Tag: 2019 Womens World Cup

Photo Courtesy of U.S. Department of State

Quarterfinals Are Much More Than USA vs France

The game everyone is talking about for the World Cup is France vs the United States. People cannot believe the number one ranked team and the number four ranked team would be playing each other in a quarterfinal matchup. This game feels like it deserves to be a final, but the structure of the World Cup does their knockout rounds based on group finishes not world rankings.

The winner of the France vs. the United States may very well go onto win the World Cup, but there are way too many games left and quite frankly quality teams in the other quarterfinalists. There are plenty of story lines and angles the other six teams have created and to focus the majority of coverage on just France and the United States would do them a disservice.

We’re going to take a closer look at the other three quarterfinal games and hopefully you will be just as excited to watch them as you are France vs the United States.

England vs Norway

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The first game of the quarterfinals will take place between England and Norway. England, ranked third in the world and last World Cups’ third place finisher, was a not a surprise to advance to the final eight teams. Norway ranked just 12th in the world and having to beat the fifth ranked Australia to get the quarterfinals is a bit of a surprise.

England returned 12 players from their 2015 squad, but only seven of their starters from their third place victory returned. They also had to adjust to a new coach in Phil Neville who was named in January of last year amid controversy. But the Lionesses have proven that is all behind them and they are wanting to get one game further and play for a World Cup title.

They cruised through the group stage earning all nine points confirming they were a top team. Their impressive wins over Japan, Scotland and Argentina were almost washed away by a rocky showing against Cameroon in the Round of 16.

England was bailed out multiple times by Cameroon miscues and had goals practically handed to them. Their three goals were scored from an indirect free kick inside the box, a penalty kick and a corner kick. Not being able to score in the run of play questions England’s ability to finish when goals will come few and far between as they face tougher opponents. England also gave Cameroon opportunities to score, but offside and their inability to finish kept them off the scoresheet.

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Norway is going to be more of a test for England. They’re the 1991 World Cup Champions and 2000 Olympic gold medalists but have not had much success since then. People thought they would not be able to make a deep run at this tournament without the help of Ada Hegerberg, the best player in the world who is boycotting the Norway National team. But like England, Norway is choosing to put controversy behind them. They finished second in their group behind France. Their only loss was to France but it was just 2-1 with France getting the go ahead goal from a penalty kick.

Their second place finish meant playing Australia in the round of 16. Australia had under-performed in the group stage, but it was believed they would get going in the knockout round and live up to their sixth world ranking.

But Norway showed grit and pushed Australia as far as they could go. The game went to a penalty shootout with Norway not missing a single kick. Australia was playing a player down after a red card and looked defeated. Norway gained confidence as the match went on and proved they were the superior side.

It’s unknown if England and Norway will go to a penalty shootout of their own, but if so Norway has the upper hand and the continued chip on their shoulder to prove they belong and perhaps hoist the World Cup trophy after a 28 year drought.

Italy vs The Netherlands

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The game of firsts, the first time both teams have played in a quarterfinal in a World Cup and the first time these teams have ever played each other at a World Cup. Italy has been deemed the Cinderella story of the tournament while the Netherlands are seen as a finalist at the World Cup.

Italy is the lowest ranked team left in the tournament at 15. They had not been to a World Cup since 1999, but they were one of the first teams to qualify out of Europe. No matter how a team qualifies the World Cup is its own entity and tends to favor those with experience in the tournament. And then there’s the exception to the rule —Italy.

The Azzurre shockingly won Group C over top teams Australia and Brazil. Perhaps the most impressive thing about them is not that they have won, but how they have won. They play fluid soccer, often called pretty soccer. They play with passion and confidence, proud to represent their country at new heights.

Their first Knockout Round matchup was against China PR, a team who had committed the most fouls in the tournament. The constant stoppage of play from the fouls was thought to be an issue for Italy’s game-plan, but the team was unwavered. They settled into the game and posted their second shutout of the tournament. The Italians have only given up two goals at the World Cup, a statistic proving their defense is a staple for their team.

