Summer 2011 was a hectic period with several international tournaments happening around the world. Here at Soccer360 we recap the results and relive the action.
2011 Women’s World Cup:
The current edition took place in Germany. It was an engrossing tournament that displayed how far the women's game has come. Entertaining, for the most part, on the pitch and somewhat salacious off of it, Women's football emerged some more from the shadow of the Men's game. Despite not having the sponsorship, monetary structure or following that the Men's game takes for granted, all the teams played with enthusiasm and pride. Moreover, several upsets made for an engaging tournament as home side and favourites Germany were dumped out at the quarter final stage, where they were joined by co-favourites Brazil and fancied England.
Japan was the pick of the teams as it upset the odds and went on to defeat heavily favoured USA, the one favourite that did make it through the quarterfinals, in the final. France was another standout performer as it made it all the way to the semi-finals. In a year in which a tragic earthquake destroyed parts of Japan, the World Cup win was a welcome boost to Japanese morale and belief. Canada, had a poor campaign and was unable to make it out of the group stages, with coach Caroline Morace resigning after the tournament.
2011 Gold Cup:
A forgettable affair, the tournament was basically a long winded warm-up for hometeam USA and Mexico to practice beating other teams, before the two nations eventually, met in the final, as the organizers had hoped. Mexico duly won 4-2 after having given up an opening two goal lead to an ever improving and somewhat dangerous US side. Panama and Honduras also did well but there was never any doubt that the two giants would contest the final. Canada performed admirably but just came up short in the group stage and finished ninth.
2011 Euro U-21 Championships:
A summer exhibition of the seven best nations at youth level in Europe, and hosts Denmark, it turned out to be yet another spectacular triumph for Spain. Already established as the clear favourites before the tournament started, they gathered steam to eventually reach the final where they beat an impressive Swiss side, which overachieved despite being considered outsiders to the crown. Juan Mata and Javi Martinez dropped down a level, after having won the World Cup with Spain, to power the Spanish juggernaut to another title. Other than them and the Swiss, the Czech Republic also did well. For Spain, it was another example of the deeply stocked talent that they have in reserve.
2011 U-17 World Cup:
Somewhat forgotten as it took place during the Copa America, The Youth World Cup, now called U-17 to separate it from the U-20 version, was a limited success. Despite having lots of potential on display, the format was long and many teams were clearly not up to the mark. In the event, co-favourites Germany and Brazil, made it to the last four, while rank outsiders Uzbekistan upset the odds, to make the quarterfinals. Home side Mexico, however, were the best team on display and showed the consistency required to win a tournament. They beat impressive Uruguay 3-0 in the final. Keep a list of the two country’s lineups handy, several will go on to become household names in the coming decade.
2011 U-20 World Cup:
Another global tournament that featured at summer’s end and shared coverage slots with the start of domestic season in Europe, it featured a plethora of up and coming stars, many of whom are already plying their trade for top clubs around the world. However like the U-17 version, the tournament had 24 teams in six groups and the quality of football was poor till the last eight. Heavy favourites Spain impressed before losing on penalties to Brazil, themselves on short odds to win it all. Mexico impressed again reaching the last four but a final between Brazil and a nascent Portugal side was a fitting end to a tournament that heated up in the knockout stages. Colombia were excellent hosts with premium facilities. After losing out on the U17 crown, Brazil went on to defeat Portugal 3-2 in extra time in the final.
2011 Copa America:
After much expectation and amid great hype the 2011 South American Championship kicked off in Argentina with spectators holding their breath. With two clear favourites and two other teams held in very high regard, the tournament was expected to be a cracker with the much hyped Argentina-Brazil final a tantalizing prospect. However, the group stages were dull, with few goals and fewer good performances. Brazil briefly impressed, Argentina belatedly flickered and a 3-3 draw between Paraguay and Venezuela apart, the tournament flattered to deceive till the last eight.
Then things got interesting. Argentina and Brazil both lost, deservedly, on penalties to Uruguay and Paraguay, respectively. Chile, who were the romantic choice, fell to Venezuela and the one team that had played well throughout, Colombia, despite dominating, somehow got sucker punched and lost to Peru. So on to the last four where Uruguay, having done the hard work in eliminating the hosts, ripped Peru apart while Paraguay, in typical fashion, needed penalties to beat Venezuela. In the final Uruguay, marshalled by Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez, put on a virtuoso performance and hammered Paraguay 3-0. A great end to a dull tournament and the Albiceleste were fitting winners.
ArjBlog covered the 2011 Copa America extensively. You can read more about the 2011 Copa America here. And read up the players and squads as well.
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