An Eventful Group Stage Concludes, While Knockouts Have Just Begun

Hello everyone! Back here again after 11 or 12 days or so of Group Stage action in the FIFA Women's World Cup 2011! I'm going to take this time, before I mention any scores, that the world Cup has not failed to deliver! It is as great as I have expected it to be. This is my first World Cup as a Women's soccer fan. Yes, while I am very knowledgeable in regards to the history of past World Cups, I have never actually viewed one! It has been very exciting, and it really is a heaven on earth for fans of the Women's game. Its rewarding, because our loyalty has paid off. The teams and players have been showing everyone why Women's Soccer should not be written off. Very little theatrics plague the matches, and the whole World can see that the women's game is not sullied with this disgraceful practice. In fact, a study was just done recently, showing that women's soccer athletes dive half as much as their male counterparts (it should be less from what I've seen...they probably watched all of Brazil's and Mexico's matches! Haha!). Aside from the pride of seeing Women's soccer athletes continuing to stay on their feet, I'm also proud to see that the players and teams have been putting forward an excellent showing of skill and grit, and have performed some beautiful play and goals that have been reaching "ESPN's Top 10 Plays" status...and deservedly so. Also, the WWC has drawn wonderful crowds, and they're noisy and boisterous...its the kind of audience we know the sport deserves. Its so great to see that kind of audience for a women's soccer event, and it makes me so happy to see that people do care, and that the fan base is growing. TV ratings are phenomenal too, and media coverage has been outstanding. As I predicted well before the start of this tournament, it seems Germany 2011 is going to seriously put this sport on the map.

Now that I'm done ranting, time to list the scores of the group stage! I'll give the score, and a small paragraph about the match. I hope to not be lazy like I have been, and post FULL reviews for the Quarters, Semis, and Final. Hey, at least I'm admitting I've been lazy! That and overwhelmed with all the news I would have had to report if I did a full review of every group stage game! Ok, here we go!

Group A

Nigeria 0-1 France

This game will always hold sentimental value for me. It was my first WWC match ever. It felt special, and different. You never get to see other teams play, unless they're playing your national team. It was great. It felt like World Cup. The audience was like nothing I had ever heard for a Women's match. You could see the stadium was packed. It was the start of an awesome tournament. And the match gave us a taste for what the tournament would bring. France played smart and tactically, while Nigeria fought with a strong will. France eventually won off Delie's goal, the first of the WWC. There should have been more for France, who was superior the whole game. I'll always remember the Nigerian trumpet guy in the audience though!

Canada 1-2 Germany

This game has so many highlights, and my blurb will not do it justice. The Germans may have won, by the Canadians could have just as easily taken the lead early on when Sinclair missed a gift right in front of Angerer, shooting it well over the crossbar from close range. Germany would end up taking the lead, 2-0. But the Canadians fighting spirit was inspiring, and I think they deserved the tie for their splendid display of heart. Sinclair showed true grit (not referencing the movie) and guts when she had her nose broken, then still insisted to play! She slammed in a free kick and gave the Canadians hope late in the match, and it looked as if they would equalize in a tremendous comeback. Its just too bad that it was a classic case of "too little too late".

Canada 0-4 France

This game proved to be quite the shock. France gutted the Canadians 4-0, sending them packing their bags as the first team eliminated from the World Cup. The Canadians just could not finish their chances, and simply could not handle the French, who had brought their A game. The Canadian side that showed heart and guts against the tournament's hosts in front of 74,000 people had vanished, and their hopes of reaching the knockout stages were crushed. This game not only revealed the Canadians as being one of the tournament's biggest shocks in regards of exiting teams, but it also revealed France as an unexpected force to be reckoned with.

Germany 1-0 Nigeria

While the scoreline only has one goal to boast of, the game was more interesting, and was a back-and-forth affair. The Germans were the dominant team, but in perhaps a performance that revealed they too were vulnerable in this competition, they failed to finish chances and looked at times unorganized. Laudehr got this game's only goal, and while there should have been more for Germany, the host team did not play all that convincing. Nigeria however displayed some rather nasty tactics and styles of play. They kicked about 5 or so German players in the shins, etc. I was waiting for the Germans to kick their asses at some point, and it looked like Bresonik was about to, if not for the referee.

