Author Topic: 2015 Women's World Cup - Canada (Read 31077 times)

elan · « **Reply #1 on:** December 06, 2014, 09:19:23 PM »

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/Ww77rT9dWqQ&list=UUpcTrCXblq78GZrTUTLWeBw" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/Ww77rT9dWqQ&list=UUpcTrCXblq78GZrTUTLWeBw</a>

elan · « **Reply #2 on:** December 06, 2014, 09:27:17 PM »

Tickets

Host Cities

Schedule

elan · « **Reply #3 on:** June 05, 2015, 12:04:59 PM »

As the Women's World Cup begins, FCD Youth coach reflects on heartbreaking loss with Trinidad and Tobago in qualifying
By Jeremy Villanueva (FCDallas.com).

"If we had qualified, it would have been a Disney movie." It was the Cinderella story that everybody wanted to see happen.

FC Dallas Youth Affiliates and Elite Cub National League coach Ben Waldrum could be in Canada right now as an assistant coach preparing the “Cinderella” team, Trinidad and Tobago, for the Women’s World Cup. Unfortunately, a 1-0 loss in the second leg of a home-and-home with Ecuador kept the story that could have been from happening.

“I still say to this day that if we had qualified, it would have been a Disney movie,” Waldrum said. “It was such a good story and just to fall short was a little disheartening.”

Trinidad and Tobago captured Dallas’ heart when the team came to town before the qualifiers with only $500 given from the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation. Waldrum and the Trinidad and Tobago head coach, his father Randy, sent out a tweet that went viral to help raise money for the team to have the basic necessities such as food and a place to stay - and Dallas responded. Almost $20,000 was raised for the team's trip in less than 72 hours.

“It was really more of a social issue in that country just about women in sports,” Waldrum said. “A lot of those players hadn’t been paid in 10 years. All they wanted was stipends when they took off from their job when they went to represent their country.”

Although the team fell just short of making the Women’s World Cup, Waldrum said that experience gave him more perspective on the women’s game and the growth of it in lieu of the tournament kicking off.

“I know the World Cup has expanded with the number of teams and really I think the reasoning behind that is you’re starting to see more and more federations putting money toward the women’s side of the things,” he said. “The popularity is starting to grow more in other countries. The parity in the women’s side has really gotten better. Teams are evolving and countries are getting better.”

Even though he wishes he were sitting on the bench coaching for the Women’s World Cup, Waldrum told a parent group Wednesday he’ll still be sitting and cheering on the tournament no matter how hard it might be on him.

“I think the soccer curiosity of how the teams are going to be matched up, you’ll be tuned in,” he said. “We’ll be watching. It’ll be interesting some of the matchups, and we’ll be excited about it. I think that’s where the soccer coach goes away and the soccer fan comes into play.”

Waldrum said the tournament should be most interesting because, unlike most years, there isn't just one to two favorites.

“You have four to five teams I think that if they won the World Cup, I don’t think anybody would be too surprised,” Waldrum said. “I think for the growth of the sport, it’s no different from what we do week in and week out with the youth teams. I think there’s a little bit of [how] you have to show that the women cannot only play the game but can be entertaining.”

As for women’s soccer post the World Cup to continue to grow; Waldrum said he would like to see a NWSL team make its way to Dallas.

“This is probably one of three hot beds across the US with youth soccer hot beds with the number of kids playing the sports, the number of clubs that are here,” he said. “There’s no reason we shouldn’t have a NWSL team. It only helps grow the game and only helps that next level growth that needs to take place for us to continue to stay on top.”

The Women’s World Cup will kickoff at 5 p.m. Saturday between Canada and China. The US will take on Australia in its first match Monday. All games will be shown through Fox Sports Network.

asylumseeker · « **Reply #4 on:** June 07, 2015, 08:35:15 AM »

Canada edges China on late Sinclair penalty in Women’s World Cup opener
Neil Davidson (The Canadian Press)

EDMONTON – Captain Christine Sinclair saved the day for Canada, converting a stoppage-time penalty for a 1-0 win over China in the opening match of the Women’s World Cup on Saturday.

