Coupe du Monde Féminine 2015
June 8, 2015 9:28 AM   Subscribe

While FIFA may be in a bit of a getting caught with their hands in the cookie factory, as we're discussing over here the game goes on, as the highest level of international competition has begun in the Women's Game, the FIFA 2015 Women's World Cup.

The Women's World Cup began quietly, in 1991. Held in China, with only 12 teams, the surprising winner -- well, surprising to everyone but the winners, was the United States, a nation completely unknown in the soccer world, at the time a game completely dominated by the men's game. In the US, where other sports then dominated the attention of the men, the women played fell for the international game hard. So, while everyone assumed that of course the Americans knew nothing of the game...they were wrong.

In 1995, we move to Sweden. This time, it was Norway defeating Germany in the final. The women's game was growing internationally, and the tournament itself would grow to 16 teams when it came to the US in 1999, playing to packed houses and, after a 120 minute 0-0 draw in front of 90,000 fans, seeing the United States gain their second title when Brandi Chastain kicked home the 5th kick from the spot and photographer Robert Beck captured one of the most famous photos in soccer history -- one that Sports Illustrated called its second most iconic cover ever made.

The US, while always in the hunt -- they would never place lower than third -- hasn't won again. The 2003 championships, also in the US, had Germany atone for their '95 loss with a win over Sweden, and in China, Germany would repeat in 2007 with their 2-0 victory over Brazil. For 2011, we move to German, and our hosts, widely favored to win for the third time, lose in a massive semifinal upset to Japan, and it looked like the US would finally get that third star. penalties would not be as kind, and Japan would emerge triumphant.

Now, it's 2015. The tournament has expanded again, this time to 24 teams.

As with most big tournaments, there is certainly no lack of controversy. A small one is the expanded roster, when combine with the allocations between the various confederations, we have one of the teams currently ranked as 67th in the world. A larger one is that this year, all of the games are being played on various forms of artificial turf a situation that has never occurred and one that led many players on the US Women's team to actually file suit over the effects that the surface would have over the game. In early games, turf temps of 130°F have been measured.

As host, Canada qualified automatically, and was placed in group A. The five highest ranked qualifiers at the time of the draw were then seeded into the other five groups, the remaining qualifiers were then drawn randomly to fill the six groups. They are (current ranking follows):

Group A:
Canada (6)
The Netherlands (12)
China (16)
New Zealand (17)

Group B:
Germany (1)
Norway (11)
Thailand (28)
Ivory Coast (67)

Group C:
Japan (4)
Switzerland (19)
Cameroon (53)
Ecuador (46)

Group D:
The United States (2)
Australia (10)
Sweden (5)
Nigeria (23)

Group E:
Brazil (7)
South Korea (18)
Spain (14)
Costa Rica (37)

Group F:
France (3)
England (6)
Columbia (28)
Mexico (25)

Each team plays every other team in its group. 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw. Top two teams advance to the knockout stages, and of the six third place group teams, the best four also advance. Teams advance based on 1) Points obtained in all group matches. 2) Goal differential in all group matches. 3) Number of goals scored in all group matches.

If two or more teams remain tied, then it goes down to points between the teams concerned, then goal differential between those teams alone, then goals scored, then lots are drawn.

The sixteen that advance play knockout matches. These games play a standard 90 minutes, if tied, an extra thirty. If still tied, they go to kicks from the penalty spot, commonly called penalty kicks, to determine the winner. That takes us from 16 to 8, to 4, to 2 and finally to one -- the final will be played on the 5th of July in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Can Germany get the third star and give them a Men's and Women's World Cup Double? Can the US avenge a heartbreaking loss and get their third star? Can Japan join the Germans and American as double titleholders? Will Brazil, Sweden, or France, who've always played tough, finally break through and lift the trophy? Will the minnows survive without being thrashed too badly *?

We'll find out over the next month!




* Spoilers: In one case? No. Let's just say Germany isn't worried about goal differential anymore and leave it there.
posted by eriko (268 comments total) 24 users marked this as a favorite
 
USA! USA! USA! First we conquered FIFA corruption, now the rest of the soccer world.

