Cameroon through on dramatic last-gasp winner, Women’s World Cup: Live stream, game time thread, how to watch

The final day of the World Cup group stage is today, with the Netherlands and Canada an eye-catching pairing in Group E. Both teams are listed at a tier just below the true favorites, but they’re each capable of taking down one of the giants, and it should pose an interesting tactical battle as well. In the same group, Cameroon and New Zealand will be playing a must-win game to have any hope of advancing as one of the top four 3rd place teams.

Update 2:12pm: The Netherlands handed Canada their first loss in nearly a year, winning 2-1 to finish atop Group E. Anouk Dekker and Lineth Beerensteyn scored for the Dutch in the second half, helping them overcome a 60th minute equalizer from Christine Sinclair that came against the run of play.

The drama came in the other game, where Cameroon and New Zealand seemed set to both go out after an 80th minute own goal had allowed the Football Ferns to get level. Both teams threw numbers forward with abandon in search of a needed winner, and Ajara Nchout — who had scored Cameroon’s first — delivered, scoring a 95th minute winner that sent off delirious celebrations from the Lionnes Indomptables.

The results mean that the Dutch win the group on 9 points, advancing to face Japan in the Round of 16. Canada, on 6 points, will play the runners-up from Group F, which is to say they’ll play Sweden or the United States. Cameroon’s win was enough to give them one of the four 3rd place spots in the knockout rounds, but their Round of 16 opponent can’t be determined until Group F concludes.

Let’s start with the two contenders. The Dutch arrived with plenty of hype around their world-class front line (Shanice van de Sanden, Vivianne Miedema, and Lieke Martens), but they haven’t exactly hit top gear so far. The Netherlands have won both of their games, but it took a stoppage time winner to down New Zealand, and the difference in their 3-1 win against Cameroon was finishing their share of the chances rather than dominating play. Beating Canada will require more from the midfield in support of that front line.

On the other hand, Canada (featuring four former Washington Spirit players, in the form of goalkeeper Stephanie Labbé and defenders Shelina Zadorsky, Rebecca Quinn, and Lindsay Agnew) is all about defense. That’s intentional: coach Kenneth Heiner-Moller’s entire tactical plan is about minimizing risk and capitalizing on opposition errors. It’s not often pretty, but they haven’t lost a game since falling to the USWNT in Concacaf’s qualifying tournament last year. Making things more difficult for the Dutch, Canada seemed to figure a few things out going forward in the second half of their 2-0 win over New Zealand, and if they can combine even a decent attack with their team-wide commitment to keeping clean sheets, they’re capable of winning this game.

The prize for today’s winner (or, in the event of a draw, the Dutch)? A potentially very tricky Round of 16 game against Japan. 2nd place in the group means facing the runner-up in Group F, which could be Sweden...or the USWNT.

Location: Stade Auguste-Delaune (Rennes)

Kickoff time: 12:00pm 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

Unlike the teams in the above game, Cameroon (and yet another ex-Spirit defender in the form of Estelle Johnson) and New Zealand don’t have the luxury of still going through with a loss. As both sides have lost twice already, this game is effectively an elimination game, as a loss or draw will knock both teams out. However, the six-group structure of the tournament comes with the possible salvation of a 3rd place spot. A two-goal win for either team would assure them of a place in the knockout round, while a one-goal win would bring total goals scored and the results from Group F later today into it.

Cameroon’s play so far has been a bit erratic, but they showed in spells against the Netherlands that they are capable of putting together enough attacking sequences to get the result they need to go through. The Football Ferns, on the other hand, have effectively played two straight games in damage control mode. It could be all part of a plan to come into this game with a manageable situation as far as advancement goes, and if that’s the case, they’re in position.

On the other hand, New Zealand’s attack has given us little reason to believe they have another gear, and they may have to rely on Cameroonian mistakes rather than their own prowess. It could work...but it feels like Cameroon has the better shot here.

Location: Stade de la Mosson (Montpellier)

Kickoff time: 12:00pm 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

For listings in other countries, check out LiveSoccerTV.com.

What are you drinking?: Last night’s D.C. United game makes me wish the answer could be bourbon, but it’s noon on a weekday, so probably coffee or water.

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