Germany 4-2 France

In one of the most entertaining games of the tournament (You know its an entertaining one when it is the highest scoring game thus far), Germany outlasted France in a battle of wills. The Germans and French were about equal. Both were having great performances, and they were well matched opponents. It was an exciting back-and-forth affair, and it yielded plenty of goals. The Germans took a good lead when they made it 2-0, since they had created more chances and finished them. However, the French scored and put themselves right back in the mix. Soon after, the first red card of the competition was given, followed by the first penalty awarded, when France's keeper came out on a risky challenge on Bajramaj in the 18 yard box, resulting in a collision that yielded punishment from the ref. She was sent off, and replaced by Deville. Grings netted her 2nd goal of the game from the penalty spot, sending Germany up 3-1. But once again, France fought back, making it 3-2. Before France could equalize however, Germany scored again, ending the match 4-2. This match displayed the Germans strong will and desire to win, but embarrassingly revealed one of their weaknesses. Aerial plays, especially on corners. The French capitalized twice on aerial set plays, making Silvia Neid realize that there is something that needs to be worked on. Lucky for Germany this was only the Group stage. And so, the Host team tops the group, while France became runner-ups.

Canada 0-1 Nigeria

In a pointless game that at this stage of the competition was only to be utilized by either team to salvage some pride and show face, the Nigerians came out on top, adding insult to injury for the Canadian side who were expected by many to reach the knockout rounds, and even to medal in the competition. This game was also a back-and-forth affair, with both sides having numerous opportunities to score. However, all of the opportunities, save for one, were squandered. The Nigerians gained the upper hand off of sheer dumb luck, having gotten their look on goal because of 2 deflections off of Canadian defenders. This game proved to be somewhat of a consolation prize for the Nigerians who weren't really expected to go far, and also served as a painful swan song that capped off the disappointing exit of a Canadian side that was thought to have had its best chance in years to medal in the World Cup.


Group B

Japan 2-1 New Zealand

I missed most of this game, but from what I did see, New Zealand displayed a fighting spirit, and Japan displayed tactical superiority. New Zealand could not handle the Japanese, and suffered a defeat at their hands. While they were tied for some time, the Japanese played a better game, and deserved the 3 points.

England 1-1 Mexico

This game was very entertaining, and is in my opinion very memorable, though the scoreline may not suggest it. This game was a tale of two halves. The English dominated at first, and took the lead. I was very impressed by their accurate passing, quick offensive progression up the field, and rather creative and fluid plays. Mexico equalized on what is likely to be one of the goals of the tournament off of a splendid rocket shot from Ocampo that was blasted in from about 30 yards out. In the second half, the Mexicans took the flow of play away from England and actually imposed their will, making England change their game plan a bit. This game ended as a stalemate, and I think it was a fitting result.

Japan 4-0 Mexico

This game saw the tournament's first hat-trick, as Homare Sawa netted 3 for her country in her 5th World Cup. This game consisted of Japan ripping Mexico to shreds. The Japanese were tactically superior, and the Mexicans simply could not keep up, and the 4-0 embarrassment was a result of that.

England 2-1 New Zealand

This was another exciting match, with New Zealand drawing first blood and taking the lead against England. New Zealand would hold the lead until the 2nd half, when England came back and equalized. A fight for the win would ensue, and it was a nail-biter especially towards the end. Would England make the comeback, especially now that they were putting on heavy pressure? Or would New Zealand be able to keep the three lionesses at bay and walk away with their first win? In the 81st minute, England completed a come-from-behind win to steal the 3 points right out from under New Zealand. New Zealand too were to be sent home early after the Group Stage.

England 2-0 Japan

Some people thought that Japan would be able to rip England to shreds, just like they did to Mexico. However, many people forgot the the English are not as inexperienced as the young Mexican squad. England put up a hard fight, and played a very smart and tactical game against the Japanese, whose strong point is technical ability. The English were physically superior, and they played a very organized game. They scored 2 beautiful goals, and kept the Japanese out of their net. While some were saying that England has been unimpressive, I've had to disagree. The English to me have proven to be very technically talented and can score some pretty goals. They were able to beat a regimental and organized Japan, and that's saying something. England won the group, while Japan became runner-ups of Group B.

New Zealand 2-2 Mexico

I missed most of this match because I was watching the England vs. Japan match-up, however it seemed like it was quite an entertaining game. Mexico took a 2-0 lead, but just when it looked like New Zealand would go another World Cup without getting a single point, they rallied to equalize in a span of 5 minutes. The first goal for New Zealand came in the 90th, and then 4 minutes later, they scored the equalizer, giving them a storybook finish for their first ever WWC point.


Group C

Colombia 0-1 Sweden

I missed most of this game as well, but it seemed like a game full of squandered opportunities. Sweden, considering their ranking, should have posted a better performance against the young Colombian squad. They squeaked out a win in a 1-0 scoreline, though people say it should have been by more, which is understandable.

