With so many intriguing battles to look forward to, let’s take a look at where the danger lies at the World Cup Qualifying event for the Australian Opals.
A highly depleted Serbian team and 2 teams that would likely fail to make WC if in different pools. Brazil missing 2nd best player too. Not a great test… would have preferred usa, Japan, France or Belgium etc as opponents.
The structure of the draw did not allow for Opals to be in the same pool as France or USA - teams were pulled from four different pots based on rankings. I’m also a fan of the pool Aus has been drawn in. They are a challenging group of teams with a variety of game styles. Just what the Opals need in my opinion.
Will be interesting to see how all this plays out as obviously the Opals are also not able to send their best team. Either way, the squad will be better for the opportunity to play.
A highly depleted Serbian team and 2 teams that would likely fail to make WC if in different pools. Brazil missing 2nd best player too. Not a great test… would have preferred usa, Japan, France or Belgium etc as opponents.
The structure of the draw did not allow for Opals to be in the same pool as France or USA - teams were pulled from four different pots based on rankings. I’m also a fan of the pool Aus has been drawn in. They are a challenging group of teams with a variety of game styles. Just what the Opals need in my opinion.
I’d prefer to face the best possible in meaningless games.
Korea unlikely to make WC, Brazil in transition, Serbia blooding new youth.
Japan, Belgium, France, China all at full,strength
Will be interesting to see how all this plays out as obviously the Opals are also not able to send their best team. Either way, the squad will be better for the opportunity to play.