Day: June 15, 2019

Women’s World Cupdate: A Day for Big Plays

Welcome to your daily 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup update, or Women’s World Cupdate, where we recap the past day’s proceedings from France while previewing what is still to come. These features will run every morning throughout the duration of the tournament and feature highlights, major news, and much more from France.

Here’s What Happened: Friday, June 14th

An action packed day at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France delivered some of the most thrilling action of the tournament thus far, with each game providing some spectacular plays. Three crucial matches played out with all three favorites coming away with victories and the group picture starting to coming into focus.

Japan 2-1 Scotland

Japan wasted little time moving on from a disappointing draw against Argentina in their second group match with Scotland. First half goals from Mana Iwabuchi and Yuika Sugasawa put Japan in front and they never looked back on their way to a much needed three points.

In the 23rd minute, Iwabuchi received a pass just outside the box and smashed an unstoppable shot over the head of the goalkeeper and into the back of the net for Japan’s first goal of the opening half. Less than 15 minutes later, that lead doubled following a poor tackle in the box that resulted in a Japan penalty kick. Yuika Sugasawa easily slotted the ball into the bottom corner on the attempt and Japan were well in control.

Scotland managed to claw a goal back late off a stunning long range shot by Lana Clelland, but it was too little, too late for the Scots.

Goals

  • Mana Iwabuchi | JPN (23′)
  • Yuika Sugasawa | JPN (37′ PEN)
  • Lana Clelland | SCO (88′)

Highlights

Jamaica 0-5 Italy

Italy are back in the Women’s World Cup for the first time since 1999 and they are enjoying every second of their stay in France. An upset over Australia was a nice start, but now they are in position to win Group C outright following a dominating 5-0 drubbing of newcomers Jamaica in their second match.

Goals came early and often for the Italians during Friday’s rout, starting in the 12th minute off a penalty. Cristiana Girelli was the star of the match for for Italy, scoring a hat trick beginning with the penalty shot. Her first attempt was stopped, but it was determined that the goalie left her line early, resulting in a re-kick which Girelli slotted away with ease. Girelli added a brace in the 25th minute then completed her hat trick less than a minute into the second half.

Second half substitute Aurora Galli came on in the 6th minute and proceeded to score a pair of goals to cement the Italian victory and strengthen its overall goal differential to give them some cushion heading into the final group match against Brazil.

Goals

  • Cristiana Girelli | ITA (12′ PEN, 25′, 46′)
  • Aurora Galli | ITA (71′, 81′)

Highlights

England 1-0 Argentina

Three points is three points, it doesn’t matter how you get them just so long that you do. That’s what England will be saying after grinding out a hard earned 1-0 victory over Argentina to go back atop Group D and secure a spot in the knockout rounds.

It was rarely easy for England, but don’t let the scoreline fool you. The Lionesses dominated possession and created quality looks on goal for the entire 90 minutes of game action. Argentina goalkeeper Vanina Correa was the only reason this match was not a complete blowout in favor of the English side.

Correa stopped a first half penalty to keep England off the board early, then made a few more top tier saves as the match drew on to keep her side level as long as possible. Eventually the constant pressure caught up to the Argentinian defense and the Lionesses were able to break through. Jodie Taylor found an opening to break free and neatly finished off a terrific pass to break the ice and help propel England to a second straight victory in France.

Goals

  • Jodie Taylor | ENG (61′)

Highlights

Plays of the Day

There were just too many good plays from Friday’s matches to narrow our daily list down to only three, so please enjoy this expanded “Plays of the Day” selection.

Mana Iwabuchi (Japan)

It’s difficult to hit a ball any more pure than Iwabuchi did on this goal. No chance for the keeper to even react with the pace and power behind the strike.

Lee Alexander (Scotland)

Already trailing 2-0, Scotland couldn’t fall behind any further if they hoped to mount a second half comeback against Japan. Alexander kept hope alive with this outstanding save off a blast from distance.

Lana Clelland (Scotland)

It was too little, too late for Scotland, but this stunner from Clelland to bring them within a goal late will surely be a contender for goal of the tournament.

Aurora Galli (Italy)

Another absolute rocket from distance this time courtesy the right foot of Aurora Galli. No chance for the goalkeeper who can only make a passing effort to stop the ball before it goes in the top corner.

Vanina Correa (Argentina)

Vanina Correa was the only reason Argentina was close to England in the end. Shots were coming her way all afternoon and she did her part in keeping the Lionesses at bay as long as she could.

Group Update

Group C and Group D have now officially completed their Matchday 2 of the group stage in France and there is still a lot to be played for in both groups. Italy and England lead their respective groups and both have qualified for the knockout rounds.

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Italy romp Jamaica to keep group lead and guarantee advancement to the knockout rounds. They also have the added bonus of a +6 goal differential which gives them some breathing room to win the group going into the final round of matches next week.

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England joins the advancement party with all six points through its first two matches. They will need only a draw against Japan in the final group match to win Group E outright. Argentina and Scotland will play a very important match on Wednesday where the winner could very well advance as the third place finisher.

Advancing to knockout rounds: France (A), Germany (B), Italy (C), England (D)

Here’s What’s Next: Saturday, June 15th

Group E takes center stage on Saturday with a pair of games that will constitute its second matchday of play. All eyes will be on Canada and the Netherlands as they look to remain on top of the group before their big showdown to potentially decide the group on Matchday 3.

Netherlands v. Cameroon (Group E)

Netherlands squeaked past New Zealand on a stoppage time goal in its first match and will be even more heavily favored in its second match against Cameroon. A critical third match against Canada looms large, but they must focus on the task at hand and defeat Cameroon before looking forward.

  • Time: 9:00 AM
  • Location: Stade de Hainaut (Valenciennes)
  • How to Watch: FS1

Canada v. New Zealand (Group E)

Regardless of what happens in the earlier match, Canada will need to take care of business against New Zealand to put themselves in the best possible position to win Group E. New Zealand showed plenty of fight against the Netherlands so this will not be an easy out for the Canadians.

  • Time: 3:00 PM
  • Location: Stade des Alpes (Grenoble)
  • How to Watch: FS2

You can watch all these games live on the channels listed or streaming online at FoxSports.com with a cable sign in.

If highlights are more your style, check out @FOXSoccer on Twitter where goals and game recaps are posted throughout the day.

All game times are listed in Eastern Standard Time.

Golden Boot Standings

The Golden Boot Award goes to the top goal scorer at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Screen Shot 2019-06-14 at 5.31.23 PM.png
via FIFA.com

If you don’t have at least two goals at this stage of the tournament then you won’t be cracking the top-10 in the updated Golden Boot rankings. Cristiana Girelli jumps all the way to third with her hat trick while fellow Italy teammate Aurora Galli makes her debut in the standings.

Keep up to date on everything Women’s World Cup right here on “The Bat Flip” where we will be posting our daily Women’s World Cupdate to recap what went on and preview what’s still to come in France.