Sinclair calmly slotted the ball into the corner in the 92nd minute and then ran to the Canadian bench where she was mobbed by teammates. The penalty was called after Adriana Leon was hauled down in the box by Zhao Rong.

The game had seemed to be destined for a disappointing draw, with Canada unable to fire on all cylinders against a young China side.

For Canada, it was three points and a bullet dodged.

The Canadians had earlier chances but failed to execute and, after a strong start, let the Chinese back into the match before an enthusiastic crowd of 53,058 at Commonwealth Stadium. Both teams hit the woodwork in the first half.

The previous attendance record for a Canadian national team match on home soil was 51,936, set June 5, 1994, when the Canadian men played Brazil at the same venue.

Match highlights

asylumseeker · « **Reply #5 on:** June 07, 2015, 08:47:02 AM »

New Zealand lose women's World Cup opener to the Netherlands
(The Sydney Morning Herald)

New Zealand opened their women's soccer World Cup account with a narrow loss, beaten 1-0 by the Netherlands in Edmonton, Canada, on Sunday.

A 33rd minute goal from Lieke Martens proved the difference between the two sides, the Football Ferns pushing hard in the middle stages of the second spell but unable to rattle the solid Dutch defence, well-marshalled by skipper Mandy van den Berg.

Martens made the most of her chances 12 minutes before half time, finding herself in space with time to curl a powerful 20-metre right-foot strike past New Zealand keeper Erin Naylor.

"It's a dream come true," said the 22-year-old Martens, who plays club soccer in Sweden.

"As a girl you dream of scoring a goal at the World Cup."

New Zealand coach Tony Readings put the result down to "one piece of brilliance from a player we knew would be a problem".

Ranked five places below the world No.12 Netherlands, the Kiwis were organised in defence but created few clear opportunities and rarely troubled experienced Dutch keeper Loes Geurts in attack.

Danielle Van De Donk had the ball in the net after 15 minutes but the goal was ruled offside.

New Zealand's Ria Percival then fired a free-kick which looked like it was on its way in before being flicked away by Geurts.

And in the last action of the game Hannah Wilkinson had a chance to equalise but the experienced Geurts was again solid.

Readings said the Kiwis managed to close down rising Dutch star Vivianne Miedema, but had been bothered by Martens and Manon Melis.

"She (Miedema) wasn't really involved in the game. We nullified her today but I have no doubt she can cause teams problems in the tournament," Readings said.

The Oceania champions now face a tough challenge to make it through to the knockout stages as they next play Canada, who edged China 1-0 earlier in Edmonton courtesy of a 92nd minute penalty.

New Zealand have now lost all ten of their games in their three World Cup tournaments.

"We played well in the second half and we feel if we can do that again we can get some results," said Readings.

"It is not just about playing well, it is about taking points from these games.

"We played OK in the first half but OK is not good enough in the World Cup."

The Dutch, playing their first ever World Cup, next play China with their final group game against Canada.

Netherlands wins first Women’s World Cup game, defeating New Zealand 1-0
Alicja Siekierska (Edmonton Journal)

EDMONTON - In its FIFA Women’s World Cup debut, the Netherlands managed to defeat an experienced New Zealand squad 1-0 thanks to a beautiful strike from forward Lieke Martens.

In the 33rd minute of the tight match, Martens fired the ball from outside the 18-yard box, beating keeper Erin Nayler and giving the Dutch its first World Cup goal, as well as a three-point victory.

New Zealand battled back in the second half, but struggled to finish on their scoring opportunities.

“We felt, particularly in the second half, we played a very good performance and we were a better team,” said New Zealand coach Tony Readings after the game.

“When you get to these tournaments, it’s not about putting in just a good performance. You need to put in a good performance and win games.”

Dutch goalie Loes Geurts said the team is happy to walk away from the game with a crucial three points.

“Well, it wasn’t our best game,” Geurts. “The first half was OK, the second half was mostly fighting from our side and New Zealand took over. But we fought well through it.”

While the crowd certainly didn’t match the earlier Canada game, there was still a strong contingent of Dutch fans dressed in orange who stuck around to watch the Netherlands play.

“It was so cool when we came in and there was still a lot of crowd,” Geurts said. “It was a really cool experience.”

New Zealand will now face Canada on Thursday, while the Netherlands will play China.

