BEIJING - When the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup is going to be reeled off in five cities in China from September 10 to 30, young budding stars are expected to unleash their prowess for changes of the women's soccer world.
Canada's Kara Lang, left, battles for the ball against Japan's Kyoko Yano during women's friendly soccer match at National Stadium in Tokyo, Thursday, Aug. 30, 2007. The match ended in a scoreless draw. [AP] |
Canadian Kara Lang made herself known to the world during the 2003 World Cup when she was only 16 years old. Lang scored an awesome free-kick against Sweden and helped Canada to fetch a historical fourth place.
And she became a familiar figure in 2002 in the World Junior's Championships. Being good at breaking through and organizing in the right wing, Lang shoulders quite a large possibility to come to the same height of her compatriot Christine Sinclair this September.
Brazilian Marta Vieiran Da Silva was compared to "Pele in Skirts" by Pele himself. At the age of 21, she successfully topped the world by being last year's footballer of the world.
Becoming the nightmare of opponents in Pan-America, Athens Olympics or even the Sweden League, Marta will have her marvellous skills to help Brazil to be the second country after Germany to win both men's and women's World Cup.
Natasha Kai from the United States will become a large surprise for the world top ranked team.
The Hawaii girl got faint through hitting by a German defender in the final of last year's Algarve Cup, which has her being remembered by the world.
In 20 appearances for the national team, she has scored seven goals and gradually become a typical American player. She helped her team take back this year's Algarve Cup and top the FIFA ranking again. Only the World Cup will be her next target.
Argentina will never be in the short of football genius.
Maria Potassa came into people's sights in last year's Junior Championships and it was her goal that helped Argentina to defeat their rival Brazil for the first time in history in the qualifications for 2007 Women's World Cup.
This glamorous score made her the first choice for the coach. She gets the opportunity to become the ace player in the Argentina national team in the upcoming World Cup and may lead the team to walk further in China.
While famous veterans like Birgit Prinz of Germany and Sinclair of Canada are expected to continue to make contribution, more young players are testing their first chances to play in the international stage and it might their world in China.
Saslly Shipard, Collette McCallum from Australia, Isabell Herlovsen from Norway and so on will also be on the future list. Those rising stars may bloom in China this September when their names are likely to be known by the whole world.