Yesterday's results saw no one clinch advancement, stoppage-time game-winners, and a genuine thriller between two sides that showed real pride after being blown out in their previous outings. It's possible that today's games also result in no guaranteed knockout round spots, though there are teams - Japan, Cameroon, and the USWNT - who are a win away from booking their spot in the Round of 16.
We start today's slate in the US's group with Australia vs. Nigeria. Regardless of what we may think, Australia appears to be buying into a "we wuz robbed" mentality and will be primed to straighten things out today. However, the Nigerian attack - featuring Asisat Oshoala and the Washington Spirit's Francisca Ordega - has enough firepower and speed to threaten the Matildas. It wouldn't surprise me to see the Super Falcons involved in another high-scoring affair here.
Next up, we'll see two teams that lost their opening games in Switzerland and Ecuador. The Swiss will be heavy favorites, and with them comes the Ramona Bachmann show. Ecuador struggled badly against Cameroon in their first outing, and this may be more of the same given the fact that Switzerland gave the defending champs such a tough game earlier this week.
It's safe to guess that the big game for most readers here is going to be the US game against Sweden, and we'll have plenty of words on that subject coming up this evening. As such, I'll move on to the nightcap, with Japan facing Cameroon. Both sides got 3 points in their first match, and the winner will be sure of advancement. Don't be fooled by the fact that Cameroon is ahead of the Nadeshiko by five goals; the Japanese will be overwhelming favorites to win this one. Still, they looked vulnerable at times in transition, and they may struggle with the size and speed of Gaëlle Enganamouit up front.
Group D: Australia vs. Nigeria
Kickoff time: 5:00pm Eastern
TV/Streaming: Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports Go, Fox Soccer 2Go, NBC Deportes En Vivo Extra
Venue: Winnipeg Stadium (Winnipeg)
Group C: Switzerland vs. Ecuador
Kickoff time: 7:00pm Eastern
TV/Streaming: Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports Go, Fox Soccer 2Go, NBC Deportes En Vivo Extra
Venue: BC Place Stadium (Vancouver)
Group D: USA vs. Sweden
Kickoff time: 8:00pm Eastern
TV/Streaming: Fox, Fox Soccer 2Go, NBC Universo, NBC Universo Now, NBC Deportes En Vivo Extra
Venue: Winnipeg Stadium (Winnipeg)
Group C: Japan vs. Cameroon
Kickoff time: 10:00pm Eastern
TV/Streaming: Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports Go, Fox Soccer 2Go, NBC Deportes En Vivo Extra
Venue: BC Place Stadium (Vancouver)
What are you drinking?: I've cajoled some people that watch little soccer to meet me at a bar for this one, and I'm leaning towards beer. Maybe a higher-end pilsner if one is available? I don't want to pick anything too heavy since the region is in the middle of pretending to be a sauna at all times.
This is the place to be for any pre-game, in-game and post-game commentary and conversation.