WASHINGTON, July 14, 2011—The Soccer Pitch picks the best players at the Women’s World Cup as we approach the final and the third-place game this weekend in Germany.
The Soccer Pitch’s Best XI and subs:
Hope Solo, US Women’s Soccer Team
Hope Solo (United States) - A talented goalie with a great attitude whose key saves have kept the U.S. in the finals. Also, she’s got the best name.
Sonia Bompastor (France) - An amazing talent. Clearly she must make the FIFA All Star XI. A good case for the MVP Award.
Ali Krieger (United States) - The best right back in the tournament.
Kerstin Garefrekes (Germany) - A midfielder who can defend and score goals.
Christie Rampone (United States) - At 36 she is still one of the best defenders in the world.
Kelly Smith (England) - A feisty and classy hard-working midfielder. Probably one of the best in the world at holding the ball.
Aya Miyama (Japan) - She’s small but has a deadly shot. Great attitude and smart player.
Camille Abily (France) - Another player that must make the FIFA All Star XI. A creative and hard-working midfielder.
Abby Wambach (United States) - Deadly in the air and on set-pieces.
Marta (Brazil) - A great striker and dribbler of the ball. Still the best player in the world.
Ami Miayami, Japan
Louisa Necib (France) - The Zinedine Zidane of women’s soccer, with the Rachel Weisz looks, dominated the game at times against the United States.
Substitutes:
Megan Rapinoe (United States) - Call her the “super-sub.” She has been amazing coming off the bench and setting up some key goals.
Lotta Schelin (Sweden) - Sweden’s key player at this World Cup.
Lisa Dahlqvist (Sweden) - Talented striker and goal scorer. One of Sweden’s best players.
Lauren Cheney (United States) - Never shy to take a shot. One of the key players for the American team.
Ellen White (England) - Never stopped running in the loss to France. Had a chance to win the game in extra time but shot went just wide.
Ayumi Kaihori (Japan) - Not the biggest goalie but she has come up with some big saves.
Homare Sawa (Japan) - An inspiring leader on the field with an eye for goal.
This article is the copyrighted property of the writer and Communities @ WashingtonTimes.com. Written permission must be obtained before reprint in online or print media. REPRINTING TWTC CONTENT WITHOUT PERMISSION AND/OR PAYMENT IS THEFT AND PUNISHABLE BY LAW.
