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There are some intriguing possibilities in both of Group A’s final games, with France and Nigeria probably garnering the major focus. An upset there could have a major impact on how the knockout stages look, especially if Norway meets expectations by defeating South Korea in the other match.
Update 5:05pm: The favorites held serve, but both games were very tense. France defeated Nigeria 1-0 thanks to a controversial twice-taken Wendie Renard penalty kick. The French wasted numerous chances before eventually needing some help from VAR to get a second chance after Renard’s initial spot kick had hit the post.
In the other game, Norway held on for a 2-1 win over South Korea. Forwards Caroline Graham Hansen and Isabell Herlovsen gave the Norwegians a 2-0 lead, but a wonderfully-worked goal from Yeo Min-ji in the 78th minute forced Norway to dig deep and grind out the final minutes.
The results see France win the group on 9 points, with Norway in 2nd on 6. Nigeria, with 3 points, will have to watch the remaining groups finish up before they find out whether they’ll get one of the four 3rd place spots in the knockout stage.
After two consecutive victories, France has the ability to go undefeated in the group stage, and are looking to lock up first place. After a tough 2-1 win over the Norwegians, France will be looking to re-assert themselves. It will be interesting to see whether just how many changes Corinne Diacre wants to make, but expect a few:
Suspicion is #FRA will change their side in a few positions against #NGA. Look for Perisset, Bilbault & Asseyi to start for the first time at this WWC. Maybe others. Also Cascarino likely back in. Gauvin to start, at least that’s what Corinne Diacre told @TF1 today. #NGAFRA
— Derek Rae (@RaeComm) June 16, 2019
Nigeria, on the other hand, must put up a fight to earn their place. Though a loss against France may not actually eliminate the Super Falcons, they must be wary of the goal difference. Three points might be enough to get a place in the knockout round if results in other groups go their way, but that last spot may well hinge on avoiding a big loss.
Location: Roazhon Park (Rennes)
Kickoff time: 3:00pm Eastern
Available TV: Fox, NBC Universo
Available streaming: If you subscribe to fuboTV via this link, your friends at B&RU get some cash!
Here are your other options: Fox Sports Go, Fox Soccer Match Pass, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, NBC Universo Now
For listings in other countries, check out LiveSoccerTV.com.
A win for Norway against South Korea is very likely to ensure the European team a spot in the next round. Despite missing Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg, Norway gave France a tough game and rolled to a 3-0 win over Nigeria. It hasn’t gone nearly as well for the Koreans, who have 2 losses and a -6 goal difference. They’re not out yet, though: a multi-goal victory against Norway and a win for France could even see them advance in dramatic fashion.
Unfortunately for the Taegeuk Nangja, I see a likely 2-0 win for Norway.
Location: Stade Auguste-Delaune (Reims)
Kickoff time: 3:00pm Eastern
Available TV: Fox Sports 1
Available streaming: If you subscribe to fuboTV via this link, your friends at B&RU get some cash!
Here are your other options: Fox Sports Go, Fox Soccer Match Pass, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo
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