Falcons Can Shock USA, Says Oshoala
Super Falcons striker, Asisat Oshoala, has admitted the enormous task ahead as the team in its last group match against the United States in the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada this evening.
She said that they have what it takes to advance from the group by beating USA.
Super Falcons players, Oshoala, Courteney Dike (right) celebrating a team goal in Canada last year
Speaking to FIFA.com, Oshoala said that the team was poised for a fight for a place in the next stage of the championship.
“I and my teammates have what it takes to reach the round of 16 by winning our last group match.”
She also said that the Australian match taught her personal lesson in her approach to matches.
“My style of play can’t always be the same. I need to find different ways to change my attacking patterns so I can get behind the backline.”
After a wildly entertaining 3-3 draw where Oshoala scored Nigeria’s second and presented herself as a constant threat to Sweden, the No 8 found herself frustrated against Australia.
“I would say Sweden actually made it very hard for us,” explained Oshoala. “Australia I think was an easier opponent. We were unlucky not to get the goals we needed. But it doesn’t matter; we have to be better, no matter what.”
If coach Edwin Okon can get his front three – Oshoala is usually featured up top alongside Desire Oparanozie and Ngozi Okobi – firing on all cylinders in time for Tuesday’s big test against USA, Falcons may just be able to soar into the knockout stages, something Nigeria has only done once before, at USA 1999.
On the attacking trio, Oshoala said she wants them to play like Real Madrid’s attack. “I want us to play like Real Madrid’s forwards!” “They’re very, very good, Benzema, Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.
“We can be similar to them and I’d like us to play just like them as much as possible. As a front three, we can be very dangerous and if we try to be like them, we’ll go very far in this tournament!”
She linked her failure to score many goals to the quality of defence faced.
“This is a big tournament with much stronger competition. When you play at the under-age tournament, and then you come to the senior World Cup, you see it’s much harder. So, you just have to adapt to it.
She said that they have what it takes to advance from the group by beating USA.
Super Falcons players, Oshoala, Courteney Dike (right) celebrating a team goal in Canada last year
Speaking to FIFA.com, Oshoala said that the team was poised for a fight for a place in the next stage of the championship.
“I and my teammates have what it takes to reach the round of 16 by winning our last group match.”
She also said that the Australian match taught her personal lesson in her approach to matches.
“My style of play can’t always be the same. I need to find different ways to change my attacking patterns so I can get behind the backline.”
After a wildly entertaining 3-3 draw where Oshoala scored Nigeria’s second and presented herself as a constant threat to Sweden, the No 8 found herself frustrated against Australia.
“I would say Sweden actually made it very hard for us,” explained Oshoala. “Australia I think was an easier opponent. We were unlucky not to get the goals we needed. But it doesn’t matter; we have to be better, no matter what.”
If coach Edwin Okon can get his front three – Oshoala is usually featured up top alongside Desire Oparanozie and Ngozi Okobi – firing on all cylinders in time for Tuesday’s big test against USA, Falcons may just be able to soar into the knockout stages, something Nigeria has only done once before, at USA 1999.
On the attacking trio, Oshoala said she wants them to play like Real Madrid’s attack. “I want us to play like Real Madrid’s forwards!” “They’re very, very good, Benzema, Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.
“We can be similar to them and I’d like us to play just like them as much as possible. As a front three, we can be very dangerous and if we try to be like them, we’ll go very far in this tournament!”
She linked her failure to score many goals to the quality of defence faced.
“This is a big tournament with much stronger competition. When you play at the under-age tournament, and then you come to the senior World Cup, you see it’s much harder. So, you just have to adapt to it.
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