Women’s World Cup Day 8: Upstart Nigeria puts big pressure on Canada, Australia
Day 8 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup was stuffed with drama, that includes an ill-tempered rematch of the 2019 last and a event co-host struggling a surprising loss that places its possibilities of advancing in severe jeopardy.
The Results
Group E: United States 1, Netherlands 1 (in Wellington) – Game stats || Report
Group E: Portugal 2, Vietnam 0 (in Hamilton) – Game stats || Report
Group B: Nigeria 3, Australia 2 (in Brisbane) – Game stats || Report
Main Talking Points
Sparks fly in World Cup last rematch
Tensions boiled over within the second half of Thursday’s match between the United States and the Netherlands, a rematch of the 2019 World Cup last when the Americans earned a 2-0 win to repeat as champions.
American midfielder Lindsey Horan crumbled to the bottom in ache following a crunching sort out by Danielle van de Donk within the 59th minute. Even although they’re membership teammates — they each play for French membership Lyon — van de Donk didn’t maintain again in taking out Horan in her try to win the ball.
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Horan didn’t take too kindly to the tough therapy and let van de Donk learn about it after she obtained therapy from the medical employees. The two gamers needed to be separated by the referee after partaking in a spirited bout of trash speaking when play resumed and Horan exacted a measure of revenge by scoring a elegant header off the following nook kick to degree the rating. After the ultimate whistle, the 2 gamers have been all smiles and kidding round with each other.
Somewhat overshadowed by the Horan-van de Donk saga was the truth that the U.S. is now unbeaten in 19 consecutive World Cup matches (15 wins, 4 attracts). It’s the longest unbeaten run in World Cup historical past (males’s or girls’s).
Portugal makes issues fascinating in Group E
After dropping to the Netherlands in its opener, Portugal enhanced its possibilities of transferring on to the knockout spherical in its first World Cup debut with a dominant efficiency over fellow newcomer Vietnam.
Coach Francisco Neto made seven lineup modifications and that paid off handsomely because the Portuguese ran rampant over Vietnam in incomes its first-ever World Cup win – and actually, the harm may have been a lot worse had the Europeans not taken their foot off the fuel.
Portugal’s win means there’s every little thing to play for in Group E going into the ultimate matchday. The United States and the Netherlands high the group with 4 factors every, only one level forward of Portugal. Neto’s aspect would nonetheless want an upset victory over the top-ranked U.S. to be able to qualify, however stranger issues have occurred at this World Cup, and nothing needs to be taken with no consideration.
Group B topped by stunning Nigeria
Nigeria is No. 40 within the present FIFA world rankings, which makes it the lowest-ranked nation in Group B, nicely behind Canada (No. 7), Australia (No. 10) and the Republic of Ireland (No. 22).
Yet, it’s the Super Falcons who sit atop the Group B standings with 4 factors and look poised to advance to the knockout spherical of the World Cup for the third time following their upset victory over co-hosts Australia in Brisbane on Thursday. A win or draw in opposition to Ireland in its Group B finale would see the Africans advance.
The Group B finale between Australia and Canada on Monday in Melbourne has lengthy been touted because the match that can determine first place. Instead, Australia is on the skin wanting in because the third-place staff, whereas Nigeria fairly rightly sits in pole place to win Group B after a marvellous comeback effort in opposition to Australia. It marked the primary time that the Nigerians got here from behind to win a World Cup match, having beforehand misplaced 19 instances once they conceded first.
Australia dominated the primary half and took the lead in first-half stoppage time when Emily van Egmond opened the scoring. But Uchenna Kanu tied issues up simply moments later, and Nigeria constructed on that with a pair of second-half targets from Uchiobe Ohale and Asisat Oshoala that despatched the Australians reeling and compelled them to chase the sport.
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Goal of the Day
Portugal took the lead within the seventh minute in opposition to Vietnam with some nice buildup play that includes a fast sequence of passes, capped by Telma Encarnacao’s half-volley end from the sting of the six-yard field off an ideal cross from Lucia Alves.
Moment of the Day
A primary-ever World Cup win by Portugal saved alive its hopes of qualifying for the knockout spherical whereas concurrently eliminating fellow newcomer Vietnam.
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Quote of the Day
“I don’t think you ever want to get me mad because I don’t react in a good way. I just want something more. I want to win more; I want to score more, and I want more for my team.” – Horan on scoring the equalizer for the Americans simply minutes after being knocked over by van de Donk of the Netherlands.
Three Stars of the Day
1. Telma Encarnacao, Portugal: The 21-year-old ahead scored the opener in opposition to Vietnam after which arrange a second objective to assist the Portuguese safe their first-ever World Cup win.
2. Asisat Oshoala, Nigeria: Subbed into the match within the second half, the FC Barcelona ahead boosted the Super Falcons’ assault and scored to seal an necessary win for her nation.
3. Rose Lavelle, United States: The industrious midfielder gave the Americans a shot of power when she got here off the bench within the second half and it was her corner-kick supply that led to the tying objective.
Looking Ahead
Action in Group G resumes when Argentina faces South Africa on Thursday night time in Canada (8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT) with each groups in search of their first wins of the event after dropping their openers. Then it’s back-to-back Group D fixtures on Friday when England clashes with Denmark (4:30 a.m. ET / 1:30 a.m. PT) and China tangles with Haiti (7:30 a.m. ET / 4:30 a.m. ET).
John Molinaro is among the main soccer journalists in Canada, having lined the sport for over 20 years for a number of media retailers, together with Sportsnet, CBC Sports and Sun Media. He is at the moment the editor-in-chief of TFC Republic, an internet site devoted to in-depth protection of Toronto FC and Canadian soccer. TFC Republic will be discovered right here.
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