Day: June 25, 2019

Women’s World Cupdate: Still Defending

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: Monday, June 24th

Both Group F representatives in the Round of 16 were in action on Monday and both squads came away with well earned victories to advance to the quarterfinals. Defending champion the United States defeated Spain courtesy two penalty kicks while Sweden used a timely goal and a big penalty save to move past Canada.

Spain 1-2 United States

In their toughest test to date at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, defending champion United States used a pair of Megan Rapinoe penalty kicks to power past Spain and set up a quarterfinal clash with host France on Friday.

It was another fast start for the United States, drawing a penalty in the opening five minutes then going in front when Rapinoe scored the first of her two goals from the spot in the seventh minute. That lead was short lived however, as Spain answered just two minutes later. A bad pass from the goalkeeper led to a turnover in a dangerous area and Jennifer Hermoso didn’t miss from just outside the box to bring the match back even.

That score line stayed in tact for another 60+ minutes of play, but not for lack of effort on the United States part. They controlled the possession and created the best looks at goal, they just could not convert on their chances. That changed when the United States was awarded a second penalty that turned into Rapinoe’s second goal and a 2-1 lead. After battling through another 20 minutes of play with added time, the defending champs held on and booked a spot in the quarterfinals.

Goals

  • Megan Rapinoe | USA (7′ PEN, 75′ PEN)
  • Jennifer Hermoso | ESP (9′)

Highlights

Sweden 1-0 Canada

Defense was the name of the game between Sweden and Canada for a majority of their match before the game began to open up a bit in the second half. The match remained scoreless through the entire first half and ten minutes of the second before Sweden found a breakthrough.

Kosovare Asllani placed a pass into space where Stina Blackstenius got to it just in time to beat a Canadian defender and the goalkeeper to punch it into the back of the net for a 1-0 Sweden lead. Just over 10 minutes later, Canada had a golden opportunity to event he score when they were awarded a penalty for handball. Janine Beckie stepped up to take the penalty but her shot was turned aside by a diving Hedvig Lindahl to keep Sweden on top.

That turned out to be the last significant chance Canada had on goal as Sweden closed out the victory for a spot in the quarterfinals against Germany.

Goals

  • Stina Blackstenius | SWE (55′)

Highlights

Plays of the Day

Only four goals on Monday but at this stage of the tournament they’re all significant. We didn’t put them all in but Jennifer Hermoso and Megan Rapinoe provided some fireworks while Hedvig Lindahl came up huge for Sweden.

Jennifer Hermoso (Spain)

It was a sloppy play by the United States, but credit Hermoso for keeping her cool and firing a perfect shot into the far corner to bring Spain back level just two minutes after falling behind early.

Megan Rapinoe (United States)

Great teams find a way to win even when they aren’t playing their best and that was the case for the United States on Monday. They needed two Megan Rapinoe penalties to advance, with the second being the game winner.

Hedvig Lindahl (Sweden)

Canada had the perfect opportunity to tie their match against Sweden in the second half, but Swedish goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl had other plans. Lindahl guessed correctly and made the match saving stop on Janine Beckie’s penalty.

Bracket Update

Three of the four quarterfinal matches are now set with the United States and Sweden claiming victory on Monday. All that’s left is to find out which two sides will make up the fourth and final quarterfinal match.

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Quarterfinals Outlook

June 27th: Norway v. England

June 28th: France v. United States

June 29th: Italy/China v. Netherlands/Japan

June 29th: Germany v. Sweden

Here’s What’s Next: Tuesday, June 25th

After Tuesday we will know the full quarterfinals field, but first the games need to be played to determine the final two teams advancing to the next round. Italy and China square off in the day’s opening match to be followed by a showdown between the Netherlands and Japan later in the day.

Italy (1C) v. China (3B)

Italy returned to the Women’s World Cup for the first time in 20 years and subsequently won Group C that included the likes of Brazil and Australia. They already had high expectations entering the tournament, now they have to be believe they can make a serious run. In their way stands China who acquitted themselves well in a tough Group B. Italy can fill the net but also play a strong defense while China hasn’t been an offensive powerhouse but only surrendered one goal in three group games. This could be another match that needs more than 90 minutes to determine a winner.

  • Time: 12:00 PM
  • Location: Stade de la Mosson (Montpelier)
  • How to Watch: FS1

Netherlands (1E) v. Japan (2B)

Pre-tournament dark horse Netherlands showed everyone the hype was deserved with a clean sweep of group matches to win Group E over Canada. That hype train will now follow them into the Round of 16 where they will face 2011 champion and 2015 runner-up Japan with a spot in the quarterfinals on the line. Japan came into France with dreams of another title, but falling to England in group play means they face a tough road ahead if they hope to return home with another trophy.

  • Time: 3:00 PM
  • Location: Roazhon Park (Rennes)
  • How to Watch: FS1

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 Outlook

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

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via FIFA.com

Jennifer Hermoso jumps back into the Top 10 with her goal on Monday but her tournament came to an end with Spain’s loss. Megan Rapinoe joins teammate Carli Lloyd on three goals, two behind Alex Morgan and Sam Kerr.

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.