Match highlights

grimm01 · « **Reply #6 on:** June 07, 2015, 11:39:46 AM »

Anyone watching the Norway-Thailand game? Thailand's team literally looks like a bunch of young boys playing big women. There is also a very obvious talent gap. For the third goal the Thai defender look like she duck when the cross come into the box.

Deeks · « **Reply #7 on:** June 07, 2015, 01:08:45 PM »

The Thai, did put up a lil fight in the end. I guess after the Norse took their foot of the gas.

asylumseeker · « **Reply #8 on:** June 07, 2015, 03:54:50 PM »

De Germans voracious. Not interested in knocking the ball around. Full bore x 90'

asylumseeker · « **Reply #9 on:** June 07, 2015, 04:19:55 PM »

Quote from: Deeks on June 07, 2015, 01:08:45 PM

The Thai, did put up a lil fight in the end. I guess after the Norse took their foot of the gas.

Thought the 4th goal might have been tainted by a foul on a Thai player in possession just before the attacking movement started. At that time it was 3-0, and Holland didn't need any help.

Deeks · « **Reply #10 on:** June 07, 2015, 04:47:48 PM »

The Germans ruthlessly dispatched Civ. The only positive for the CIV were their keeper. She was busy whole game. She really could not get any of them. Her Defence let her down, badly.

asylumseeker · « **Reply #11 on:** June 07, 2015, 05:37:41 PM »

Quote from: Deeks on June 07, 2015, 04:47:48 PM

The Germans ruthlessly dispatched Civ. The only positive for the CIV were their keeper. She was busy whole game. She really could not get any of them. Her Defence let her down, badly.

Also thought this referee missed some things ... she even invented a corner kick.

Different note: Watched Celia Sasic in the CL final and kept thinking she had African ancestry, but then blew it off. Saw her on TV again today and the same thought occurred to me, but the Sasic kept throwing me off. Turns out the initial thought was correct.

E-man · « **Reply #12 on:** June 07, 2015, 06:11:54 PM »

Quote from: asylumseeker on June 07, 2015, 05:37:41 PM

Quote from: Deeks on June 07, 2015, 04:47:48 PM
The Germans ruthlessly dispatched Civ. The only positive for the CIV were their keeper. She was busy whole game. She really could not get any of them. Her Defence let her down, badly.

Also thought this referee missed some things ... she even invented a corner kick.

Different note: Watched Celia Sasic in the CL final and kept thinking she had African ancestry, but then blew it off. Saw her on TV again today and the same thought occurred to me, but the Sasic kept throwing me off. Turns out the initial thought was correct.

Yeah, she was born in Germany, but her father is from Cameroon (Okoyino da Mbabi is her maiden name). Her mom is French.

asylumseeker · « **Reply #13 on:** June 07, 2015, 10:15:18 PM »

Germany open World Cup with crushing win over Ivory Coast; Norway put four past Thailand (Deutsche Welle)

Germany cruised to an emphatic 10-0 win over Ivory Coast in their opening game of the Women's World Cup in Ottawa, Canada. Hat tricks from Celia Sasic and Anja Mittag, as well as goals from Melanie Behringer, Simone Laudehr, Sara Däbritz and Alexandra Popp sealed the near record-equaling win.

Germany were dominant from start to finish, scoring five goals each half and creating 28 attempts on goal. The scoring began after just three minutes - Celia Sasic with a simple finish in the middle of the box. Leonie Maier, Alexandra Popp and Simone Laudehr all had chances to double the lead, but Ivory Coast captain Dominique Thiamale was keeping her side in the game. The pressure eventually relented, and Sasic grabbed the second on 13 minutes.

One of the German stars, 21-year old Melanie Leupolz, had to leave the pitch with injury on 16 minutes. She would return to the bench later on in the half, but that was the only worry of the game for the European champions. Three goals came in the space of six minutes to take the score to 5-0 at the break, with Sasic completing her hat trick either side of an Anja Mittag brace after just 31 minutes. It was the earliest hat trick scored in Women's World Cup history.

