World Cup brings out authentic play

TIANJIN, China: Germany is ruthless and efficient, Brazil is flamboyant and Australia battling.

Sound familiar? At the women's World Cup, national stereotypes transcend gender.

So it was no surprise when England crashed out in the quarterfinals, or when Brazilian flair subdued an against-the-odds assault by brave Australia.

DPR Korea showed typical Korean vigor in its run to the last eight, Japan was lightweight and China was talented but couldn't score.

"The key to our success is that we all play as a unit to win," said Korean striker Ri Kum-suk.

Meanwhile, the Scandinavian teams have been predictably well organised and physical, Nigeria impressed against the odds and New Zealand was out of its depth.

Obvious exceptions include double champions the United States, whose success can be traced to its professional league, and Argentina, who shipped an uncharacteristic 18 goals in three group games.

These aside, the similarities are often striking. Defending champion Germany is even questioned about its coolness under pressure and penalty-taking skills.

The reason, apart from lazy cliche, could lie in women players being inspired by their high-profile male counterparts.

Thus Australia's Matildas sought to emulate the have-a-go Socceroos' success at last year's men's World Cup,

"Like they said with the Socceroos, we won't just be going to make up the numbers - we want to put a stamp on the World Cup," said goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri before the tournament.

Shades of Ronaldinho can be seen in Brazilian forward Cristiane, who cites 'O Fenomeno' as her idol.

Argentina forward Maria Potassa looks up to Boca Juniors heroes Juan Roman Riquelme, Carlos Tevez and Rodrigo Palacio.

"Yes they are all Boca legends, and I could end up continuing my career there this year," Potassa said.

Cynthia Uwak said Nigeria's women shared many psychological traits with the men's team.

"Both the men and the women are the same. When it comes to football, we're highly passionated and motivated," she said.

Women are also inevitably compared to famous male players.

Marta, the 2006 World Player of the Year, has been dubbed "Pele in a skirt," while China's Ma Xiaoxu is known as "the female Wayne Rooney."

However, Ma is not entirely flattered by the comparison.

"I know lots of people would like to compare me to Rooney. I do not like the comparison," she has said.

Male influence can also be seen in the coaching set-up, with only three countries - Germany, England and China - having women at the helm.

AFP

(China Daily 09/27/2007 page23)