Tag: Sweden

Photo Courtesy of Anders Henrikson

Sweden Earns Third Place Finish, Beating England 2-1

The second last day at the Women’s World Cup produced a thriller and one of the closest games of the tournament. The third place game, sometimes described as a meaningless, seemed anything but when England and Sweden stepped on the field.

England had won third place at the 2015 Women’s World Cup and were hoping to repeat as the bronze medalists. Simultaneously, Sweden had already surpassed their 2015 finish since they got beat in the round of the knockout play.

The game started quick with a Sweden corner in just the second minute of play. Nothing came of it for the Swedes, but the early chance helped spark future offense. The future was not too far off and Sweden was able to capitalize on their play in the 11th minute. The fast offensive start for Sweden can be contributed to England’s shuffling of players in the back-line. Mille Bright, a stable at center-back for the Lionesses, missed the game since she got a red card in the semifinal against the United States. An inexperienced Abbie McManus took over the starting role in her place. Also Demi Stokes was replaced at leftback by Alex Greenwood.

Sweden played a cross into the box, but none of their players were close to the ball. England’s Greenwood did well to intercept the cross, but did poorly to clear the ball a few feet to Kosovare Asllani just a few feet away. Asllani did not hesitate with the opportunity, sending a one touch shot into the right corner for a goal.

Sweden would ride their momentum and double their lead 11 minutes later. Stina Blackstenius of Sweden was on the left side of the pitch, she laid a short pass off to Sofia Jakobsson running into the box. Jakobsson was given a few feet of space by England’s defense so she dribbled into the box. The space allowed her to setup her shot perfectly and place a beautifully bended ball past the goalkeeper.

The game looked one-sided and seemed like England was still mourning the loss to the United States in their previous match. Their disappointing first 25 minutes of play was immediately followed with 30 minutes of inspiring soccer to finish the half.

Jill Scott was fed a ball at the center line and two Swedish defenders stepped in for a tackle. This allowed her teammate Fran Kirby to become free running in the attacking half. Scott played a well hit through ball sending Kirby down the right side of the field. Kirby cut the ball back inside and snuck a shot in to the left side of the net with Sweden’s goalkeeper not even diving to stop it.

England was now the team on attack and looked they would tie Sweden any minute. The Lionesses were even able to find he equalizing goal, but VAR weaseled its way into the match and ruled the goal was no good because of a handball by Ellen White. The call seemed a bit harsh and inconclusive from t he video, but the referee had made her decision and the score was 2-1 in favor of Sweden.

The score would hold at halftime, but when the second half started it felt like England had it in them to fins another goal and at least send the game to extra time. Yet the Lionesses could not put the ball in the back of the net no matter how many chances they had. England who looked so good throughout the tournament would leave it finishing worse than 2015. Devastation for their loss was shown by the team after the game.

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The win for Sweden was their third win over teams ranked in the top five. If they had played their usual starters against the United States in group play that number could be six wins. Sweden was immensely proud of their play and being able to walk away with the bronze medals displayed on their chests.

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The third place game was everything fans hoped for leaving them even more excited for the final tomorrow. The final will take place between the United States and Netherlands at 11 am ET on FOX.

Photo Courtesy of Ailura

Netherlands Win 1-0 to Advance to First Ever Women’s World Cup Final

Many people predicted the United States and England in the first semifinal but not many saw Sweden and the Netherlands making up the other. The Netherlands had been deemed a dark-horse and Sweden had to knockoff two top five teams to get here. Regardless of predictions both of these teams proved they are two of the best in the world and deserve to make it this far.

While the first semifinal had a blistering start with three goals in the first 32 minutes, today’s game would be much slower. But before the game started there were changes in the lineup on both sides. For Holland, star forward, Shanice van de Sanden, who has had a lackluster World Cup started the game on the bench for the first time. Lineth Beerensteyn replaced her on the front line.

Sweden had to make a change to their usual starting 11 since Fridolina Rolfö had to sit out for having two yellows in consecutive games. A last minute change was Nathalie Bjorn having to miss the game due to an illness.

None of the changes for either team added much in terms of offense. There were limited opportunities on both sides. Many chances in the first half were redirected or blocked by bodies in front of goal.

Not scoring a goal in the first half is nothing new to the Dutch. Up until this game six of their eight goals had taken place in the second half. When the second half started the Netherlands were without one of their other star forwards, Lieke Martens. She had been dealing with a toe injury for most of the tournament and admitted to playing with constant pain. Martens had not missed a minute yet because of the injury, but now she had to go to the bench due to the pain.

The story of the second half was finger tips and goalposts. Both teams had their best chances of the game after halftime and were inches away from scoring goals.

The first was for Sweden in the 56th minute. Sweden had a corner kick played well into the box, but Sari van Veenendaal, Holland’s golakeeper, punched the ball away. The ball bounced around in the box and finally went out to Nilla Fischer. She rocketed the ball so van Veenendaal had to dive to her right, but all she could get on the ball were tips of her fingers. Her touch was just enough to redirect the ball into the side post. The ball was eventually cleared out.

Seven minutes later the Netherlands would have their own chance from a corner kick. The ball was sent in to Vivianne Miedema all alone at the back of the box. She headed the ball to the far side but Hedvig Lindahl, Sweden’s goalkeeper, had just enough reach to tip the ball up into the crossbar. The play was then ruled offside after another shot on goal.

A few other chances came for both teams but no goals came to fruition. So the game headed to extra time, the first time in Women’s World Cup history for a semifinal to go to extra time.

No one could score in the first 90 minutes, but it would take just nine minutes into stoppage time for the 0-0 tie to be broken. Many figured the goal would come from a set piece since the Netherlands had scored six of their goals in the tournament from set pieces and on the other side Sweden ended the game with 12 corner kicks. And surely the goal would come from a star from one of the teams. Not a set piece and not a goal from a star.

