why the name FIFA is synonimous with KWARRUPSHIEN. During the 2014 FIFA world Cup in Brazil, a French player stamped on Ogenyi Onazi and no sanctions were meted out to him. Even after serious calls from ex internations like Diego Maradona nothing happened. But in our own case FIFA sensing that that position is secured with Njoku, they decided to sanction her to enable USA's chances against us very bright. FIFA is KWARRUPSHIEN and Kwarrupshien is FIFA.
Dearis God oo!

FIFA may be incompetent or corrupt, but I agree with their decision to ban Njoku. The Australian player could have suffered a broken jaw, requiring surgery to fix. The $3,200 fine may have to be paid by the NFF, cos I don't see how she'll pay it out of pocket.

Lol... I think they are trying to use English FA's retrospect of judging.


But a certain Suarez was sanctioned at the 2014 Fifa world cup too...

Japan are bossing the game v Ecuador, leading 1-0 with 64% possession. If Ecuador concede 2 more goals, they will become the worst defensive team in the history of the tourney.

CFCfan:

FIFA may be incompetent or corrupt, but I agree with their decision to ban Njoku. The Australian player could have suffered a broken jaw, requiring surgery to fix. The $3,200 fine may have to be paid by the NFF, cos I don't see how she'll pay it out of pocket.

If I were to be a coach, unnecessary or unruly behaviours will be paid by the players.

khattab02:
Lol... I think they are trying to use English FA's retrospect of judging.



But a certain Suarez was sanctioned at the 2014 Fifa world cup too...

Correct. But the fine was different

71%-29% Japan

khattab02:
If I were to be a coach, unnecessary or unruly behaviours will be paid by the players.

But, Njoku doesn't earn up to that in a year

CFCfan:
Japan are bossing the game v Ecuador, leading 1-0 with 64% possession. If Ecuador concede 2 more goals, they will become the worst defensive team in the history of the tourney.

lol... Are the Ecuadorians worst than Ivory coast?

CFCfan:

But, Njoku doesn't earn up to that in a year

then will look for other ways of making her discipline.

khattab02:
lol... Are the Ecuadorians worst than Ivory coast?

They seem to be. The lost 0-6 to Cameroon, and 1-10 to Switzerland.

Cameroon trailing 1-0 to Switzerland.


I think they will be fine to qualify as one third best placed teams as long as they don't concede much.

CFCfan:

They seem to be. The lost 0-6 to Cameroon, and 1-10 to Switzerland.

yeah, korrect!

CFCfan:

FIFA may be incompetent or corrupt, but I agree with their decision to ban Njoku. The Australian player could have suffered a broken jaw, requiring surgery to fix. The $3,200 fine may have to be paid by the NFF, cos I don't see how she'll pay it out of pocket.

FIFA only flexes its muscle when the perpetrator is a African. I remembered when Amy Wambach of USA elbowed and broke a Nigerian falcon's player nose and she was never suspended. An English player received a red eye from a French player through the swing of the elbow yet it was not even reviewed by idiotic FIFA. But if what the moronic FIFA termed damned African swung the elbow, it becomes a subject of review by so-called soccer governing body.

Duru1:


FIFA only flexes its muscle when the perpetrator is a African. I remembered when Amy Wambach of USA elbowed and broke a Nigerian falcon's player nose and she was never suspended. An English player received a red eye from a French player through the swing of the elbow yet it was not even reviewed by idiotic FIFA. But if what the moronic FIFA termed damned African swung the elbow, it becomes a subject of review by so-called soccer governing body.

20likes

56' Switzerland 1-1 Cameroon

Switzerland 1-2 Cameroon.

olapluto:

Remember it is Ayila that cost us that goal in final. I think the line up today will speak volumes. USA is bullish, but very empty. They will learn a big lesson tonight. Ayo Omidiran is in Canada, that woman can motivate!

Yes she cost us the cup but she is a good player, in the group stage she was our best player i believe the Oshoala hype got to her head.

CFCfan:
Switzerland 1-2 Cameroon.

korrect! Now we are almost sure of having an African representative in the next round.

terzurum5:


The thing here is that you don't force a backroom staff or assistants on the Coach, when you do, it affects the chemistry and rythm of the whole team because they would always be clashes and when they fail to rich concensus on issues of mutual importance, the whole project might not lead to success. Behold, you need likeminded or people who believe in same ideology/philosophy to work together to produce better results.
What the NFF can do is to sponsor our coaches on refresher courses abroad to improve on their technical and tactical aspect of the game. That will definitely have a positive bearing on all our national teams.

What do u mean force? Who is Okon to refuse help? Case in point Man U Ryan Giggs is an assistant to LVG.
All this refresher talk is nonsense how bout they actually watch game tapes and know what to expect, what gets me so angry is our player saying 'we have never seen them play but by Gods grace.....' we lose because of primary school mistakes not because these coaches are so great. My opinion is we learn from the best, get an American coach preferably a woman and i guarantee results, we have all the pieces to win a world cup but the only thing is we under value our women, we give them a dummy coach and staff then expect them to perform miracles let it be known Oshoala can't walk on water neither can Okobi turn water into wine.

CFCfan:

They seem to be. The lost 0-6 to Cameroon, and 1-10 to Switzerland.

You may recall the above post because Cameroon is letting Switzerland have lt. If only the Nigerian Falcons attackers could borrow a leaf from the unselfish play being displayed by the Cameroonian attackers, the issue of bloody coach such as Edswine Okon should not have arisen.. Cameroon is the best African women team in this FIFA Canada 2015.