No contest for Neid's side

It was Ivory Coast who started the better in the second half, though. They even had the ball in the German net after Diakite Binta had challenged Nadine Angerer in the air, but a foul was given against the Ivory Coast forward. Soon after, Mittag should have sealed her hat trick, but with the goal beckoning in the middle of the box, she dragged her effort wide.

Eventually, though, a sixth goal came. Mittag followed Sasic's suit and grabbed her hat trick just after the hour mark, capitalizing on a defensive mistake - the third time in women's World Cup history that two players, on the same team, have scored hat tricks in a single game. A seventh goal followed minutes later, Simone Laudehr jinking her way into the box before slotting past Thiamale.

Seven became eight as substitute Sara Däbritz tapped home at the back post and the ninth goal was scored with 10 minutes to play. Germany were closing in on their record scoreline of 11-0 that they produced to open the 2007 tournament against Argentina. The scoreline reached double figures just before the end, as Alexandra Popp smashed home a free kick from just outside the box, and that's how it finished.

(Sasic 3', 14' 31, Mittag 29', 35', 64' Laudehr 71', Däbritz 75', Behringer 79', Popp 85')

Norway put four past Thailand

In the earlier game in Group B on Sunday, Norway strolled past Thailand 4-0.

Norway, who have now won each of their six World Cup openers, took the lead after a quarter of an hour through a superb free kick from Trine Ronning. The lead was doubled 14 minutes later through Isabell Herlovsen and the 26-year-old added a second just five minutes later to leave the score at 3-0 through half-time.

Nineteen-year-old Ada Hederberg scored a fourth after 68 minutes to seal the win. Just before the end, Maren Majelde had a penalty saved by Thailand goalkeeper Waraporn Boonsing. Norway face Germany next on Thursday, whilst Ivory Coast play Thailand.

Germany v. Cote D'Ivoire highlights

Norway v. Thailand highlights

Flex · « **Reply #14 on:** June 08, 2015, 04:41:58 AM »

Hope Solo Domestic Violence Arrest Details Emerge During World Cup
By SARA MURPHY (refinery29.com).

As the USA prepares to play Australia in the FIFA Women's World Cup tomorrow, shocking new details from goalie Hope Solo's domestic violence arrest in Seattle last June are taking center stage. According to police reports obtained by ESPN, the soccer star was extremely combative while being arrested, at one point screaming belligerently at the arresting officer: "You're such a b----. You're scared of me because you know that if the handcuffs were off, I'd kick your ass."

Initially charged with allegedly punching both her sister and teenage nephew in the face, Solo pled not guilty and her case was eventually dismissed. Just weeks later, she made an appearance on Good Morning America and told host Robin Roberts that her nephew was the aggressor. But these newly found police documents may beg to differ, and the case, which was dismissed by Kirkland Municipal Court on procedural grounds, may warrant a re-opening. Prosecutors have filed an appeal with the Superior Court of Washington.

ESPN reports that Solo "repeatedly hurled insults at the officers processing her arrest, suggesting that two jailers were having sex and calling another officer a '14-year-old boy.' " At one point, after an officer asked Solo to remove a necklace, she allegedly yelled at him that the necklace "was worth more than he makes in a year."

Earlier this year, U.S. Soccer suspended Solo for 30 days after she became belligerent with police when her husband was pulled over for a DUI.

Solo has declined multiple interview requests on the subject, telling reporters at a recent press conference promoting the World Cup that she was uninterested in addressing the subject.

Her attorney has responded to questions regarding his client's behavior and the newly surfaced documents. "Police reports and other court documents clearly demonstrate that the alleged victims radically changed their stories on multiple occasions and twice refused to answer questions under oath, despite court orders. Had the case proceeded to trial and the witnesses been cross-examined under oath subject to the penalty of perjury, the defense would have proven that Teresa's son, not Hope, was the true aggressor, and that Hope suffered a concussion as a result of her nephew's unlawful conduct."

Two sides and two wildly different tales. Whatever the truth may be, we're betting we haven't heard the last of this sad family story.

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:13014381

asylumseeker · « **Reply #15 on:** June 08, 2015, 06:24:36 AM »

Although US Soccer imposed certain compliance requirements for Solo, it seems they also fashioned an outcome by having the timeline work so that she would be available for the WC. Surprise, surprise. However, I suppose they could say they did their part.