Great post eriko, thanks for making it.
posted by Drinky Die at 9:31 AM on June 8, 2015


god, thailand got trounced in proper mannschaft style yesterday, it was upsetting. china v canada was an excellent game, though, very exciting.
posted by poffin boffin at 9:43 AM on June 8, 2015


Minor nitpick for the title: Coupe du monde féminine.
posted by Mons Veneris at 9:43 AM on June 8, 2015 [1 favorite]


As with most big tournaments, there is certainly no lack of controversy.

Among them, more details of USA goalie Hope Solo's domestic violence arrest last year were revealed yesterday in a pretty damning article from ESPN (the timing of when the story dropped is of course...interesting).
posted by The Gooch at 9:43 AM on June 8, 2015 [1 favorite]


also i am terribly vexed that none of the canales deportes i have are showing the matches, why must i be forced into american english commentary, this is so cruel.
posted by poffin boffin at 9:44 AM on June 8, 2015


The lack of theatrics/embellishment/flopping in the women's game is how the sport is meant to be played.
posted by cmfletcher at 9:44 AM on June 8, 2015 [3 favorites]


although every time someone says "copa feminina" all i can think of are divacups.
posted by poffin boffin at 9:45 AM on June 8, 2015 [5 favorites]


Minor nitpick for the title: Coupe du monde féminine.

Darn it, that was a COPY AND PASTE FROM FIFA'S SITE! What the heck went wrong? Off to the mod form....
posted by eriko at 9:46 AM on June 8, 2015 [1 favorite]


ALSO MY GOD NEYMAR WITH ONE SECOND ON THE CLOCK YAAAAASS
posted by poffin boffin at 9:51 AM on June 8, 2015


Mod note: Fixed title typo, carry on.
posted by cortex (staff) at 9:52 AM on June 8, 2015 [1 favorite]


The lack of theatrics/embellishment/flopping in the women's game is how the sport is meant to be played.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯
posted by josher71 at 9:52 AM on June 8, 2015


ALSO MY GOD NEYMAR WITH ONE SECOND ON THE CLOCK YAAAAASS

Wrong tournament. Yellow card.
posted by eriko at 9:57 AM on June 8, 2015 [3 favorites]


yes, surprisingly i am able to tell the difference between manball and ladyball. one has mens and one has ladies, but more importantly the ladies don't sob theatrically when they fall down.
posted by poffin boffin at 10:08 AM on June 8, 2015 [8 favorites]


For 10 years, people have been calling her the best soccer player on Earth. Today, with an Olympic medal, more than 150 international goals and a chance to win it all on home turf, she might just believe it.
posted by Poldo at 10:16 AM on June 8, 2015


I'm really excited about this tournament. The Canada-US women's semi-final at the 2012 Olympics was one of the top 3 sporting events I have ever watched. Canada's goalkeeper in that game took a hard knee to the face and kept playing like nothing happened.

Also, if you don't know about her yet, Christine Sinclair, Canada's striker, is incredible. She scored three goals in that game and scored the penalty kick on Saturday. I personally think she should be one of the biggest athletes in Canada.

This will be fun.
posted by dry white toast at 10:16 AM on June 8, 2015 [2 favorites]


Todays Matches. I'd also say that in French, but I'd probably end up saying "Incendiary weasels" instead. Match times are given locally, and I'll move them all to EDT just to put them on one clock.

Group C

Cameroon vs. Ecuador 19:00 EDT, BC Place, Vancouver

Minnow Fight! Cameroon qualified as the AFC runner up. Ecuador qualified as the CONMEBOL-CONCACAF playoff winner. Either one wins or they draw. Likely neither will advance, to be honest.


Japan vs. Switzerland 22:00 EDT, BC Place, Vancouver

Japan is the favorite here, AFC winners and defending champs. Switzerland won UFEA Group Three and while ranked in the mid tier has been improving. This should be a great match to watch.

Group D.

Sweden vs Nigeria, 16:00 EDT, Winnipeg Stadium, Winnipeg

There are three really tough teams in this group, and then there's Nigeria. Nigeria, while winning the AFC title, won the AFC title and that ranks them 33rd in the world. Sweden has almost won the World Cup and one of the minor shocks of this tournament is the fact that they weren't seeded into a group. They're currently ranked 5th. The question isn't "will Sweden advance", it's "into what place." This should be a walkover.

