U20 Women's World Cup: Team of the Group Stages

Classy Claire Lagovez

U20 Women’s World Cup: Team of the Group Stage

So far so great in the U20 Women’s World Cup, as we move to quarterfinals here is a look at my team of the Group Stages.

GK: Lily Alfeld (New Zealand)

Just within an inch of being fully 6’0, Lily Alfeld stands big in goal enough to be the difference for New Zealand’s U20 team in the competition. Making a total of 14 saves in the tournament is no small matter, 7 of those saves against France in the process of a 4-0 mauling. However those 4 goals are the only set to have gotten past the highly talented goal keeper, keeping clean sheets against Paraguay and Costa Rica to help New Zealand progress into the next round.

 DF: Cari Roccaro (USA)

Captain of the USA side, Cari Roccaro, has been an absolute rock at the back for the Americans; she has been an integral part of their recent performances after their slow start, highlighting their 2-0 defeat to Germany. She has bounced back tremendously, her performance against China and especially Brazil showed how committed she is to the course. Having won the competition before in Japan, she would want to inspire the others to another.

DF: Griedge Mbock Bathy (France)

Being lethal isn’t the only thing France are known for in this competition as opponents have found it hard to break them up in defence. Mbock Bathy is the key reason for that solidity, incredibly good in the U17 World Cup that she won the Golden Ball award and with such displays at this U20 finals, we now understand why. Mbock Bathy isn’t also just reliable at the back she also contributes to the attack, her long range passing and vision has been solid so far, the French captain is probably the most confident defender on the ball at this level.

DF: Eve Perisset (France)

Probably the best wing back of the group stages so far, Perisset is a troublesome opponent on the right wing for France, usually booming forward, timing her runs and crosses that create lots of chances for the French. The defender has been consistent for them in defence as well as attack and has been key in all their victories so far.

DF: Ebere Okoye (Nigeria)

Captain of the Nigerian youth side at left back she has been an absolute work horse for the falconets, inspiring them to go undefeated in the group stages and qualify for the next round. She occasionally contributes to the attack but very hard to get past on the left.

MF: Rose Lavelle (USA)

Lavelle has been one of the revelations in the middle of the park for the USA. The midfielder has been doing her job from day one of the tournament till the last group game. Breaking up attacks, securing the defence and giving key passes to the attack are just some of the duties Lavelle pulls off so well for the USA, the performances worthy of a true versatile midfielder as she is capable of pivoting the midfield and being a box to box player at the same time.

MF: Theresa Panfil (Germany)

Germany are always known for producing technical midfielders and Panfil looks like the next batch of a host of them. A European champion with Germany at U17 level, the youth midfielder has 3 goals already to her name and showing her creative side with 2 assists, she has been instrumental for the Germans in all 3 games.

MF: Sara Däbritz (Germany)

Still on the topic of German midfielders, this one has absolutely taken the tournament by storm. Sara Däbritz returns to the U20 stage and seems to be more mature than she was last time in Tokyo. She tops the scorers list with 5 goals, playing a clearly defined role in the German team and might just be the best box to box midfielder in this tournament.

FW: Linsey Horan (USA)

Expected all along to be the star for the USA, Horan has thrived under that pressure, scoring 3 goals in the competition especially that vital goal against Brazil. Big, quick and strong with a good technique is everything that makes up a defenders nightmare and so far that’s what her opponents experience. Horan has been involved in all USA’s goals so far, scoring 3 of them and assisting 1.

FW: Pauline Bremer (Germany)

The German striker was always on the ‘one to watch’ list for Germany and hasn’t disappointed. Bremer completes the arsenal Germany have, claiming 3 goals for herself and shows she can play with others while upfront as she has assisted 4 goals too. Bremer comes off as a modern day striker, not one to stand on ceremony but equally works hard off the ball and can act as a target forward or an advanced one upfront.

FW: Claire Lagovez (France)

Possibly the player of the tournament at group stage level, winning the player of the match in all games she has played in. The French forward has been the talk of this tournament, scoring 3 goals and assisting 3 others, involving herself one way or another with every promising attack the French have. Her strike against Costa Rica had social media buzzing and could possibly make the FIFA Puskas Award final 3. With incredible feet, confidence, creativity and finishing, Les Blues’ number 10 is an exceptional talent.

Honorable mentions for: Katelyn Rowland (USA); Kadeshia Buchanan (Canada), Katie Naughton (USA), Martha Harris (England); Clarisse Le Bihan (France), Juliette Kemppi (Finland), Faustine Robert (France).

So who did I miss out on? Have your say in the comments section.

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