What to Look Forward to in Summer 2019

For casual and serious soccer fans alike, summer can sometimes seem like a barren stretch of soccerless wasteland. Summers without a World Cup feel like a long series of outrageous transfer rumors that will never come true (Arsenal set to sign *insert player who isn't going to sign for Arsenal* for $80 million!) and can wear heavy on someone just trying to catch an entertaining game.

Another roller coaster season of European soccer season came to an end in recent weeks. First, the two all-English European finals; Chelsea defeated a hapless Arsenal in the Europa League Final and Liverpool triumphed over Tottenham in the final of the Champions League. In the following week, the UEFA Nations League came to an end after a long break, with Cristiano Ronaldo claiming his second international trophy against the Netherlands after singlehandedly willing Portugal to the final with a brilliant hat trick against Switzerland in the semifinal.

Yahoo Sports / Getty Images

That seemed like it! No more soccer for the summer. Fortunately, that wasn't all that Summer 2019 had in store for soccer fans. Instead, looking ahead, this summer actually features quite a few competitions that should make slow days at work and/or rainy Saturdays a little more entertaining.

The first is the most important competition and one that isn't getting the attention it deserves: the FIFA Women's World Cup. The 24 team tournament runs from June 7th to July 7th and has already had some outstanding moments. In Brazil's first match of the tournament, striker Christiane Rozeira scored a fantastic hat trick, completing it with an electrifying free kick smashed in off the crossbar. England's victory over Scotland in their first game of the tournament was the most watched women's soccer game of all time in England, with 6.1 million Brits, 37.8% of the available audience, tuning in to watch the Three Lionesses triumph. The United States are heavy favorites to repeat as champions and stormed to a 13-0 (Thirteen!) win over Thailand in their first game of the tournament.

News18.com / Reuters

However, things haven't all been positive. There have been several storylines developed already that show how much different the Women's World Cup is from the men's. The best female soccer player on the planet won't be participating in the World Cup. Reigning Ballon d'Or winner Ada Hegerberg of Norway, quit her national team in 2017. Following the European Championship in 2017, Hegenberg stated that she wouldn't play until the men's and women's Norwegian national teams were treated equally, something she said went beyond wages. She has faced backlash from team officials and Norwegian Men's team players, however, she made her decision and the sport misses her. One amazing comeback story shows more of the difficulties women athletes face. The Jamaican national team had all funds cut in 2010 as everything was poured into the men's team. 9 years later, they are the first Jamaican women's team to compete in the World Cup. As we approach the round of 16, the Women's World Cup will undoubtedly provide some amazing entertainment.

Sports Illustrated

Although Ronaldo will be resting and celebrating for the rest of the summer, his opposite number in soccer's 2-man G.O.A.T. discussion will be hoping to pick up an international trophy for himself in the Copa America. The Copa America is normally every four years (this cycle was interrupted by a special centennial tournament in 2016) and is made up of 10 South American teams and 2 guest countries, Japan and Qatar. Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay are the three countries expected to compete for the trophy. Argentina, led by, of course, Lionel Messi, will hope that their high-powered attack, which also includes Sergio Aguero of Premier League champions Manchester City and Angel DiMaria of Ligue Un champions PSG. Argentina will need their back line to improve- left back Nicolas Tagliafico was excellent for Ajax in their run to the Champions League semifinals, but center back Nicolas Otamendi and German Pezzella will need to prove themselves on the international stage for Argentina to survive. Brazil will miss their talisman Neymar, who suffered an ankle injury pre-tournament and will be unable to play. They will be lead by striker Roberto Firmino of Liverpool and have an excellent mix of exciting young talent and veteran leadership. The third forerunner, Uruguay, don't have quite the talent of the other two favorites, but with the fighting spirit of the Uruguayans, which they call "La Garra Carrucha", and two world-class strikers in Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani, who ply their trades domestically for Barcelona and Paris Saint Germain, respectively, the winners of the 2011 Copa America will look to claim the trophy once more.

Mirror

While South American countries compete in the Copa America, their neighbors in Central and North America will take part in another tournament: the Gold Cup. The CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American, And Caribbean Association of Football) Gold Cup consists of 16 teams and takes place every 2 years, with the United States the reigning champions. The United States and Mexico are expected to battle for the title. The USMNT hasn't looked up to snuff in friendlies leading up to the tournament, losing to both Venezuela and Jamaica in the pre-tournament friendlies, so fans around the country are hoping for a turnaround. The United States boasts a young, impressive team. Veterans Jozy Altidore or Gyasi Zardes are expected to lead the line, with star Christian Pulisic of Chelsea pulling the strings and Weston McKinnie of Shalke the rock in midfield. Matt Miazga, also of Chelsea, is expected to start at center back for the United States. Mexico will be led by strikers Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez and Raul Jimenez, both of whom excelled in the Premier League this past season. Mexico will, unfortunately, be missing exciting young winger Hirving Lozano and veteran Miguel Layun due to injury.

The Runner Sports

While senior internationals look to claim glory for their countries in these tournaments, the younger stars of European football will stake their claim for the best U-21 team in Europe in the U-21 Euros. The tournament features 12 of the best youth teams in Europe and has big name players such as Luka Jovic, the Serbian striker who just moved to Real Madrid for a reported 69 million Euros, and Phil Foden, the technically and tactically brilliant English central midfielder who made 13 Premier League appearances for champions Manchester City. Also participating is Italian striker Moise Kean- the first player born after 2000 to play in the Champions League, play and score in Serie A, and score for the Italian national team. A goal against Finland in May made him the youngest Italian international to score a goal since 1958. The tournament is sure to be full of standout performances from the future stars of world soccer and will be a joy to watch.

Manchester United Evening News / PA

Fear not, this summer won't be completely lacking soccer. These tournaments will provide fine entertainment throughout the summer months and will allow fans to get their fill. Between all these games, you might even be able to read a couple transfer rumors about players that your favorite club are going after!

Citations

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/worldcup/2019/06/11/world-cup-best-player-ada-hegerberg-skips-biggest-soccer-event/1418717001/