USA 2-0 North Korea

This game was a classic tale of two halves. At first, the Americans looked unorganized, sloppy, and unable to finish in front of goal. The North Koreans gave us quite a few scares. However, in the 2nd half it was all business for the USWNT. They settled down, created a rhythm, and attacked the Koreans' goal incessantly. Wambach sent a beautiful cross into the 18 yard box in the 54th minute of the game, and Cheney finished the play by nodding the ball into the net to make it 1-0. Later, Buehler would strike one into the net in the middle of a scramble, to make it 2-0.

North Korea 0-1 Sweden

Missed this game, but it seems that the Swedes again squeaked out a win against their opponents. They sent the North Koreans out of World Cup after dealing them their second loss of the competition. Seger received her second yellow card, meaning she would miss the match-up against the Americans.

USA 3-0 Colombia

This game was memorable, with the USA scoring 3 absolutely beautiful goals, all from range, to beat the young Colombians who could not keep up. Aside from a few dangerous counter-attacks, the USA dominated this game, and it showed. O'Reilly sent the USA ahead with a strike from about 30 yards out. It sailed into the net, and quickly after, the U.S. players lined up to salute the American military members who attended the game. Later, Rapinoe would score one from about 18 yards out, slamming it into the top of the goal. In arguably the most memorable World cup celebration thus far, Rapinoe ran to the TV microphone, and sang "Born in the USA", delighting the excited fans. To cap off the scoring Lloyd would release a cannon of a shot that the Colombian keeper tried to save but couldn't. The powerful shot slammed into her gloves and bounced in regardless. The USA looked much more organized this game and set the pace early on.

North Korea 0-0 Colombia

I just plain did not watch this game. Both the USA's match and this match were airing at the same time. This was a pointless game, and apparently it was goal-less as well. Both Colombia and North Korea exit the competition with a point each.

USA 1-2 Sweden

The marquee match-up to see who would win the group ended in a bit of a shock. This game saw a lucky Sweden side, and a tenacious but unlucky USA side. The USA's misfortune was Sweden's fortune. Sweden would take the lead because LePeilbet, who had a black cloud hanging over her head all day, mishit a challenge to strip Sweden of the ball, landing the USA in a bit of trouble as a penalty was awarded. Hope Solo almost blocked the shot, getting fingertips to the ball. However, Sweden would score and take the lead, making it 1-0. Things got worse for the USA and for poor LePeilbet, when Sweden was awarded a free kick. After it was launched, Solo read the ball correctly and was positioning herself to save it, when it took an unexpected bounce off of LePeilbet's leg and sailed in the other direction, making it impossible for Solo to save, and making it an inevitable goal. Swede was now up 2-0. The USA showed determination and tenacity however, and had excellent opportunities which they failed to finish. They seemed unable to settle down, and were too eager in their efforts to get services into the box. The USA's constant pressure would pay off in the 67th, when Wambach would score off a corner kick. This marked a rather special moment, as Wambach, who has been dealing with Achilles pain, and was not even supposed to play all 90 minutes, scored her first goal of the tournament, after being criticized and constantly reminded of her scoring drought. It looked like the USA would actually equalize a few times before the final whistle blew, making the remarkable comeback that they deserved, however they just couldn't do it. The loss was not the result they wanted, but it was a reality check that was better to come now, rather than in the knockout stages. It will give them more motivation to come out strong in the quarterfinals. Group C ended with Sweden as winners, and the USA as runner-ups.


Group D

Norway 1-0 Equatorial Guinea

Norway, who everyone thought would dominate, put up an unconvincing performance. Equatorial Guinea looked better than everyone thought and held their own against the Norwegians, however, it was Norway who won this one. While they got the 3 points, it was clear Norway did not look nearly as good as they were expected to.

Brazil 1-0 Australia

In this game, I feel the scoreline doesn't tell the whole story. In fact, it was the Aussies who were dominating the game. They played better, were more accurate, strung together more plays, and were a lot cleaner in terms of tactics. The Brazilians did some diving, looked rather sloppy and unorganized, and got their goal off of an individual play. It was a real shame if you ask me, the Australians played with more heart and more skill. Everyone talked about Marta, but not many mentioned Lisa De Vanna, who unlike Marta, truly displayed "Joga Bonito" in that match.

Australia 3-2 Equatorial Guinea

This game was rather eventful, as the Aussies scored first, only to have Equatorial Guinea equalize. The Matildas would go on to score 2 more goals and get a 2 goal lead, however Anonma of Equatorial Guinea displayed more heart and scored her second goal of the game, putting her team within one goal of equalizing. While Australia played better, Equatorial proved they were quite a pleasant surprise of this World Cup, and could not be written off so easily.

