Group play at the 2015 Women's World Cup has reached it's final day, and while a couple of things are certain, there is still plenty to play for in Groups E and F. Brazil has already clinched a spot in the Second Round and the top spot in Group E, while Colombia, thanks to their shocking upset of France, has advanced, though they can finish the day in any spot from one to three.
To note, any third place team that has four points will end up going to the next round. Three points from any third place team will mean who advances comes down to goal differential. Switzerland has qualified from Group C with 3 points and a +7 goal differential, but Sweden and Thailand remain in limbo with 3 points, and a 0 and -7 goal differential respectively.
Match ups will finally be all vetted out by 9 PM tonight, but there is plenty that can change throughout the course of the games, depending on how the games are going.
Group F is first to go today, and there will be plenty of drama. Mexico can still advance despite a draw and loss against Colombia and England, but they will need to beat the heavily favored French. Mexico did well against England in their last game, but allowed a second goal before their stoppage time tally, which put them bottom of the group. France's motivation for the day will be avoiding the USA in the Round of 16.
A tie guarantees France moves on, but keeps them in danger of having to face the two time winners in the next round. A win against Mexico can see France move top of the group with two wins and a loss. The runner up of the group will face off against Norway on June 22, while the winner of Group F faces the runner up of Group E in Montreal on June 21.
The other game in Group F sees Colombia and England square off, with England still looking to qualify for the next round. After falling in their first game against France, England responded well against Mexico, but have to face a Colombian side brimming with confidence after one of the biggest upsets in tournament history. Again, avoiding the US will be the goal for both teams here, with a game against Norway, Spain, Costa Rica, or South Korea much more appealing than the USA.
Group E then finishes off the group play at the competition, in a group where it's possible that a second place team could end up with two points. Brazil has nothing to play for today, having already wrapped up the group with two wins in their first two games. They'll face "world class" Australia in the next round, so don't be surprised if they rest a few players ahead of that game. Costa Rica currently resides in second place in the group having drawn against Spain and Korea Republic, but might need a positive result to qualify for the next stage.
A 1-1 draw against Brazil with them finishing in third place in the group could potentially create a drawing between them and Sweden to see who advances to the next round. Both would have three points, and an even goal differential, with four goals scored. Costa Rica could also advance with a loss, provided its by a goal, and the game between Spain and Korea is a low scoring affair.
In the other game in the group, Korea has to win to have any chance of advancing, since they trail Spain in goal differential. Spain could conceivably qualify in second place with a tie, but would need a win to assure themselves a spot, with the potential of staying in third place even with a win. Spain can't advance as the third place team with a draw, so this game should see plenty of action.
Group F: Mexico vs. France
Kickoff time: 4:00pm Eastern
TV/Streaming: Fox, Telemundo, Fox Soccer 2Go, NBC Deportes En Vivo Extra,
Venue: Lansdowne Stadium (Ottawa)
Group F: England vs. Colombia
Kickoff time: 4:00pm Eastern
TV/Streaming: Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports Go, Fox Soccer 2Go, NBC Deportes En Vivo Extra, NBC Universo, NBC Universo Now
Venue: Olympic Stadium (Montreal)
Group E: Costa Rica vs. Brazil
Kickoff time: 7:00pm Eastern
TV/Streaming: Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports Go, Fox Soccer 2Go, NBC Deportes En Vivo Extra, NBC Universo, NBC Universo Now
Venue: Moncton Stadium (Moncton)
Group E: Korea Republic vs. Spain
Kickoff time: 7:00pm Eastern
TV/Streaming: Fox Sports 2, Fox Sports Go, Fox Soccer 2Go, NBC Deportes En Vivo Extra
Venue: Lansdowne Stadium (Ottawa)
What are you drinking?: Beer, beer, beer. Something from Virginia, obviously. A nice Devil's Backbone.
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