Everything is up for grabs in both groups playing today at the Women's World Cup. No one has completely assured themselves of a spot in the knockout stages, while no team has been eliminated yet either. That should make for some good viewing, particularly in a chaotic, tense Group A.
However, we start in Group B where the heavy favorites will be looking to give themselves an easier path in the round of 16. Sadly, we might not get very enjoyable games here (unless you're a fan of Germany, Norway, or blowouts). The runner-up in Group B will play the 2nd best team from Group F. Coming into the tournament, the assumption was that England would take that spot, but Colombia's upset of France has a major impact here. There's a significant chance that the French - one of the best teams in the tournament on paper - end up 2nd, so both Germany and Norway will be highly motivated to win the group in order to avoid them.
Thailand are still theoretically in the hunt if they can win, but a win for the Thais over Germany would be a far larger upset than the aforementioned Colombia triumph from what I've seen of the teams involved. A draw or even a low-scoring loss will keep the War Elephants in the running to advance as one of the four best 3rd place teams, but Germany will be keeping tabs on the other game. Norway head coach Even Pellerud says he will not order his team to run up the score on Cote d'Ivoire, but if he wants to dodge France the best way to do so is to make up the goal difference gap (currently Germany is +10 while the Norwegians are +4).
Group A doesn't have the potential mismatches, and as such will be wide open (well, as much as the nervy play in the group thus far will allow it to be). Only three goals have been scored in the four games, but two of them have come in stoppage time. Theoretically New Zealand - currently in last place - could win the group with a two-goal win over China. There's the possibility that all four teams finish with 4 points. If you've got the option, it might be wise to fire up one game on your computer or phone while watching the other on TV, because every goal scored in the 7:30 pair of games will have major implications.
Group B: Thailand vs. Germany
Kickoff time: 4:00pm Eastern
TV/Streaming: Fox, Fox Soccer 2Go, NBC Deportes En Vivo Extra
Venue: Winnipeg Stadium (Winnipeg)
Group B: Cote d'Ivoire vs. Norway
Kickoff time: 4:00pm Eastern
TV/Streaming: Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports Go, Fox Soccer 2Go, NBC Deportes En Vivo Extra
Venue: Moncton Stadium (Moncton)
Group A: Netherlands vs. Canada
Kickoff time: 7:30pm Eastern
TV/Streaming: Fox Sports 1, NBC Universo, Fox Sports Go, Fox Soccer 2Go, NBC Universo Now, NBC Deportes En Vivo Extra
Venue: Stade Olympique (Montreal)
Group A: China vs. New Zealand
Kickoff time: 7:30pm Eastern
TV/Streaming: Fox Sports 2, Fox Sports Go, Fox Soccer 2Go, NBC Deportes En Vivo Extra
Venue: Winnipeg Stadium (Winnipeg)
What are you drinking?: For the first set of games, it'll be water. During the Group A games, probably a gin and tonic.
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