By Andrew Warshaw
December 8 – The artificial turf war may be partially overshadowing next year’s women’s World Cup but the participants cannot complain about discrimination when it comes to goal-line technology.
Just like the men in Brazil, goal-line technology will make its women’s World Cup debut in Canada, with interested companies invited to join an inspection visit to each of the venues in Edmonton, Moncton, Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver and Winnipeg.
FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke confirmed the decision on the eve of last weekend’s draw that threw up a mouth-watering Group of Death. With 24 teams now taking part, Valcke announced the prize money was being increased to $15 million from $10 million and also took the opportunity to hit back at the protest movement by some 60 elite players over the use of artificial turf.
“I’m amazed by the size and scale of the discussion and where we are about the artificial pitch(es),” said Valcke. ” It’s a part of our statutes that artificial pitches can be used as natural grass to make sure we can play football in everywhere around the world. If anyone is saying that the use of the artificial pitch is a question of discrimination, it’s nonsense. It has nothing to do with discrimination.”
Victor Montagliani, Chairman of the Organising Committee and Canadian Soccer Association President, pledged the tournament would leave a legacy “not only from coast-to-coast, but from little boys to little girls, and to men and to women.”
The afore-mentioned Group of Death will involved the top-ranked and two-time champions United States, Australia, Nigeria and, intriguingly, Sweden, coached by former US coach Pia Sundhage.
“It’s probably the toughest group there is but I think that’s historically been the path the USA has taken and we’re obviously going to embrace it,” U.S. coach Jill Ellis told reporters. “At the end of the day you’ve got to play good teams to win it and at some point you’re going to match up with quality opponents.”
Hosts Canada face China, New Zealand and the Netherlands while defending champions Japan lead Group C which includes Switzerland, Cameroon and Ecuador, the last nation to qualify for the tournament.
Second ranked Germany, champions in 2003 and 2007, find themselves in Group B alongside Norway, with Thailand and Ivory Coast the two group outsiders.
Draw results
Group A: Canada, China, New Zealand, Netherlands
Group B: Germany, Ivory Coast, Norway, Thailand
Group C: Japan, Switzerland, Cameroon, Ecuador
Group D: United States, Australia, Sweden, Nigeria
Group E: Brazil, South Korea, Spain, Costa Rica
Group F: France, England, Colombia, Mexico
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