United States vs Australia, 19:30 EDT, Winnipeg Stadium, Winnipeg

There's a reason they're calling this the Group of Death. The USWNT has never done worse than third in the World Cup. The Aussie Women are ranked tenth and getting better by the year. If you want the match of the day, this is likely to be it -- it's a tossup on an impartial scale between this and the Japan/Switzerland match. Unless, of course, you're American or Australian, in which case, there are other matches? The US qualified as the CONCACAF champs, and Australia was the AFC runners up.
posted by eriko at 10:22 AM on June 8, 2015 [2 favorites]


The China-Canada match was fantastic, even though I found myself cheering for China for the most part. When they were showing the Chinese team waiting to go out right before the game, I just don't think I've ever seen that degree of pure excitement, fear, and genuine feeling of being honored to be on that stage. It was incredible. Canada was, in the end, the stronger team, and Sinclair the best striker in the tournament, but I'll be watching China as long as they're still in it.
posted by Navelgazer at 10:23 AM on June 8, 2015


So far.

Saturday.

Canada 1-0 China: Tough fought match, and a (fair, IMHO) penalty in stoppage time hands the win to Canada. Don't drag them down by the neck in the box. The referee was in a perfect position to see it, and called it, and anybody saying "You shouldn't hand a game to a team like that" needs to be kept away from officiating decisions forever. That's exactly when a team is going to be most desperate, and you have to call that foul.

New Zealand 0-1 Netherlands: Didn't see this one, but score was close.

Sunday:

Norway 4-0 Thailand: Wasn't as close as the scoreline says. In the first five minutes, Thailand surprised Norway with their pace, and almost scores. Norway then said whatever the Norse say when they want to say 'Fine then' and put the game away. Thailand's average height vs. Norway's (very short vs. very tall) was an absolute killer for them, every time the ball was contested in the air, Thailand lost. They did, however, save a penalty, so they get that bit on the highlight reel. But, basically, a minnow outclassed.


Germany OMG-0 Ivory Coast. Just look at the game report if you must. Two hat tricks for Germany. This wasn't a game, it was an exhibition. Then the Ivory Coast got frustrated and the fouls started raining down. The fact that there were only six yellow cards handed out was somewhat surprising, there should have been more. This wasn't a minnow outclassed, this was...this wasn't good. Sorry, Ivory Coast.
posted by eriko at 10:36 AM on June 8, 2015 [2 favorites]


Yeah Germany looked like they got frustrated with FIFA and just cranked the difficulty down. It was nuts.
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 10:43 AM on June 8, 2015


Let's just say Germany isn't worried about goal differential anymore and leave it there.

Heh.

Fantastic post. And a good tournament ahead, it looks like.
posted by Quasirandom at 10:51 AM on June 8, 2015


There have been a number of articles saying "Soccer Canada got the World Cup because no one else wanted it, don't worry, no bribery" which is obviously talking to people who know even less than I do about FIFA because even I know that FIFA doesn't give a shit about women.

Pisses me off, though, that the CBC hasn't bothered to put up a page or pretty much anything about it, so I can't see a schedule of who is playing or the current standings there.
posted by jeather at 10:59 AM on June 8, 2015 [1 favorite]


Pisses me off, though, that the CBC hasn't bothered to put up a page or pretty much anything about it

Probably because it's over on TSN.
posted by nubs at 11:03 AM on June 8, 2015


CBC has pages for lots of sports it doesn't have the broadcast rights for.
posted by jeather at 11:07 AM on June 8, 2015


Pisses me off, though, that the CBC hasn't bothered to put up a page or pretty much anything about it, so I can't see a schedule of who is playing or the current standings there.

Holy shit, I thought you might be exaggerating, but wow. Here's the front Page and sports page, and you have to scroll to the bottom, and every story has a negative slant to it.

My guess is somebody is really bitter about not getting broadcast rights. I get why Hockey is on top. This is Canada, after all, and it is the Stanley Cup. Priorities and all that.

But seriously, look at the headlines.