Soccer 19 · « **Reply #16 on:** June 08, 2015, 05:08:45 PM »

Drove to Ottawa from Toronto yesterday to watch the matches
Norway looks very strong
Germany better work on their finishing
Norway and Germany will be a great game this coming Thursday

For those who only have cable can watch all games online at TSN.CA

Watching Ecaudor play now 😪

19

asylumseeker · « **Reply #17 on:** June 08, 2015, 06:25:56 PM »

Ecuador down 3-0 to Cameroon; game approaching the 60' mark.

Meanwhile, in the US-Australia match, the best thing is Tony DiCicco schooling whoever that is next to him chatting nonsense. The Aussies look compelling, especially their ball movement. The second half could be blistering.

Michael-j · « **Reply #18 on:** June 08, 2015, 07:08:30 PM »

Quote from: asylumseeker on June 08, 2015, 06:25:56 PM

Ecuador down 3-0 to Cameroon; game approaching the 60' mark.

Meanwhile, in the US-Australia match, the best thing is Tony DiCicco schooling whoever that is next to him chatting nonsense. The Aussies look compelling, especially their ball movement. The second half could be blistering.

The US took their game up a couple notches in the 2nd half..the Ozzies can't seem to keep up.

Michael-j · « **Reply #19 on:** June 08, 2015, 07:11:51 PM »

Cameroon 6, Ecuador -0, full time. Wonder if we would have put up a better fight.

asylumseeker · « **Reply #20 on:** June 08, 2015, 07:13:52 PM »

Quote from: Michael-j on June 08, 2015, 07:08:30 PM

Quote from: asylumseeker on June 08, 2015, 06:25:56 PM
Ecuador down 3-0 to Cameroon; game approaching the 60' mark.

Meanwhile, in the US-Australia match, the best thing is Tony DiCicco schooling whoever that is next to him chatting nonsense. The Aussies look compelling, especially their ball movement. The second half could be blistering.

The US took their game up a couple notches in the 2nd half..the Ozzies can't seem to keep up.

Indeed! We are at risk of the scoreline not reflecting what Australia has contributed to this game. They have been a pleasure to watch.

Bitter · « **Reply #21 on:** June 08, 2015, 07:14:15 PM »

So far, I've noted two things in this WC.
1. I forgot how bad Fox was. NBC spoil us the last couple years.

2. The women's game is more about physical mismatches than good football. The only team that can make up for the size disadvantage is Brazil.

Bitter · « **Reply #22 on:** June 08, 2015, 07:15:16 PM »

Quote from: Michael-j on June 08, 2015, 07:11:51 PM

Cameroon 6, Ecuador -0, full time. Wonder if we would have put up a better fight.

I wonder if we would have had to take donations again...

asylumseeker · « **Reply #23 on:** June 08, 2015, 07:16:30 PM »

Did Blatter attend the opening ceremony ... ?

asylumseeker · « **Reply #24 on:** June 08, 2015, 07:17:59 PM »

Quote from: Bitter on June 08, 2015, 07:15:16 PM

Quote from: Michael-j on June 08, 2015, 07:11:51 PM
Cameroon 6, Ecuador -0, full time. Wonder if we would have put up a better fight.
I wonder if we would have had to take donations again...

Hold strain, we might need some for the Gold Cup.

Michael-j · « **Reply #25 on:** June 08, 2015, 07:18:28 PM »

Quote from: asylumseeker on June 08, 2015, 07:13:52 PM

Quote from: Michael-j on June 08, 2015, 07:08:30 PM
Quote from: asylumseeker on June 08, 2015, 06:25:56 PM
Ecuador down 3-0 to Cameroon; game approaching the 60' mark.

Meanwhile, in the US-Australia match, the best thing is Tony DiCicco schooling whoever that is next to him chatting nonsense. The Aussies look compelling, especially their ball movement. The second half could be blistering.

The US took their game up a couple notches in the 2nd half..the Ozzies can't seem to keep up.

Indeed! We are at risk of the scoreline not reflecting what Australia has contributed to this game. They have been a pleasure to watch.