Instead the goal came from the run of play and a beautiful buildup from the Netherlands. Daniëlle van de Donk had the ball just past the halfway line. She played the ball to Miedema who redirected the ball to on-running Jackie Groenen at the top of the box. Groenen sent a one touch ball to the left corner of the goal out of reach of the fingertips on Lindahl. The shot was the first one all tournament from Groenen.

The Dutch would hold off Sweden the rest of the match and win the game 1-0. In just their second appearance at a Women’s World Cup the Netherlands are in the finals for the first time.

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The United States are the obvious favorites to win the finals since they are the defending champions and are currently the number one ranked team in the world. Holland also has the added of challenge with one less day of rest and having played 30 more minutes than the USA. When the Netherlands coach, name, was asked about facing the United States she said, “Obviously it’s amazing to be playing in the finals. It’s going to be so difficult but it’s one match. Anything can happen and it’s going to be a really complicated match and we’re prepared for that.” The Netherlands do not have to play the USA in a series or beat them multiple times, they just need one game where they play their best and possibly catch the USA on an off night.

The third place game between England and Sweden will take place on July 6 at 11 am ET on FOX. The finals game between the United States and the Netherlands will be held on July 7 at 11 am ET on FOX.

Phot Courtesy of Blondinrikard

Four Unique Teams Prepare for a Shot at World Cup Glory

If there is one thing that is apparent about the four teams remaining in the Women’s World Cup it is how different they all are. Each have arrived in France poised for World Cup glory, but each have achieved success through such different avenues.

The Lionesses of England have motored their way into the semifinals by way of a defense that refuses to concede. The back-line led by thirty-one-year-old Stephanie Houghton has conceded only one goal since the start of the competition. In addition, Lucy Bronze at right-back is arguably one of the best in the World.

The Netherlands have earned their spot in the semifinals through an attacking line that is hard to keep off the score sheet. The attack of the Orange is led by 2017 FIFA Player of the Year Lieke Martens and complimented by fellow teammates Vivianne Miedema and Shanice Van de Sanden.

The United States are no strangers to the pressure as they have willed themselves to yet another semifinal. The United States have made it to their second consecutive semifinal by putting together complete performances in each game both defensively and offensively. As 2015 champions the US know what it takes to lift the cup and have used their experience wisely throughout the competition to find themselves two wins away from a repeat. The US is lead by prolific goal scorer Megan Rapinoe who continues to deliver for the Stars and Stripes in the big moment.

Last, but not least Sweden has quietly crept into the final four by showing composure and resiliency in the face of trouble. After a 2-0 loss at the hands of the US in the final group game they responded calmly by dispatching the Canadians 1-0. The Swedes again remained calm after going down one to Germany and responded with two unanswered to find themselves in the semifinals. The Swedes are led by a stout defense and tactical versatility as they hope to win their first ever World Cup.

Predictions

England v. United States

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You’re not going to want to miss this match. Circle it on your calendar, set reminders on your phone, or stream it in the office. This matchup which appears as the more exciting of the two has all the ingredients for an unforgettable ninety minutes. The last time these two faced off was earlier this year in the SheBelieves Cup where they played to an exciting 2-2 draw. It will be a battle of the stingy defense of England versus the offensive firepower of the US. With the likes of Stephanie Houghton and Lucy Bronze in the back it will be difficult for the United States to break through. Even more so the United States has seemed a bit stale on attack at times. If the England defense can keep the Red, White, and Blue off the score sheet I think the match will go the way of the Lionesses. While England are a defensively strong team, they are no slouch on offense either. With the likes of Fran Kirby, Nikita Paris, and the impressive Ellen White the US will have their hands full. The US bolsters a high amount of talent that could also very well cause problems for the English with such a variety of players that can attack and score. This game is very evenly matched and that is what makes it such an exciting competition. The United States looking to make it two World Cup titles in a row while the young English side looking to one-up last competition’s performance by booking a spot in the final. Whoever scores the first goal in this one might very well be the one to find themselves in Lyon for the finale. I think that the hunger and defensive organization of the Lionesses proves to be the difference, I’ll take England to advance to the final in a 1-0 win.

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Netherlands v. Sweden

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This matchup is definitely an interesting one as well and one that you won’t want to miss. This matchup pits the young striker heavy Dutch side against an experienced more well-rounded Swedish team. It will be interesting to see how the Swedish side which also possess a very strong defense led by Nilla Fischer matches up against a pacey Dutch team with various attacking options. Fishcer and the Swedes will have their hands full with the likes of Lieke Martens, Shanice Van de Sanden and Vivianne Miedema. The Swedish side which is well known for its tactical malleability will likely have a well devised game plan to slow the dangerous Dutch attack. The question is will it be enough to slow down such a driven group of women like the Netherlands? The young Netherlands side are looking to continue their run after winning the European Championship in 2017. While the Swedish team is looking to win the World Cup for the first time. The Swedes must focus on their game plan and staying disciplined, even if the Dutch strike first the Swedes must continue to exhibit the kind of composure that saw them past Germany. I believe that if the Swedes can hold the Orange attack to a goal or less they have the offensive power to see off the Dutch and send their exuberant fans packing. However, I am going to choose the Dutch to win this one in stunning fashion. The fans, the hunger, and the sheer talent will all contribute to the success of the Dutch and I expect to see them in the finale. I’ll take the Orange over Sweden 2-0.

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The World Cup’s next fixtures are England v. United States July 2nd, 3pm ET on FOX, and Netherlands v. Sweden July 3rd, 3pm 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