Softball World Cup 2013 Bracket: Breaking Down All 5 Teams

The five best softball teams from around the world will soon meet in Oklahoma City with the hopes of being crowned the champions of the World Cup of Softball.

Despite it being the eighth year of the tournament's existence, there have been just two countries to win the title. The United States has dominated the bracket in the past, winning six-of-seven championships. Japan is the only other team to have hoisted the trophy at the tournament’s conclusion.

In the coming days, each of the teams participating will play each other once. Then, seeds will be determined based on the preliminary round standings.

The No. 4 and No. 5 seeds will play for the opportunity to play the No. 3 seed in the Third Place Game. The No. 1 and No. 2 seeds will square off for the title.

Here is a breakdown of the five teams looking to win the World Cup of Softball this year, including each squad’s schedule for the week and information as to how each country has fared in this competition in the past.

*Schedules provided by TeamUSA.org.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico has participated at the World Cup of Softball just once—last year—and it seems unlikely that 2013 is going to be much different than 2012. Last year, the Puerto Ricans didn’t even score 10 runs throughout the six games they played. To make matters worse, the team’s pitching staff allowed 31 runs.

The team didn’t get completely embarrassed, though. Despite losing to Brazil in the opener in Oklahoma City, the Puerto Ricans defeated the Brazilians in the Fifth Place Game. Brazil, however, isn’t participating in 2013, meaning that there’s a strong chance Puerto Rico finishes in fifth place for the second straight year.

Prediction: Fifth Place

World Cup of Softball Schedule

Date	Time (ET)	Opponent
Friday, July 12	12:30 p.m.	Canada
Saturday, July 13	11 a.m.	Japan
Saturday, July 14	1:30 p.m.	Australia
Sunday, July 15	1 p.m.	United States

Canada

The Canadians have never made it to the championship game throughout their history in the World Cup of Softball. They have, however, taken third place on five occasions. Last year, Canada had the top offense, scoring 43 runs in six games, but it wasn’t enough to earn the No. 1 or No. 2 seeds.

The problem for Canada a year ago was that it started off very cold. The Canadians lost their first two games by one run apiece and then got destroyed at the hands of the United States in their third game. Then, they scored 20 total runs without allowing one against Puerto Rico and Brazil.

They need a hot start in 2013.

Prediction: Fourth Place

World Cup of Softball Schedule 

Date	Time (ET)	Opponent
Thursday, July 11	8 p.m.	United States
Friday, July 12	12:30 p.m.	Puerto Rico
Friday, July 12	3 p.m.	Japan
Saturday, July 13	4 p.m.	Australia

Australia

Australia enters this year’s World Cup of Softball with a bad taste in its mouth. The Australians played very well a year ago, winning 4-of-5 games in the preliminary round to earn the No. 2 seed. Their only loss of the round came against the United States, falling by a score of 3-1.

Australia couldn’t get on the board when it got another chance to take down the Americans, losing 3-0. In the country’s history at the World Cup of Softball, it has a pair of second-place finishes, one third-place finish and two fourth-place finishes. Don’t expect the Australians to be in the title game this year with Japan back in action.

Prediction: Third Place

World Cup of Softball Schedule

Date	Time (ET)	Opponent
Thursday, July 11	5:30 p.m.	Japan
Friday, July 12	8 p.m.	United States
Saturday, July 13	1:30 p.m.	Puerto Rico
Saturday, July 13	4 p.m.	Canada

Japan

Japan is easily the second-best team in this year’s tournament. It’s the only country aside from the United States to ever win the title in Oklahoma City. Japan was the No. 2 seed back in 2005 after winning 2-of-4 preliminary round matchups. The Japanese defeated USA 3-1 in the championship game to win the inaugural title.

Since, Japan has lost in the title game four times and finished in fourth place once. Last year, the Japanese decided not to participate. They’re back this year, though, looking to win their first title since 2005.

Japan likely has the best shot of the participating teams of upending USA, but it’s still going to be tough. Japan shouldn't have much trouble with the other three teams.

Prediction: Second Place

World Cup of Softball Schedule

Date	Time (ET)	Opponent
Thursday, July 11	5:30 p.m.	Australia
Friday, July 12	3 p.m.	Canada
Saturday, July 13	11 a.m.	Puerto Rico
Saturday, July 13	9 p.m.	United States

United States

The United States is the most dominant team in the world without a doubt. The Americans have won the World Cup of Softball six consecutive times. They’ve never failed to make it to the championship game of the global tournament either. Last year, USA only allowed two runs throughout its run to the title.

One player to keep an eye on for the Americans is Lauren Chamberlain, who was one of the top hitters in the nation this past year at Oklahoma. In 61 games, she hit .458/.613/1.113 with 30 home runs and 84 RBI. She could probably take down the other four teams by herself, but she’ll undoubtedly let her teammates lend a hand.

USA should cruise to a seventh title.  

Prediction: First Place

World Cup of Softball Roster

Player	School	Class
Valerie Arioto	California	2012
Raven Chavenne	Tennessee	2013
Lauren Chamberlain	Oklahoma	Junior
Amanda Chidester	Michigan	2012
Aimee Creger	Tulsa	Senior
Amber Freeman	Arizona St.	Junior
Lauren Gibson	Tennessee	2013
Taylor Hoagland	Texas	2013
Nicole Hudson	Missouri	2013
Destinee Martinez	Oklahoma	Senior
Jessica Moore	Oregon	2013
Michelle Moultrie	Florida	2012
Sara Nevins	South Florida	Senior
Kourtney Salvarola	South Florida	Senior
Rhea Taylor	Missouri	2011
Taylor Thom	Texas	Senior
Lindsey Ziegenhirt	California	2013
*Roster courtesy of TeamUSA.org.

World Cup of Softball Schedule

Date	Time (ET)	Opponent
Thursday, July 11	8 p.m.	Canada
Friday, July 12	8 p.m.	Australia
Saturday, July 13	9 p.m.	Japan
Sunday, July 14	1 p.m.	Puerto Rico