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The final stages of the World Cup’s group stages end today, with most eyes focusing on Spain and China battling for a spot in the next round. At the same time, Germany will be looking to make it three straight wins as they take on South Africa.
Update 1:57pm: Spain and China settled for a 0-0 draw, with goalkeeper Peng Shimeng standing out. Boring though it was, the result was good enough for both teams to go through, with Spain in 2nd and China assured of one of the four 3rd place spots in the knockout rounds.
In the other game, Germany made it three straight shutout wins with a 4-0 victory over South Africa. Melanie Leupolz, Sara Däbritz, Alexandra Popp, and Lina Magull all had goals in a game that was never close.
Though a win for either Spain or China would secure their spot as Group B’s runner-up (which comes with a strong chance of facing the USWNT), a draw may just be enough for the two nations as well. China bounced back from their defeat against Germany by triumphing against South Africa 1-0 on a goal from Li Ying.
Spain, meanwhile, has a lot of raw talent; the key will be on whether or not they come together to unleash that potential. After a victorious start over South Africa, Spain fell 1-0 to Germany, but I believe they can come back. I predict a 2-1 Spanish win against the Steel Roses.
Location: Stade Océane (Le Havre)
Kickoff time: 12:00pm Eastern
Available TV: Fox Sports 1, 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.
On the other side of the country, one of the tournament’s best contenders, faces the bottom team in Group B as Germany faces South Africa. With a simple draw, Germany would qualify into the next round as group leader, while South Africa must win, get a favorable result in the other game, and then watch the other groups in pursuit of one of the four third-place spots in the knockout round.
I see an easy 3-0 for Germany.
Location: Stade de la Mosson (Montpellier)
Kickoff time: 12:00pm
Available TV: Fox
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
What are you drinking: Mondays at work call for a double shot cappuccino.
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