Brazil 3-0 Norway

As in their game vs. Australia, Brazil was again rather unimpressive and sloppy, with Norway playing better at first. However, Brazil capitalized on a breakaway counterattack in which Marta fouled and shoved down a defender, did some of her typical foot motions to fool defenders, and scored. Her goal did not display her skill as much as it exposed Norway of having a pathetic defense. This trend would continue throughout the game, with Norway totally losing their rhythm, and being constantly on their back foot the whole match. As soon as Brazil scored, the tide changed completely. Norway panicked and so Brazil was able to capitalize, even if their play was unimpressive and their diving still constant. They would go on to score 2 more goals.

Brazil 3-0 Equatorial Guinea

I did not watch this game because I admittedly have a hatred for Brazil, and also because the marquee match-up was being aired at the same time. This game had no bearing...Brazil would be through to the quarterfinals regardless. They scored 3 goals against Equatorial Guinea, and I'm actually surprised. Either Equatorial Guinea couldn't handle Brazil's sub-par play, or they just weren't on it.

Australia 2-1 Norway

This truly was the marquee match-up of the group, and it did not disappoint. Norway was in a must-win position to go through, and the Aussies had to tie or win to advance. The game was very back-and-forth, and in the second half, Norway took the lead. This spelled disaster for the Aussies, or so we all thought. But in pure Aussie "Never Say Die" fashion, they equalized one minute later, keeping their hopes of advancing alive. This was a nail-biter that had me on the edge of my seat. With a Norway goal, they were on their way through to the knockouts, with a tie or Aussie goal, the Aussies were on their way to the quarterfinals. There were some close calls for the Aussies, as a Norway free kick slammed off the woodwork late in the game. However, the hero of the game, Kyah Simon, scored her second goal of the match in the 87th, sealing the deal for the Matildas. Brazil went on to win the group, while the Aussies clinched second place.

THERE'S NO LOOKING BACK

Its time for the Quarterfinals. The knockout stages begin tomorrow, which means its all down to one game. Its either you win, or you don't. There are no such things as easy matches from this point forward. Here are the match-ups involving the tournament's final 8 teams left standing:

July 9th

England vs. France (11:30 am ET)

-England has played very well thus far. They are tactically talented, they put together creative and fluid plays, and can play well through their midfield. The French have proven themselves as a force to be reckoned with. They too play a very sophisticated and skillful passing game. Which will come out on top? My prediction is England. Though I think this will be a very close match.



Germany vs. Japan (2:15 pm ET)

-The Germans have strong will and have showed that when they want to win, they will do everything in their power to come out on top. The Germans have showed some signs of weakness, but are overall talented and organized. Japan is a very technical and tactical team, and if you give them the chance, they will rip you apart with skillful and penetrating plays and services. Both teams are skilled in their passing game, however I feel that the Germans are physically superior, which may cause a problem for the Japanese. The hosts will not want to exit this early. I think Germany will win, but again, I predict a close match.


July 10th

Sweden vs. Australia (6:30 am ET)

-The Swedes have not been too impressive in their group stage, and their win against the USA was really on sheer luck. The Aussies however, have played well and are a very tenacious team. These are the comeback queens, the dark horse team that can never be written off because of their inspiring "Never Say Die" spirit, and because of their pretty skillful play. The Swedes are a good team, but I think the Australians are better. I say Australia advances to the Semi-finals.

USA vs. Brazil (11:00 am ET)

-This is the marquee quarterfinal. You just can't find a match-up as tantalizing as this, nor will you find one with such a storied history. The USA has built somewhat of a rivalry with Brazil. The Brazilians dealt the Americans an embarrassing 4-0 defeat in the 2007 WWC, sending the USA packing earlier than they had hoped. However, in 2008, it was the USA who beat Brazil in the Final of the Beijing Olympics to win the Gold medal. Both teams have grudges against the other, and this will be an intense battle for supremacy. It is an understatement to say these two have a bone to pick with each other. Their history and dislike for the other makes this match so mouth-watering. While the USA has not exactly seemed to find a consistent rhythm as far as performances, its safe to say that Brazil hasn't either, and has in fact been rather unimpressive in their group stage matches. I am biased, but I say the United States will come out victorious. I think that they will deliver and show everyone that they mean business.


The Group stage is over, and now we're onto the knockout rounds. Its either you win, or you go home. The real tournament has just begun.

Denise