They started really impressively; nice pace and fluent movement and caught the US off guard for a bit....the scoreline at the end of the first half could have been a lot different were it not for some fine saves by Solo.

asylumseeker · « **Reply #26 on:** June 08, 2015, 07:46:45 PM »

Nigeria hold Sweden in thriller (FIFA.com)

Sweden gave up a 2-0 lead to Nigeria only for substitute Linda Sembrant to put the Europeans back in the lead, which Francisca Ordega cancelled out with three minutes remaining for a dramatic 3-3 draw in the first game of Group D at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™.

The Super Falcons, having never beaten Sweden on their three previous meetings, came out flying in the first few minutes and had the Swedes on the back foot for much of the first quarter of an hour.

But an unfortunate own goal from Desire Oparanozie gave the Swedes the lead 20 minutes into the match. Emma Berglund’s flicked header from a corner kick was redirected into Nigeria’s net by the No9’s chest. A poor clearance off another Swedish corner made it 2-0, Nilla Fischer able to tap in to an empty net after the ball made its way through the crowd.

Nigeria’s front line refused to go quiet, however, and just after the break two goals in quick succession levelled matters. Ngozi Okobi’s brilliant first touch afforded the No13 plenty of room and space before coolly firing past Hedvig Lindahl. Three minutes later, Asisat Oshoala, the golden shoe winner at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014 opened her account for this tournament with a fine individual effort after a well-played long ball from Onome Ebi.

Sembrant handed the lead back to Sweden after good build-up play on the left side resulted in Lina Nilsson’s cross that the substitute managed to direct past Precious Dede with her thigh.

However, Francisca Ordega salvaged a point for the Super Falcons three minutes from time with a shot that managed to slip through the legs of Lindahl, leaving the two sides tied at 3-3.

Match Highlights

asylumseeker · « **Reply #27 on:** June 08, 2015, 08:00:12 PM »

Cameroon prove too much for World Cup debutant Ecuador
Jerry Trecker (FoxSports)

Cameroon cruised past an overmatched Ecuador 6-0 to open Women's World Cup Group C play in Vancouver on Monday, Gaelle Enganamouit scoring a hat trick as the winners were awarded three penalties in a one-sided match that allowed Cameroon to showcase some of their attacking potential.

Madeleine Ngono Mani, Christine Manie and Gabrielle Onguene also tallied for the winners, who took their foot off the gas in the second half after opening a 3-0 lead at the interval against a South American team which offered little in the way of dangerous resistance.

Defending champion Japan face Switzerland in the second game of the BC Place double bill.

The Africans were in charge from the start against a team which won a playoff against Trinidad & Tobago to get the final spot in the 24-nation field. Even with some early stellar work from Ecuador keeper Shirley Berruz it was only a matter of time before Cameroon would break through.

There were several near misses before Ngono Mani collected a rebound from ever-dangerous Enganamouit in the 34th minute to break the deadlock. It was Enganamouit two minutes later to make it 2-0 while a penalty from Manie a minute before the interval made the scoreline reflect Cameroon's dominance. Teenager Kerrly Real, just 16 years old, fouled Onguene to give away the spot kick.

Ecuador had little possession and was unable to lift the pressure as Cameroon controlled midfield and was comfortable on the ball when attacking. Enganamouit, a 22-year old striker, was able to create chances almost at will, having some efforts blocked before she finally got the goals she deserved.

Although Ecuador showed a bit more energy at the start of the second half, they were reduced to 10 players in the 67th minute when Ligia Moreira saw direct red for a last-player tackle that denied Cameroon a scoring chance just outside the box.

Enganamouit's second was a simple tap in to an open net against the 10-player defense as Ecuador was cut wide open by a counter attacking run in the 73rd minute. Onguene's penalty came shortly thereafter although the match had been well-decided much earlier. Enganamouit completed her hat trick in stoppage time from the third Cameroon penalty award of the night.

Cameroon will return to action Friday against Japan while Ecuador faces Switzerland the same day.

Match Highlights

asylumseeker · « **Reply #28 on:** June 08, 2015, 08:41:06 PM »

Australia Matildas denied by late USA rally
Dominic Bossi (The Sydney Morning Herald)

Two late goals dashed Australia's hopes of a positive result against USA in the 2015 Women's World Cup after coming so close to humbling the heavyweights and title favourites.

