The Tournament’s Wildest Group Will Finally Get Its Answers
It’s a story of two World Cup teams on Sunday: Group A is sort of totally undecided by way of two video games and Group H is below agency management after a win by Germany, one of the vital highly effective groups within the subject.
The angst is palpable all through Group A. There are a number of situations through which any of the 4 groups may advance, and subsequently a number of situations through which any of the 4 sees its World Cup come to an abrupt finish. Of course, successful is the best answer. But below some circumstances even that’s not sufficient.
Norway vs. Philippines
This shouldn’t be the World Cup that Norway had in thoughts. After being upset by New Zealand, 1-0, within the event opener, Norway misplaced its star, Ada Hegerberg, minutes earlier than kickoff towards Switzerland, a recreation that led to a scoreless draw. Those outcomes have left the Norwegians sitting on the backside of Group A, a gaggle they have been anticipating to win.
And if they’re to get by way of, they’ll have to take action with out Hegerberg, the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner, who was dominated out for the workforce’s third recreation, towards the Philippines.
Norway will wish to win and to attain fairly a bit to make it simpler to advance to the spherical of 16, though once more, the situations are difficult.
A romp shall be simpler stated than completed — the Philippines are coming off its first aim and first win within the World Cup in its defeat of New Zealand.
Switzerland vs. New Zealand
New Zealand has skilled most of the highs and lows of a world event condensed within the first week of this World Cup. The Football Ferns kicked off their marketing campaign with a shocking upset of Norway in entrance of a house crowd, solely to lose as favorites to the Philippines days later.
Now, New Zealand successfully should win towards Switzerland. The situations are black-and-white (or in our case, pink-and-green): win and advance, lose and go dwelling. There is proscribed potential for a draw to be sufficient, however that might depend upon the end result of Norway’s matchup with the Philippines.
Switzerland at present leads Group A, with a win over the Philippines and a draw with Norway. Unless the Swiss lose to New Zealand and Norway handily defeats the Philippines by a big margin, Switzerland would advance.
Germany vs. Colombia
While Group A battle it out till the ultimate whistle, Germany is comfortably successful Group H after trouncing Morocco, 6-0, in its opening match. Having reached the quarterfinals each earlier event, this yr seems to be no completely different due to a good draw.
Colombia is capping off a powerful yr of worldwide competitors after a runner-up end in final summer season’s Copa América, the place it misplaced the ultimate to Brazil. The Colombians additionally opened their World Cup with a win over South Korea, 2-0. While it’s unlikely they are going to be a match for the Germans, the Colombians are nonetheless in place to advance to the knockout rounds.
South Korea vs. Morocco
South Korea and Morocco are each seeking to bounce again from opening losses. South Korea is the workforce with extra expertise within the event, having certified thrice within the final twenty years whereas Morocco is making its debut. The South Koreans have made it to the spherical of 16 solely as soon as earlier than, in 2015. Advancement for these groups at present seems unlikely, however a dominant win for both aspect may change the outlook for Group H.
