North Korea won a 2-1 victory over Canada in the final round-robin game of the U21 Women’s World Cup in Japan. Canada finished the tournament with a 1-2 record, good for third in Group C, which did not allow us to progress.

We opened with a 6-0 win over Argentina before losing 2-1 to Norway. The North Koreans finished on top of the group with a 3-0 record. And so much for the North Koreans and their limits to travelling out of their country…so where did all those North Korean fans in the stands come from?

However their cheering was short lived. The semifinals saw Nigeria lose to the USA by 0-2 and Germany beat Japan 3-0. So it will be a USA versus Germany final today. Looking back, my opinion is that Canada was unlucky, and that the team should have gone further, but then I always think that of our national teams.

But look now for Canada’s U17 women to play in their U17 World Cup in late September in Azerbaijan. CBC is covering Canada’s matches which start on Sept. 22. There are 16 final teams in the competition, and Canada is grouped with hosts Azerbaijan, Columbia and Nigeria.

Fatboy Slim opens new soccer stadium

A new movie documents DJ Norman Cook’s (aka Fatboy Slim and last seen at the closing ceremony of the Olympics performing Rockerfella Skank) June 2012, two-night stand at the new Amex (soccer) Stadium in his hometown of Brighton, England.

The Amex is the new, permanent ground for the soccer team Brighton and Hove Albion, which had been homeless for 14 years. “I’d been on marches, I’d taken petitions to Downing Street to try and get planning permission,” said DJ Norman Cook. “It was an emotional moment just having the stadium, but being able to christen it was every schoolboy’s dream.”

Canada’s World Cup qualifier

Although this column had to be submitted prior to Friday’s game, it is hoped that Canada’s mens national team will turn in a wining performance against Panama at BMO field in Toronto. It is felt by many soccer pundits that this is one of the best national squads that we have put together in quite a while. The team includes Lars Hirscfeld in goal, defenders such as David Edgar, and Nik Legerwood, plus midfielders / forwards such as Julian De Guzman, Dwayne De Rosario and others.

Quote of the week

“I want people to really cheer in the stadium, swear, mourn, to lie in each other’s arms or father children in the stands. But please, no violence … and no flares” – Cologne manager Holger Stanislawski comes up with some alternatives for fans to do instead of flinging flares on to the pitch.

Soccer movies

Despite soccer being the world’s most popular sport, movies about the beautiful game have rarely hit the heights. Here is a look a few of the best soccer movies.

• The Damned United

The story of Brian Clough’s turbulent 44-day stint as Leeds United manager in 1974. The film chronicles his difficulties with the players and board as he looked to impose his unique style of management. Michael Sheen is exceptional as relentlessly stubborn Clough.

• Escape To Victory

A soccer match is used as cover for a prisoner of war break-out in this entertaining 1981 outing. Michael Caine headlines, and there are appearances from legendary players Pele and Bobby Moore. Sylvester Stallone may not have been ideally suited to his role as a goalkeeper, but there is enough here to keep viewers watching.

• Bend It Like Beckham

The plot centers around two soccer-loving girls from very different backgrounds. Jess’ parents do not want her playing the sport, while Jules (played by a young Keira Knightley) encourages her to express herself on the field. The title comes from David Beckham and his amazing ability to ‘bend’ the ball past defenders with his world famous right foot. A feel good movie, in 2010 it became the first western-made film to be broadcast on television in North Korea.

• Kicking and Screaming

Will Ferrell plays a family man who volunteers to coach his son’s soccer team but finds himself turning into his over competitive father (Robert Duvall). The movie features some good action scenes and impressive performances from some of the younger members of the cast.

• Fever Pitch

Colin Firth plays an obsessed Arsenal supporter and the film concentrates on how supporting the team through their dramatic Championship-winning season in 1989 effects his relationship with his girlfriend. The 1997 production is based on Nick Hornby’s UK best-selling book of the same name. Watch out for the Arsenal underpants.

• A Shot at Glory

Released in 2001, the movie stars Robert Duvall and the Scottish soccer player Ally McCoist. The film features the fictional Scottish football club Kilnockie, as they attempt to reach their first Scottish Cup Final. The final game is against the mighty Glasgow Rangers . The film, a personal favorite of mine, is loosely based on underdog Raith Rovers’ 1994 season.

Is Brek Shea back on form?

Touted once as a huge future US soccer star, Brek Shea of Dallas has failed to hit the headlines recently. However he seems to have regained his form in the recent historic win by the US Men’s National team over Mexico in the formidable Azteca stadium in Santa Ursula, Mexico City. The victory against Italy, the four-time FIFA World Cup champion was the first in US history, breaking a previous 10-game losing streak against Italy that dated back to 1934.

Remember, whatever your sport, to win the game is great, to play the game is greater, but to love the game is the greatest of all.

If you have any comments on the beautiful game please contact me at cottrell@nrtco.net, or call 613-587-4856.