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On the other-side there is arguably the best offensive power in the world, with the Dutch forwards. The Netherlands have scored eight goals so far and will be looking to stretch the Italian back line. Holland was able to earn first place in Group E earning all nine points, with the most notable victory over Canada.

Even with eight goals the Dutch still seem to have more in them and looks like their offense is not always in sync. They were able to get the early lead against Japan in their first game in the Knockout Round. Japan was able to fight back and tie the game up 1-1 before halftime. The second half was mainly full of possession for Japan leaving the Dutch with limited opportunities to score and questioning whether they would advance. But it does not matter how many chances you get, all that matters is converting them. Japan could not convert them thanks large in part to goalkeeper, Sari Van Veenendaal. Late in the game the Netherlands were awarded a penalty and they seized the chance and are now in the quarterfinals. If the Netherlands are to advance past Italy then their offense will have to live up to its full potential.

Whichever team wins, the result will be emotional and have a a team reach the semifinal for the first time. When the game is done, you’ll undoubtedly want to stay tuned to see the winner’s reaction.

Germany vs Sweden

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The final game of the quarterfinal matchup has two of the more prominent European teams as of late. Both teams ranked inside the top ten will undoubtedly bring an exciting match.

Germany is the second ranked team in the world, but has not been receiving the same recognition as some. They have been quietly making their way through the tournament with a business-like demeanor. Germany won their Group without conceding a single goal. They continued their shutout streak into the Round of 16 when they faced Nigeria. They won in commanding style beating Nigeria 3-0.

All of Germany’s wins have felt commanding which shows they are a powerhouse. But it also means they have not had too much diversity and Spain was their highest ranked opponent at 13. Their biggest obstacle has been the injury to their star player, Dzsenifer Marozsan. Germany said she was out for the group stage and whether she can play in the quarterfinals is unknown. Even with the injury, they have not been tested in games which begs the question how will Germany do when they are tested by an even better opponent?

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That quality opponent might just be in their next game against Sweden. The ninth ranked team in the world and the second place finisher in Group F, Sweden has also quietly made their way through the World Cup. They won their first two games easily and then knowing they were already through to the Knockout Round, they took the chance to rest players in their matchup against the USA. Some critiqued the decision, but it seemed to payoff in their game against Canada.

Canada was assumed the favorite with their higher ranking. The game was evenly played and would be 0-0 for the majority of the game. But Sweden waited it out patiently and was able to score a goal. Canada looked to tie the game back up with a second half penalty but Hedvig Lindahl, the Sweden goalkeeper, made the save of the tournament denying Canada a goal.

Sweden and Germany have quietly made the quarterfinals, but their game might just be the best matchup showing a back and forth game. Expect this game to be anything but quiet.

The matchups are set and they start tomorrow to see who will advance to the semifinals.

  • Norway vs England: June 27th at 3:00 pm ET on FOX
  • France vs the United States: June 28th at 3:00 pm ET on FOX
  • Italy vs the Netherlands: June 29th at 9:00 am ET on FS1
  • Germany vs Sweden: June 29th at 12:30 pm ET on FS1
Photo Courtesy of ThreeCharlie

The Quarterfinals Are Set With Historic New Comers

Before this World Cup neither the Netherlands nor Italy had advanced past the first game in the knockout round. That was until today when both teams were able to win their games and advance to the quarterfinals for the first time in their history.

Italy had not been to a Women’s World Cup since 1999. That 20 year drought would make it seem that Italy was just happy to be back and a team not thought of as a top team in the world. But their first place finish in Group C over favorites Australia and Brazil proved they are a team that opponents need to be concerned about.

Even with a successful group play campaign they still had to defeat a talented China team. China who is the most penalized team with fouls was going to disrupt the play of a very fluid Italian team. Early on in the game it seemed like China was able to get the best of Italy and control the pace. But a little bit of patience and weathering the storm benefited Italy.

A tough defense was hard for the Italians to break through but a persistent Valentina Giacinti for Italy was able to get the offense going. She created a turnover in China’s defensive half and then crossed the ball in for her teammates to score. The ball kept getting knocked around and eventually rolled back to Giacinti in the middle of the box. She went fearlessly at the ball and launched it into the net.

