Tag: Italy

Photo Courtesy of Ailura

Holland Advances to Their First Semifinals in Women’s World Cup History

Entering the game the Netherlands were the heavy favorites over Italy. The Italians were deemed the Cinderella team of the tournament and were thought to be outmatched by Holland.

Neither Italy or the Netherlands have played in a quarterfinal at a Women’s World Cup so nerves were expected from both sides. But if the nerves were not enough they also had to try and play through the heat wave that is passing through France. Their game was set to kickoff at 3 pm local time when the heat is in its prime. The Netherlands said they tried to ask FIFA to move the game back to try and play at cooler temperatures. It was to no avail and the teams would have to manage the game with the fatigue the heat causes.

The Netherlands controlled the tempo for the majority of the game. They had multiple scoring chances, but were not clinical in the final third and Italy’s goalkeeper, Laura Giuliani, was not tested. Italy had their chances in the first half even though they came few and far between. But again no real test for the Netherlands goalkeeper, Sari van Veenendaal. No real chances mean no goals and a 0-0 tie at halftime.

The much needed rest and the recovery from the halftime break gave the Netherlands a surge of tempo in the second half. They had many different attacks in the early minutes of the half but once again just could not get anything in the back of the net. The Netherlands were even given free kick opportunities deep in their offensive half, but no goals to count for.

The constant pressure for the Netherlands would pay off as the game went on and so would their free kicks. The Netherlands were awarded a free kick on the left side of their attacking half. Free kick specialist, Sherida Spitse, stepped up to take the kick and played a beautifully weighted ball to Vivianne Miedema who effortlessly headed the ball into the goal.

The 1-0 lead ignited the Netherlands even more and just ten minutes after their first goal they added another in similar fashion.

Spitse once again stepped up to take a free kick in the offensive half, this time on the right side. She sent a driven ball into the box and Stefanie van der Gragt shot up out of the crowd of players and headed the ball above the outstretched goalkeeper.

Only ten minutes left to play and down 2-0 Italy could feel their historic run coming to an end. They would play the remaining minutes with the same pride and passion they have the entire tournament, but when the final whistle blew the Italians were eliminated. Hopefully this is not the last we see of the Italians and we do not have to wait another 20 years to see them at the Women’s World Cup.

The Dutch have used this World Cup to make a statement that they may be newer to the spotlight, but they are a team that will remain at the top. Earlier this week Lieke Martins, forward for the Netherlands, told FIFa that what their goal as a team was and it was that ‘We want to make history’ and they did just that. They will have to wait until the game between Sweden and Germany which starts at 12:30 pm ET on FS1. After the match Miedema said that she does not care who their next opponent is saying, “We’ll see tonight if it’s going to be Sweden or Germany, but I don’t care they’re both really good and we know that we can beat them.”

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

Embed from Getty Images

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.

Embed from Getty Images

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

Embed from Getty Images

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.

Embed from Getty Images

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

Embed from Getty Images

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?

Embed from Getty Images

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.”

Embed from Getty Images

Embed from Getty Images

Embed from Getty Images

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.