This is a recap of Monday’s matches from the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Thailand and Germany 0-4
Germany completed their reign of Group B with a trouncing of Thailand. Holding 65% of the possession and having 36 shots to Thailand’s two, the first ranked Germans confirmed their place in the next stage with this 4-0 win. Goals came from Melanie Leupolz in the first half, followed by two from Lena Petermann and the fourth of the game from Sara Daebritz. Thailand finishes third in their group with a small chance of moving on.
Côte d’Ivoire and Norway 1-3
Côte d’Ivoire saw their last game of the tournament against a strong Norway side. While they did not emerge victorious, this was a much better game than their match against Germany, who were tied by Norway in the last round. Norway found the back of the net three times, twice from standout Ada Hegerberg and lastly from Solveig Gulbrandsen. The goal of the game, however, came from the Ivorians with a gorgeous goal from Ange Nguessan in the 71st. Norway moves on to the next stage as second in Group B and we say goodbye to Côte d’Ivoire.
Netherlands and Canada 1-1
Canada stumbled into the top of Group A on Monday with a tie against Netherlands. It nearly could have been a loss with two incidents that could have been penalties on a different day, one a hand ball and one a risky tackle. The only goal for Canada came early in minute 10 from Ashley Lawrence, following up an uncleared ball in the box. Netherlands came through with an equalizer, but to keep things excited, held off until the 87th minute when Kirsten Van De Ven got one by Erin McLeod to rob the keeper of her third shutout of the tournament. Netherlands, with four points has a decent chance of moving on to the quarter-finals while Canada is clear through to the next round.
China PR and New Zealand 2-2
China and New Zealand fought for a place in the next round Monday evening, with China controversially emerging as second in Group A. Rebekah Stott of New Zealand struck at the 28th minute and would have been happy to go into the break with a lead. Instead, China was incorrectly awarded a penalty after a handball was called on Betsy Hassett, despite there being no hand or arm contact at all. Lisi Wang converted the penalty to tie it for halftime, and followed up with another goal from Shanshan Wang on a daring header at the 60th minute. New Zealand brought it even in minute 64 with a volley from Hannah Wilkinson, but it was too little too late. New Zealand won’t be moving on, but China, with four points, takes second place in Group A and is guaranteed a spot in the quarter-finals.
Tuesday:
Ecuador and Japan 2pm PT
Japan should win here and win the group. Ecuador has had a rough tournament, especially in their last match against the Swiss, but here’s hoping they can finish with a good game as this is certainly their last of this tournament.
Switzerland and Cameroon 2pm PT
This match will very likely determine who takes second in Group C, with an ever so slight chance the winner could take first if Japan loses today. The Swiss only need a win or a tie to guarantee they move on. With a tie, Cameroon has a good chance of joining the quarter finals as well.
Nigeria and USA 5pm PT and Australia and Sweden 5pm PT
The “Group of Death” will be decided tonight, and things are still very up in the air, so let’s run through these two games together. If the US wins, they will win the group and confidently move on. There is no chance that the US is definitely out tonight, but with a loss, they risk coming in third and not moving on. The winner of Australia and Sweden will move on, and if they tie, likely both will move on, but there’s a slim risk for Sweden that without a win, they could find themselves last in the group. Any team with a win tonight pretty much guarantees their advancement, so every team will be out for victory and nothing less. This is going to be a great evening of football.
End of Groups A and B
Confirmed through to next round:
Canada – 1A
China PR – 2A
Germany – 1B
Norway – 2B
Up in the air:
Netherlands – 3A
Thailand – 3B
Knocked out:
New Zealand – 4A
Côte d’Ivoire – 4B