China was able to create a few chances of their own throughout the game, but Italy’s high level defense proved to be too much. Italy has only conceded two goals all tournament and both have been off penalty kicks.

Italy was able to double their lead and give themselves some breathing room. In the 49th minute of play Italy caused China to turn the ball over again in their defensive half. This time Italy passed the ball just one time to a wide open Aurora Galli at the top of the box. She shot the ball into the lower left corner of the goal giving Italy the 2-0 lead.

The lead would be enough to propel Italy into the quarterfinals and celebrate a feat they have never conquered before. A few of the players were understandably emotional after the game. And some of that can be attributed to not only their historic run on the field, but the history they are making with equality in Italy.

When asked about the impact the team is having on soccer and in Italy Milena Bertolini, the head coach, mentioned the players playing for a purpose and wanting to change Italian culture. She said, “I really believe that this Italian women’s side has allowed the women’s game to break new ground back home. We can see that from the viewing figures, from what we’re seeing in the press, and from all the messages of those back home who are writing to us… This team with what they’re producing on the pitch they are able to break down some of those prejudices and barriers and they are enacting change and that is the mission that the girls feel they have in France.”

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The Netherlands were able to create some history of their own by beating Japan 2-1. Japan had been in the World Cup final for the past two tournaments and actually beat the Netherlands in 2015. They are the second youngest team at the World Cup this year and their inexperience was not enough to beat a tough Dutch side.

The Netherlands were able to get on the scoresheet first with their goal in the 17th minute. They had lined up for a corner kick with Sherida Spitse taking it on the left side. She played a ball right to the corner of the 6-yard box where Lieke Martens was positioned perfectly. Martens had a beautiful finish hitting the ball with her back heel and nutmegging a Japanese defender scoring an impressive goal.

Before the first half was over Japan was able to to convert a goal of their own. Known for their buildup and great tactical passes Japan was able to score from short quick passes. Mana Iwabuchi sent a through ball to Yui Hasegawa who then chipped the ball into the net tying the game up.

Japan appeared to dominate play in the second half and possessed the ball the majority of the time. But possession does not always dictate who wins and Japan not being able to finish in the final third was their downfall.

The game was nearing its end still tied at 1-1 and fans were thinking this game was going to extra time, it felt like the game deserved to go to extra time. However, while Saki Kumagai was trying to block a shot in Japan’s defensive box her arm got in the way and a penalty was issued for the Netherlands in the 89th minute. Lieke Martens stepped to take the penalty and earn herself a brace for the game. She kicked the ball into the right corner of the goal while the Japanese goalie dove the other way. The goal would put the game out of reach for Japan and allow the Netherlands to advance.

Even though the Netherlands have made the quarterfinals for the first time in their history the team is still a favorite to make the finals. When asked about the historic run Martens commented, “The history that we have made, we are really proud of that, but we’re not done yet here. We’re really looking forward to the next game and we hope we can surprise more.”

The Netherlands next game will be against Italy and whoever wins that game will make more history with their first trip to the semifinals. With both of these teams qualifying seven of the eight teams in the quarterfinals are from Europe with the lone non-European team being the United States.

Italy and the Netherlands will play Saturday at 9:00 am ET on FS1.

Photo Courtesy of Noah Salzman

Today’s WWC Games Produced Drama and Question Marks

Today proved to be a low scoring day with just four goals and only eight shots on goal between both of the matchups. But the limited goals also meant two tight games and intense moments up until the final play.

It opened up with a game between the United States and Spain. Many people believed Spain would be outmatched and outplayed by the number one team in the world. But Spain kept up with the United States and even exploited some of the holes in the United States’ defense.

There was no surprise however, in the US scoring in the first 15 minutes which they have done in all four of their World Cup games so far. In the 8th minute of play Tobin Heath was weaving with the ball in the box when she was fouled by Mapi León of Spain. The foul was harsh enough to warrant a penalty and Megan Rapinoe stepped up to take it. The Spanish goalkeeper dove to her left but Rapinoe went to the other side for the easy goal.