TSN: "Penalty against China a talking point in WWC opener"
CBC: "FIFA Women's World Cup: Controversy surrounds Canada's win"

Is the CBC noted for being a compete asshole? Because they're doing that now, and I don't recall an asshole prize in Canadian journalism.

And it was a penalty, clear as day. Can't drag the striker down by the neck.
posted by eriko at 11:12 AM on June 8, 2015 [2 favorites]


Oh TSN also puts the Stanley Cup on top, because Canada, but the WWC is #2 where it should be. Sorry, it's the Stanley Cup, nothing goes over that. Seriously, if a giant meteor was coming, the headline would be "Game 4: Should we move it up?"
posted by eriko at 11:15 AM on June 8, 2015 [2 favorites]


CBC has pages for lots of sports it doesn't have the broadcast rights for.

I seem to recall that with FIFA-type international events there can be a lot of sticking points around who is allowed to display what; consider that during the Olympics if you aren't the broadcaster you aren't even allowed to show highlight videos, only still pictures. During the last Olympics, CBC was the Canadian Broadcaster, but they sub-licensed a few things to TSN - IIRC those were the only events that TSN displayed on their live scoreboards, etc.

Corrupt international sporting events and their rules, is what I'm trying to say.
posted by nubs at 11:23 AM on June 8, 2015


And it was a penalty, clear as day. Can't drag the striker down by the neck.

Yeah, no question or controversy on that call. Stone cold penalty.

What a penalty kick from Sinclair, really well done. I don't know how penalty takers hold their nerve. Especially when it's in stoppage time and a do or die situation.
posted by JenMarie at 12:11 PM on June 8, 2015


Canada 1-0 China: Tough fought match, and a (fair, IMHO) penalty in stoppage time hands the win to Canada.

Yup - it was awesome, one of the few times I have attended a live event that I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.
posted by jkaczor at 12:16 PM on June 8, 2015


The lack of theatrics/embellishment/flopping in the women's game is how the sport is meant to be played.

This is also being hashed out in the Holland v New Zealand game thread at the Grauniad's football site, comparing the WWC with the Champions League final. One argument made is that currently the women's game is somewhat more pure in its avoidance of such unsportswoman like behaviour due to the lower stakes for players, clubs & countries. I'm not sure I buy that though.

It has been great seeing some of the matches, when I could see them. That German thrashing of Thailand was embarassing and that does showcase that the women's game isn't quite as well established as the men's.

It'll be interesting to see how well Holland will do, now the men are completely failing to due their duty.
posted by MartinWisse at 12:16 PM on June 8, 2015


I am disappointed that german matt damon is not commentating again. Why is ladyball beneath him and his tremendous aerodynamically coiffed head?
posted by poffin boffin at 12:18 PM on June 8, 2015 [3 favorites]


That German thrashing of Thailand was embarassing

(It was Germany vs Ivory Coast). I couldn't watch that after a certain point, I felt so bad for the Ivory Coast players. The women's game is so underfunded/unsupported in some countries, it's depressing. I hope their remaining matches are less lopsided.
posted by JenMarie at 12:24 PM on June 8, 2015


I am disappointed that german matt damon is not commentating again. Why is ladyball beneath him and his tremendous aerodynamically coiffed head?

Is this Ballack? I love him.
posted by JenMarie at 12:25 PM on June 8, 2015


It was Germany vs Ivory Coast

I KNOW I remembered that after the edit window closed and was counting on no one noticing. sob.
posted by poffin boffin at 12:27 PM on June 8, 2015


It was Germany vs Ivory Coast

I KNOW I remembered that after the edit window closed and was counting on no one noticing. sob.


lol, actually I was quoting MartinWisse there and hadn't noticed you made the same error.

I cannot wait for the USA/Australia game today, though I'll be watching it on delay and will need to stay out of this thread after the game starts. But I'm so glad we have a place to discuss the World Cup, thanks for making this post, eriko!
posted by JenMarie at 12:36 PM on June 8, 2015


I like to watch women's football for the same reason I preferred women's handball in the Olympics: it's much less physical and lot more technical. Men's handball these days is mostly who can jump the hardest over the backs and shove the ball as hard as possible past the goalkeeper - there's still some skill moves and pretty finishes here and there, but for the most part, it's power, power, power. Football is heading towards the same direction: muscles and tactics. If the women's game become as physical as the men's, then flopping will eventually happen. Most times it's to dupe the referee, but particularly in midfield and from non-scoring opportunities, it's also to prevent defenders from turning their legs, ankles and chest into mush. Intimidating players with "small" fouls is an art it itself, and there's nothing funny in being kicked on the feet/ankles HARD 3 or 4 times, the referee waving play on because it didn't look like the contact was hard enough.

