Jun 12, 2019
seen from Malaysia
seen from Portugal
seen from Singapore
seen from South Africa
seen from Türkiye
seen from Morocco
seen from China
seen from Philippines
seen from Indonesia
seen from Germany
seen from United States
seen from Romania
seen from Brazil
seen from India
seen from South Korea
seen from China
seen from Türkiye
seen from Malaysia
seen from United States
seen from China
“and it’s just won’t go in for France! Thiney again!”
why does Thiney even make the whole shocked “ooo I missed face” like girl we knew you wouldn’t fit the target the second that touched your boot.
Thiney is to FRA what Lloyd is to USA rn.
Und hier nochmal jeder einzelne Elfer! And here's every single penalty!
YES! THINEY IS IN FINALLY.
Woman. Athlete.
My International Six
I was thinking about if there was a new expansion team who would I initially want for my six international players? I immediately nixed the idea of any of the current international players in the WPS to focus on those outside of the country.
And you'll notice a lack of defenders. This has more to do with being hamstrung by the limit of international players than not having quality defenders. The talent in the front is just too good to pass up with the amazing array of talent throughout the WPS. You have to be able to match it (and I could probably nab a quality defender or two in the expansion draft and/or trying to sign American Ali Krieger).
So, off the top of my head here is where I would go:
Forwards: Emilie Haavi & Gartane Thiney
I was impressed with both throughout the tournament, especially Thiney. However, Haavi would be my number one priority. She's only 19, performed well and will only continue to get better. And from a business perspective she is more marketable than some of the other current WPS international players (especially if her English is up to par). Having a cornerstone that could seemingly be built around is vital to an expansion team.
Midfielders: Sonia Bompastor, Louisa Necib, Aya Miyama and Genoveva Anonma
I was going to put Sawa on this list but her age was the deciding factor. But why select Bompastor then? She's a few years younger and has WPS experience as well. To add to that she would also be able to better communicate with my other French selections on the pitch. Necib and Miyama also stand out post-World Cup (Miyama boasts WPS experience as well). Anonma would be someone I'd take a flyer on. She showed quite well in the group stage against the likes of Brazil but missed a couple opportunities to finish. However, she is listed as a midfielder and putting her behind Haavi and Thiney could prove deadly with Bompastor out wide.
Realistic chance to sign any or all of these players? No. At least not without incredibly deep pockets. But again this was just a thought of who I would like to have on the squad.