Spain would not hang their heads and instead capitalized on a United States miscue just two minutes after the US scored. Alyssa Naeher, the US goalkeeper, played a ball from a free kick to Becky Sauerbrunn. The ball was deep in the United States defensive half when Sauerbrunn received it and she immediately felt pressure from Spain. The pressure proved to be too much for the veteran defender and she turned the ball over to Lucía García. With Naeher well off her line García played the ball to Jenni Hermoso who hooked the ball into the top right corner of the net. Only 10 minutes into the game and it was already 1-1.

Fans were stunned with what had transpired and figured they were in for a high scoring game. However they would have to wait until the 75th minute to see another goal. Rose Lavelle for the United States was dribbling in Spain’s defensive box. Virginia Torrecilla briefly tapped Lavelle’s leg and she fell to the ground. The referee awarded a penalty, but may felt it was the wrong call and a pretty weak penalty. Some people couldn’t even tell if Torrecilla touched Lavelle before she fell. Regardless of what fans thought the United States were given the penalty and once again Rapinoe went up to take it. She shot the ball to the same exact side and got the same exact result as the first penalty giving the US a 2-1 lead.

The result would stand and the US are through to the quarterfinals. The game was not the United States best game, but the result is all that matters even if the defense looked shaky at times and the fact they had no goals at the run of play is concerning. If they are to get to the semifinals they will have to defeat a very impressive French team. France did beat the US back in January 3-1 and the loss created plenty of speculation about the quality of the US defense. Today’s game against Spain further reiterated these concerns and produces question marks about whether the United States can go far in the World Cup. The US will face off against France on Friday at 3 pm ET on FOX.

The USA France matchup has been the talk of the tournament ever since the groups were selected back in December. When Rapinoe was asked about the upcoming game she seems to be just as excited as the fans and expects the game of the tournament to take place.

The second game of the day between Sweden and Canada saw just one goal in the 55th minute. A great ball from Kosovare Asllani was played just inside the 18-yeard box to Stina Blackstenius who made a sliding kick that knocked the ball into the goal.

The game itself did not create too many chances for either team and defense was the word of the game. The lone goal from Sweden did give Canada a sense of urgency to score. Their best opportunity came in the form of a penalty kick in the 69th minute. Christine Sinclair who has the second most goals all time in international competition would have been assumed as the player to take the penalty for Canada. But Janine Beckie stepped to the spot and sent a well hit ball into the lower left corner. It seemed like it had enough pace to earn a goal, but Sweden’s goalkeeper, Hedvig Lindahl made the diving save.

1-0 would stand as the final score sending Sweden into the quarterfinals and Canada with another underwhelming World Cup showing. Despite being one of the top ranked teams Canada has never made it past the quarterfinals.

Five out of the six teams to make it to the quarterfinals are from Europe meaning at least one all Europe game will take place. With Sweden advancing that all European game was set. Sweden will continue their World Cup journey when they face Germany on Saturday at 12:30 pm ET on FS1.

Photo Courtesy of Agência Brasil Fotografias

Day Two of the Knockout Round Proves to be More Exciting Than the First

Can there be a game recap without the mention of VAR? It seems unlikely in this year’s Women’s World Cup. The first day of the knockout round proved to be exciting, but day two may have outmatched it.

The first game of the day had England going against Cameroon, many people believed Cameroon did not stand much of a chance since England is a favorite to make the semifinals. The game got chippy early when Yvonne Leuko of Cameroon was given a yellow card in just the 4th minute of play due to a harsh foul. Scoring also started early for England. They were able to capitalize on a Cameroon miscue that had a defender tap the ball back to the goalkeeper inside the box. All the goalkeeper had to was clear the ball out with her foot, but instead she picked the ball up forcing the referee to award France an indirect free kick just outside the 6-yard box. England easily converted with Stephanie Houghton burying the ball into the far right side of the goal.

England was able to get their second goal of the game right before half time. Originally it was ruled offside, but thanks to VAR the call was overturned and England went up 2-0. The decision did not go over well with the Cameroon side who felt the goal was unjust. They began arguing with the referee and eventually had a team huddle mid-match, a very unusual sight for a soccer game. Cameroon eventually went back to playing the game and went into halftime down 2-0.