When I've heard the competition moved to 24 teams, I wondered if the extra teams wouldn't be too underdeveloped compared to the highest levels - I hope the 10-0 massacre was a statistical anomaly, and not a recipe for the rest of the tournament (I think 24 is the ideal size for the men's tournament, the only advantage of the extra eight teams is how it does away with the "best third or sack race on consecutive Saturdays" nonsense).
posted by lmfsilva at 12:37 PM on June 8, 2015


The Japan vs. USA final in 2011 was an absolute classic. It was the best final of an international tournament this century (which is to say, the best final since France vs. Italy at the 2000 Men's European Championship). I was quite excited to watch this year but the broadcasting rights here in Finland are held by Eurosport, which I don't have, and so it looks like I'll only be able to watch a few games this time around.
posted by Kattullus at 12:39 PM on June 8, 2015


Oh, and nearly forgot: for those who missed the news, EA is adding Women's teams in FIFA 16 for the first time. It's a shame they couldn't do it in time for this World Cup, but c'mon, it was probably double the animations, double the voices, double all the stuff and visual assets (snark).
posted by lmfsilva at 12:43 PM on June 8, 2015


The Japan vs. USA final in 2011 was an absolute classic.

It was except I was disappointed the USA fell so completely apart on penalties. If I remember correctly they had a stellar penalty record prior to that. I think Shannon Boxx was the first one and she set the tone looking woefully lacking in confidence (and subsequently missed). You want your first penalty taker to bang one in for sure.
posted by JenMarie at 12:47 PM on June 8, 2015


Sweden vs. Nigeria underway.
posted by eriko at 1:05 PM on June 8, 2015


hadn't noticed you made the same error

i know i noticed that as well just after the edit window closed because everything is terrible today
posted by poffin boffin at 1:06 PM on June 8, 2015


but seriously, 3 times in the last minute alone, players have fallen/tripped over opposing team members and they just get up and keep playing. it's so distracting and bizarre, this is truly mirror universe football.
posted by poffin boffin at 1:09 PM on June 8, 2015 [1 favorite]


I must say I like the jaunty trumpet somewhere in the crowd. I'll hate it in about 20 minutes. But for now, very cool.
posted by eriko at 1:11 PM on June 8, 2015


oh god the agony of the self-goal nooo
posted by poffin boffin at 1:19 PM on June 8, 2015


Oh noes. SVENSKAGÖL is an own goal!
posted by eriko at 1:21 PM on June 8, 2015


i covet #15's dragon trainers
posted by poffin boffin at 1:27 PM on June 8, 2015


Magic foam deployed!
posted by eriko at 1:27 PM on June 8, 2015


Can't collapse in the goal like that. Way too easy for Sweden.
posted by eriko at 1:31 PM on June 8, 2015


OH NO the US game is on at the same time tonight as ecuador? whyyyy
posted by poffin boffin at 1:33 PM on June 8, 2015


the trumpet has officially become annoying.
posted by poffin boffin at 1:39 PM on June 8, 2015


Nigeria's quality of play has been better than Sweden's, but man those corner kicks.
posted by Bunny Boneyology at 1:41 PM on June 8, 2015


Peep Peep. HALFTIME.
posted by eriko at 1:45 PM on June 8, 2015


So far, my vote for person of the match is the person who takes that trumpet.
posted by eriko at 1:46 PM on June 8, 2015


i mean it's not as bad as 20,000 excited vuvuzelas but still.
posted by poffin boffin at 1:50 PM on June 8, 2015


eriko: “ Let's just say Germany isn't worried about goal differential anymore and leave it there.”
eriko: “Then the Ivory Coast got frustrated and the fouls started raining down.”
Honestly, an actual brawl wouldn't have been unwarranted. What the German team did was very unsporting.
posted by ob1quixote at 1:53 PM on June 8, 2015


