This is our fourth recap of the FIFA 2015 Women’s World Cup from Thursday’s games and .
Germany and Norway 1-1
Thursday opened with a stalemate between two previous World Cup champions, Norway and Germany. When Germany scored in the sixth minute as Anja Mittag followed a shot for an easy goal, I expected a flood of scoring to follow. Instead, from there Germany played a very un-German game. Norway was able to hold the number one team in the world scoreless for the rest of the match, and managed to earn a draw in the 61st. After a foul right at the top of the box, Maren Mjelde sent in a perfect free kick from 19 yards out, bending the ball over the wall and beautifully into the upper 90. If you appreciate technique, this is a goal might make you drool. Germany and Norway are first and second respectively in their group, each with four points.
China PR and Netherlands 1-0
Netherlands were another side who weren’t looking like the same side we saw in round one. China on the other hand came out looking to redeem themselves after a late loss to Canada in the opening match of the tournament. From the highlights it looks like China ran circles around the Dutch, and that’s not totally wrong. China should have had more goals as this nearly ended in a tie, but in the 91st minute, a stoppage time goal secured the win. Lisi Wang was able to run onto a beautiful through ball and touch it just past the keeper for China’s first goal of this World Cup. China and Netherlands are now tied with 3 points each in Group A.
Côte d’Ivoire and Thailand 2-3
Probably the most controversial match thus far, Cote d’Ivoire will likely feel a bit cheated by this loss. They came out and scored an early opening goal in minute four with Ange Nguessan knocking in uncleared ball after a corner kick. Unfortunately, then the downfall began. Three unanswered goals from Thailand, including one that should have been called for offsides by a mile, left Côte d’Ivoire down 3-1. Orathai Srimanee had two including a risky header that required the use of goal line technology and Thanatta Chawong had the winner, taking advantage of poor positioning by CIV’s keeper. Côte d’Ivoire tried to battle back and came close to a Thai, ahem, a tie but left the game with no points and a disappointing loss for sure.
Canada and New Zealand 0-0
Host country Canada hoped to secure their second win against New Zealand, but they just couldn’t find the back of the net. A 30 minute weather delay due to lightning may have thrown both teams off, as the cross bar was hit multiple times, including on a penalty that Amber Hearn is likely still kicking herself for missing. A tight game, but no one would come away with more than a point. Canada still leads the group with four points, while New Zealand hangs on in last place with just the one point.
Ahead today:
Australia and Nigera 2pm PT
I’m really looking forward to this game; Nigeria will be an interesting challenge for Australia. The Matildas will be looking to redeem themselves from their loss to the US in the first round and Nigeria is coming off of a tie with Switzerland where they definitely could have won. I’m putting this game at a draw, though I’d love to see Nigeria come out with a win just to shake things up.
Switzerland and Ecuador 4pm PT
Switzerland should win this game handily if they can keep their composure against the young Ecuador side. Ecuador looked frustrated in their first game, but hopefully they were able to find some learning points from that loss and can exhibit that here.
USA and Sweden 5pm PT
A big, big game for the group of death as the US faces off against Sweden, coached by their own former coach Pia Sundhage. The US will need to be patient in this game, but chances are good we’ll see a physical match and the defense for both sides will need to come out strong. If the US wins, they secure their move to the next stage, though I wouldn’t be surprised to see a draw here.
Japan and Cameroon 7pm PT
Japan again has the last game of the evening, and this time the defending champs face Cameroon. Cameroon had a swell first game against Ecuador, coming away with a 6-0 win. Their confidence coming off that win may do them a disservice as they’ll need to be wary of Japan’s skill. If the same Japan we saw against Switzerland shows up, I might give Cameroon the win, but if they can play at the level we know they can, I’ll give Japan a win, but maybe by only one goal.