Cameroon, looking to start the second half on a better foot seemed to get a goal in the 48th minute. However, the goal was disallowed after, you guessed it, VAR ruled Cameroon was offside. The call was too much for Cameroon who were irate and felt cheated by the call. It seemed like nothing was going Cameroon’s way.

Cameroon would end the game without a goal and England would add another goal to win 3-0. The scoreline ended up not being the biggest story from the game rather it was how Cameroon handled themselves throughout the match. There were mixed opinions on whether Cameroon crossed the line with their arguing and even arrant fouls during the match. Others felt their reactions were warranted and unfair opinions were given to Cameroon.

No one was more vocal against Cameroon than England’s head coach, Phil Neville. He could not believe what he had watched and thought the game was a disgrace to women’s soccer.

On the other side there was the Cameroon coach, Alain Djeumfa, who claimed there were injustices in the game. He thought the referee got calls wrong saying, “There was a miscarriage of justice… the referee makes mistakes and ultimately the referee made a lot of mistakes tonight.”

Despite all of the controversy in the game England was able to come out victorious and will face Norway in the quarterfinals on Thursday at 3 pm ET on FOX.

As fans tried to collect themselves after the first game France and Brazil created their own drama for the second game of the day. And within the first 25 minutes of the game VAR played a large role in a controversial goal opportunity.

In the 23rd minute of play France was on the attack and sent a dangerous ball into the box. There was a handful of players going up for the ball including Brazilian goalkeeper, Bárbara, who collided with Valérie Gauvin of France. Despite the collision Gauvin got a piece of the ball and was able to score for France. As the two players received treatment for possible injuries the referee went to VAR to see if the goal would stand. After looking at the play the referee deemed Bárbara had possession of the ball until Gauvin knocked it loose meaning the goal was null and void. The call was very hard to accept and seemed like France had been given the wrong call.

Luckily for France, they were able to get the go ahead goal and this time without any VAR needed. They would have to wait until the 52nd minute, but in true just fashion Gauvin was able to right the wrong and score the goal off a sliding shot in the box.

Brazil would earn a goal of their own that at first had been signaled no good due to offside. This time VAR seemed to get the call right since the player in question was not a part of the play and in soccer offside can only be called if the player is directly involved.

The 1-1 tie would carry over from the regulation 90 minutes and give the knockout round it’s second game of extra time. The momentum from Brazil’s goal seemed to carry over and almost give Brazil the go ahead goal in the 104th minute. But France could breathe a sigh of relief after Mbock Bathy made a sliding kick to keep the ball out of the net.

That was Brazil’s only real chance at a goal in extra time. The home crowd for France seemed to propel the team and give them that extra edge over their opponent. Brazil could feel France was taking over the game so they tried to break up the flow of the play with fouls all throughout extra time. Most of the fouls were in neutral areas but one proved to be costly.

France was awarded a free kick on the right side just outside their offensive box. Amel Majri crossed the ball from the free kick position right to Amandine Henry who one touched the ball into the goal as she fell to the ground. The goal would stand and so would the 2-1 score giving France the victory.

The exit for Brazil could mean the last time Brazilian players Formiga, Cristiane and most notably Marta, the six-time FIFA World Player of the Year, could play at a World Cup. The trio has never won a major tournament. An emotional post match Marta pleaded with young Brazilian females to work hard so they can “Cry in the beginning so you can smile in the end.” A nod to the discrimination that females in Brazil still face when playing soccer.

The host nation, France, moves on and joins the likes of Norway, Germany and England in the quarterfinals. Half of the field is set for the final eight and all of them are European showing the dominance of soccer in the continent.

The remaining spots could go to all European countries but the United States and Canada will hope to advance after their games tomorrow facing Spain and Sweden respectively. The United States and Spain will play at 12:00 pm ET followed by Canada vs Sweden at 3:00 pm ET both on FS1.

Photo Courtesy of Sven Mandel

First Day of the Knockout Round Does Not Disappoint

The group games proved to be exciting and create some surprise endings. But narrowing the field of teams down to 16 has only increased the level of competition.

