Women’s World Cup Roundup: Final matches for Groups B and C produces blowouts, a first-time win, and a nil-nil draw on Day 12

Day 12 of the Women’s World Cup showcased the end of group play for the eight teams in Groups B and C. Group C was all but decided, the only thing to figure out was who would take the top spot. Group B was much more muddled. Could co-host Australia find a way to make it through while dashing Canadian hearts, and would Ireland be able to thrash Nigerian hopes of making the knockout rounds? Let’s take a look back at Day 12!

Women’s World Cup Roundup Day 12

Zambia wins first-ever Women’s World Cup match over Costa Rica

Zambia and Costa Rica were already eliminated from the knockout rounds at this World Cup. Costa Rica had not scored a goal in their first two games they lost by an aggregate score of 5-0. Zambia was in a similar boat, but they conceded five goals in both of their first two matches. This final match was a matter of pride for both nations, and one of them was able to win their first-ever World Cup match!

As the match opened up, it was clear that debutant Zambia didn’t want to leave this World Cup without being able to score. They had all the momentum early and scored their first-ever goal at a Women’s World Cup in the fourth minute of the match. Avell Chitundu put in a great corner, and Lushomo Mweemba volleyed it into the net! It was 1-0 early on and the party would continue for them at the half-hour mark.

Barbra Banda scored a penalty in the 31st minute to double the lead for the Copper Queens, and things looked like it was all Zambia’s way, that is until the second half. Costa Rica kicked off the second half and snatched the momentum. They scored just two minutes after halftime from a beautifully cushioned headed cross by Valeria Del Campo found Melissa Herrera who hit it home. It was 2-1, and Costa Rica pushed for an equalizer for the rest of the match.

They never found it, and in second-half stoppage time Zambia found a third goal Barbra Banda slipped Racheal Kundanaji in on goal and she slotted the shot home underneath the diving goalkeeper. Te Copper Queens won their first ever World Cup match as they and Costa Rica both exit this tournament.

Group C Standings

Japan – 9 pts | +11 GD
Spain – 6 pts | +4 GD
Zambia – 3 pts | – 8 GD
Costa Rica – 0 pts | -7 GD

Japan shock Spain 4-0

Sometimes there are games that are anticipated and they don’t live up to the hype. That was not the case with Japan vs Spain. both nations were already through to the knockout rounds, but they played each other to see who would finish first or second. This one didn’t disappoint as it was a tale of two teams with differing styles.

Spain looked to dictate possession, while Japan looked to stay organized and hit on the counter. Looking at the final scoreline, you can see which style won out on the day. Spain had 77% of possession and created ten shots, but only two managed to penetrate Japan’s organized defense to get on goal. Japan only had 23% of possession, but was able to create seven shots, five of which were on target, and four of them were goals.

This is astounding efficiency by Japan, as they scored three goals on three shots and only three touches in Spain’s box before halftime. Hinta Miyazawa scored two of those goals, and Riko Ueki scored the other. Spain went into halftime with a dominating stat line, and they were down 3-0. The story was the same in the second half.

Spain continued to hold the ball and attack Japan’s compact team, but they could not find a way through them. When they pushed too many numbers too far forward, Japan hit them where it hurt on the counter. Japan’s attack being so lethal was the difference in this one. They added a fourth goal from Mina Tanaka in the 82nd minute to really end the game. Japan takes the top spot in Group C, while Spain takes second place.

Group C Standings

Japan – 9 pts | +11 GD
Spain – 6 pts | +4 GD
Zambia – 3 pts | – 8 GD
Costa Rica – 0 pts | -7 GD

Co-Host Australia moves on to knockouts thanks to win over Canada

Co-host Australia came into their final match of Group B play knowing they needed a win over Canada to advance to the knockout rounds. Canada needed a win or a draw to book their ticket to the World Cup’s Round of 16. The two nations met in a battle of talented sides. The home team seemed to be up for it more than the current Olympic Gold Medal holders.

Australia had their home fans behind them as they looked for the win they needed to advance to the knockout rounds. They saw how co-host New Zealand was not able to get a needed goal in their must-win match, and Australia made sure their story would be different. Their star player Sam Kerr was back, but only available as a substitute, but that would not matter on the day. Hayley Raso scored in the 9th and 39th minute to give the Matilda’s a commanding lead going into halftime.

Canada did not look like themselves on the day, and really the entire tournament. Their star Christine Sinclair was isolated up top at times and had little attacking help. This prompted four halftime substitutions, where Sinclair was subbed off. The substitutions had little effect as the match continued to be dominated by Australia. Mary Fowler added a third goal in the 58th minute, and a second-half stoppage-time penalty from Steph Catley made it 4-0.

Australia took the game from open to finish, while Canada crash out of a World Cup in a group that they thought they could win. Who would join Australia in the Round of 16 from Group B?

Group B Standings

Australia – 6 pts | +4 GD
Nigeria – 5 pts | +1 GD
Canada – 4 pts | -3 GD
Ireland – 1 pt | -2 GD

Nigeria secured a spot in the Round of 16 with draw vs Ireland

Nigeria came into their final match of the World Cup group stage knowing that a draw would be enough to advance to the knockout rounds. Their opponent, Ireland was already eliminated after losing both of their first two matches. This match was one that was gritty from the start, as both sides fought to achieve their very different goals.

Ireland opened the game on the front foot and won the possession battle on the day. While they were the better side early, the match would prove to be one where the Irish just couldn’t create quality chances. They produced five shots, and only one was on target. On the flip side, Nigeria looked to use the ball smartly when they won it. They were able to withstand the Irish attacks and their tackles as well. Nigeria created 11 shots on the day, but their finishing problems were also center stage as they only had two shots on goal.

The biggest highlight of this game came in the 52 and 53rd minutes. Nigeria created a great attack, cutting through Ireland’s defense. Toni Payne got to the end line and found the run of Uchenna Kanu. She headed the ball on frame, but Irish keeper Courtney Brosnan was able to palm it away. One minute later Nigeria was close to scoring again as Asisat Oshoala created some room to shoot, but fired a shot that beat Brosnan but dragged wide of the post.

The match would eventually finish 0-0. Nigeria was able to get the point they needed to advance to the knockout rounds, and Ireland got their first-ever point in a World Cup match. It was very much a win-win for a team that needed to advance, and one that was already eliminated.