It may be remembered as a routine win for the USA, but they were made to work far harder than many predicted against a gallant Australia side.

The Matildas played the way they had promised. Aggressive, fearless and positive - and for a moment, it looked like it would be sufficient to cause the biggest upset of the Women's World Cup so far.

For periods, Australia had their opponents frustrated with relentless defence and immediate attack. It was a match heralded as the potential start of Australia's break into the top ten, however as much as some things changed with a fast-paced squad, much remained the same.

For captain Lisa De Vanna - a self confessed problem child - she displayed her newfound maturity in leading her country, but her complete disregard for the establishment still crept in. In her hundredth game, she threatened to spoil the party for the dominant USA with a goal to equalise and bring hope of an incredible result.

For the tournament favourites, there was a moment where they appeared to be on their way to their own shock result, a failure to win against the Australians. Though just as quickly as that thought simmered through Winnipeg, normal service resumed.

The warning signs were there early for the USA, who had under-fire goalkeeper Hope Solo to thank for saving an early goal. Emily Van Egmond had a shot from the edge of the box tipped onto the crossbar early by mere fingernails.

The USA were almost cocky in the build-up, saying they expected to take an early lead against Australia, but it was only through luck that the statement proved prophetic rather than arrogant.

USA captain Megan Rapinoe latched on to a loose ball outside the box, and with a neat turn opened up space to shoot. It had power, but it was a deflection that beat Melissa Barbieri, with the Matildas goalkeeper left to watch the ball dip into the net.

However, it didn't last long. Just as the chants of "USA" echoed across the stadium, Australia's captain silenced the 31,148 mostly American fans.

Playing in her 100th international, De Vanna made it a moment to saviour (sic), finishing a slick passing move that would have humbled the American defence. A quick passing build-up cut through America's defence and when Michelle Heyman flicked on the ball to De Vanna, there was only one outcome - a calm finish from close range.

It rattled the giants of women's football and before they could move off the ropes, Australia landed the body blows. De Vanna, Katrina Gorry and Servet Uzunlar raised the physicality in the hope of stifling the Americans with fierce challenges. It worked, as what rhythm USA had wore down, and the Matildas found space on the counter, only for De Vanna and Caitlin Foord to be denied by stoic last-ditch defending.

Though for all their spirit, determination alone couldn't overrun class. Against the route-one tactics the Matildas had been preparing to handle for four months, the Americans took the lead. A long ball into space allowed forward Sydney Le Roux to cut inside from the wing and a well-weighted cutback gave Christen Press a chance to restore the lead with a composed finish.

There was no looking back for a team of such pedigree, and the win was made certain in the 78th minute. It was Rapinoe yet again who punished Australia, strolling through the defence to finish easily to seal the win.

Match Highlights

asylumseeker · « **Reply #29 on:** June 08, 2015, 09:20:21 PM »

Quote from: Bitter on June 08, 2015, 07:14:15 PM

...

2. The women's game is more about physical mismatches than good football. The only team that can make up for the size disadvantage is Brazil.

I eh know nah ...

This is one reason I found Australia's contribution today to be promising. They were very dynamic with and without the ball, and most of what occurred in that game was about the ball (how it was protected, how/where it was delivered, and when), rather than about size and physicality.

A counter-contention would be that Japan managed to win the last edition of the Cup despite not being giants. Perhaps with the Brazilians, it's that the women more closely mirror the men in certain stylistic ways.

During this tournament, we will see good football and some bad football (particularly in games where there is a team with pronounced technical deficiencies e.g. Ivory Coast yesterday), but I expect to see more decent football than bad football.

We shouldn't expect women's football to be a precise mirror image of the men's game.

The other area where there has been a noticeable gap is on the tactical side (Nigeria today). Why was no substitution employed when the attacking players were clearly spent? Also failure to either use the right flank to break down Sweden or failure to address with the players the problem the team was experiencing regarding retaining possession in midfield. Not to mention, something as basic as what occurred on the two corners on which NGR conceded goals. For all of Oshoala's speed and physicality that troubled the Swedes, a lot of other variables came into play.

The "women's game" is evolving.