Germany and Nigeria were the first to play in the Knockout Round this year. Nigeria was the last team to move on and they were given the task of trying to beat the 2nd ranked team in the world. Both teams looked dangerous early with chances on goal. But it was Germany’s pressure that had them take the lead. Germany was awarded a corner, their 5th corner at that time in the match. They had been doing short corners, but this time they decided to utilize Alexandra Popp’s height. They crossed the ball right to her head and she knocked it in giving Germany the 1-0 lead in the 20th minute.

Germany would double their lead just seven minutes later after they were awarded a penalty kick following a VAR review. Sara Daebritz shot the ball into the lower right corner just out of reach of the Nigerian goalkeeper. The game would settle down and Nigeria would get a few chances of their own, but nothing solidified for them. Germany looked like the superior side most of the game. They added an insurance goal to their lead in 82nd minute. Some poor passing by the Nigerian defenders caused a turnover just outside their 18-yard box. Lea Schüller collected the ball and sent a one time shot into the back of the net.

The 3-0 scoreline would be the final. Despite losing this game the head coach for Nigeria, Thomas Dennerby, described their play at the World as, “Showed that Nigeria as a team has improved a lot. We are of course not satisfied with going out… We still improved the team and to play games like this is extremely important for the future.” He kept emphasizing the need for them to keep playing games in the FIFA window and push for them to improve outside the World Cup. Hopefully Nigeria’s federation can see the same need as the coach and push to have funding and support.

Germany will play the winner of Sweden vs Canada which takes place on Monday at 3 pm ET.

The second game of the day had a much closer scoreline and drama throughout. Australia nearly scored in the first 30 seconds of the game, but Sam Kerr shot the ball just wide of the net. There were various chances for both teams, but Norway finally got the first goal of the game in the 31st minute. A through ball just out of reach of the Australian defender fell perfectly to Isabell Herlovsen who shot the ball after one touch into the right side of the goal.

Australia felt like they were going to get their equalizer either from the run of play or a penalty kick. Initially the referee awarded a penalty late in the first half but the referee overturned it. There were Australian players on the ground multiple times inside their offensive box where they felt a penalty should be awarded, but the referee did not issue one.

The Matildas would find their goal in the 83rd minute from Elie Kellond-Knight. She took a corner kick right into goal with a nice curving ball.

The evenly matched game rightfully went into extra time where the drama and suspense would continue. In the 104th minute of play Lisa-Marie Utland of Norway was heading to goal with just Alanna Kennedy of Australia to beat. Kennedy bodied Utland and took her down. The referee saw the foul as a goal stopping foul and gave Kennedy a red card. Kennedy pleaded her case, but after VAR reviewed the play, it was confirmed she had to be sent off. With the entire second half of extra time to still be played Australia knew getting to a penalty shootout down a player was going to be a challenge.

Australia held their own, anchored by their goalkeeper, Lydia Williams, who made save after save to keep her team alive. They held on just long enough to get the game to a penalty shootout. Norway elected to go first and Caroline Graham Hansen easily scored her penalty. Kerr came up to take the first one for Australia, their captain and best offensive player. She soared the ball over the goal. Momentum immediately swung towards Norway who would not miss a single penalty meanwhile Australia only converted one of their three. Norway would win 1-1 with a 4-1 penalty advantage.

The ending felt similar to the 2016 Rio Olympics when Australia lost to Brazil in the quarter finals in a penalty kick shootout. Kennedy who was sent off with a red in today’s game was the player who missed the final penalty in 2016.

The heartbreak of Australia was met with jubilation from Norway.

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After the game Kerr expressed her frustrations describing the game as “Obviously disappointing we’re out. We’d hoped to come much further, but we’ll learn from it and we’ll come back.” The early exit topped off a surprising second place finish in their group. The Matildas will look to regroup and focus on qualifying for the 2020 Olympics.

Norway advances and will play the winner of England vs Cameroon that is played tomorrow at 11:30 am ET. Norway may face another game that ends in penalties and they will look to their composure and confidence they had in this game should the time come again.