Tag: France

Photo Courtesy of Jamie Smed

USWNT Removes All Doubt With Their Win Over France

The United States have never lost in a World Cup quarterfinal and France has never won a World Cup quarterfinal. Despite their very different histories this game was thought of as Le Grand Match and quite frankly the best game of the tournament.

The number one team in the world would be the presumed favorites, but a questionable defense at times and barely beating Spain in their previous match had people wondering if the UWSNT could beat an impressive French side. With the home crowd behind them and a desire to win a game they never have France had all the tools to take down the 2015 Women’s World Cup Champion.

The game started quick, favoring the United States’ style of play. USA had their first shot on goal in the first minute of play and would only have to wait four more minutes for their first shot to find the back of the net. The United States was awarded a free kick just outside the box. Megan Rapinoe took the free kick and played a low ball into the box right in front of the US attackers. None of Rapinoe’s teammates would get to the ball, but it did not matter. Rapinoe’s ball in was enough and was able to bounce into the goal.

The rest of the first half would be back and forth showing an evenly matched game. Anytime either side looked like they were going to score their defense would step up many times sacrificing their bodies to keep the ball out of the net. The USA led 1-0 going into halftime.

The second half would start out quick as well but this time France was on the attack early and often. But France could not capialize on those chances. A big reason France could not score a goal was due to the play of US defender, Crystal Dunn. She had been criticized for being too much of an attacking defender and being lost out of position. Her critics were silenced after this game. Dunn was able to keep the lethal forward, Kadidiatou Diani, of France at bay and off the scoresheet.

If you have followed the USA at all then you have heard people talking about them having the best front line with Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan and Tobin Heath. The trio was able to live up to their status and were perfectly in-sync for the United States’ second goal of the game.

Morgan threaded a ball through to an on-running Heath. Using her space, Heath took the ball into their offensive box and passed the ball diagonally back across goal. Rapinoe was running into the box unmarked and slotted the ball to the far right side of the goal.

Despite being down 2-0, France did not let up and continued to pressure the United States’ defense. With just ten minutes left in the game the USA faithfuls could feel their team was going to walk away with the shutout and the win. However, France was awarded a free kick just outside their offensive box. Gaëtane Thiney played a lofted ball and found Wendie Renard, the tallest player on the field who headed the ball easily into goal. The United States looked lost on the free kick and left Renard unmarked.

Despite the defensive mishap the United States would settle in for the remainder of the game and give France no real chance to find an equalizer. The United States would go onto win 2-1. France is knocked out of the tournament despite a good showing at the World Cup, but continue to struggle in the big games.

This game fully lived up to expectations and felt like a close match for all 90 minutes. Head Coach for the UWSNT, Jill Ellis called the game “the most intense match” she has been a part of. Alex Morgan added that she thought the game was everything fans wanted, “It did live up to expectations. I’m happy to say that. We lived through a couple of storms during the match. I think we finished things off really well at the end. We did well. We knew there would be tough times and adversity, but we faced it straight on and we’re moving on. We’re so happy about it.”

It is unknown if any of the remaining games will be as exciting as this one. It probably deserved to be a final, but so often the best teams do not even get to face off and to have that at least happen deserves to be celebrated.

England who defeated Norway yesterday 3-0 now know they will play the United States for their semifinal matchup. That game will take place on July 2nd at 3:00 pm ET on FOX.

The remaining quartefinal games will be played tomorrow with the Netherlands and Italy playing at 9:00 am ET on FS1 and Germany taking on Sweden at 12:30 pm ET on FS1.

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 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.