Sounds like this might be appropriate.
posted by nubs at 1:55 PM on June 8, 2015 [1 favorite]


That was a lovely cross! A shame nobody was there to do anything with it, but it was perfect otherwise.
posted by eriko at 2:05 PM on June 8, 2015


BOOM!
posted by eriko at 2:06 PM on June 8, 2015


Nice, nice goal for Nigeria. And we have a game here!
posted by eriko at 2:07 PM on June 8, 2015


Holy mother of trumpets, we're tied!
posted by eriko at 2:09 PM on June 8, 2015


OMG. It's tied!
posted by shmurley at 2:09 PM on June 8, 2015


Go to close the windows because of an incoming storm, and it's not tied.
posted by eriko at 2:20 PM on June 8, 2015


This music is killing me. Why? Why horns playing the same little thing over and over?
posted by shmurley at 2:22 PM on June 8, 2015


ob1quixote, what was unsporting?
posted by Bunny Boneyology at 2:24 PM on June 8, 2015


that was a great clearance, but a shocking miss on the rebound.
posted by lmfsilva at 2:24 PM on June 8, 2015


Nigeria is going back to the through-ball and run on. Why not, it has worked for them and they have the pace for it.
posted by eriko at 2:30 PM on June 8, 2015


BOOM! TIED TIED AGAIN!
posted by eriko at 2:43 PM on June 8, 2015


terrible defending. the centerback should have not allowed so much space in the back against much faster opponents... particularly when leading.
posted by lmfsilva at 2:43 PM on June 8, 2015


Trumpet guy is so happy he can barely trumpet.
posted by eriko at 2:45 PM on June 8, 2015


PEEP PEEP PEEEEP! Full Time!
posted by eriko at 2:50 PM on June 8, 2015


While that officially counts as a draw, that's a moral victory for Nigeria who nobody (including me) gave a hope in hell in the group of Death, and they came back from down two to tie. Now, they've put Sweden on a bit of a spot and they can say that they've dance with one of the best, and Sweden now is sitting on one point with two very tough games coming up -- and Sweden's defense is showing itself to be remarkably shaky. Those mistake left them drawn against Nigeria, that same level of play against Australia or the US is going to end poorly for them.
posted by eriko at 2:55 PM on June 8, 2015 [1 favorite]


Am watching the first (for me, so far) pre-game show of the World Cup and Alexi Lalas uggghhhh whyyyy.
posted by weeyin at 3:38 PM on June 8, 2015


Alexi Lalas is useful. Take anything he says about tactics or referees, reverse it.
posted by eriko at 4:14 PM on June 8, 2015 [2 favorites]


Oh, awkwardly crossing your arms and turning to the left to smile, how I missed you.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 4:30 PM on June 8, 2015 [3 favorites]


now i am watching 2 games at once and it is v stressful
posted by poffin boffin at 4:31 PM on June 8, 2015


ugh i really want ecuador to win but ngano mani is too precious for this terrible world
posted by poffin boffin at 4:35 PM on June 8, 2015


What is with Rapinoe in the middle get on the edge and feed!
posted by eriko at 4:42 PM on June 8, 2015


Okay, eriko, shut the hell up, you know nothing. GOAL!!!!!
posted by eriko at 4:44 PM on June 8, 2015


great human being or not, Solo is a HELL of a keeper.
posted by weeyin at 4:46 PM on June 8, 2015 [1 favorite]


cameroon is mannschafting ecuador and it is agonizing to behold
posted by poffin boffin at 4:46 PM on June 8, 2015


USA USA USA
posted by Drinky Die at 4:47 PM on June 8, 2015


USA back four needs to calm down and pass, not blast. The keep giving it away in bad clears.
posted by eriko at 4:52 PM on June 8, 2015


AUS was working hard for that all game. Poor defending by the US.
posted by weeyin at 4:58 PM on June 8, 2015


oh shit the matildas aint here to play knifey-spooney
posted by robocop is bleeding at 4:59 PM on June 8, 2015 [1 favorite]


Dammit. New those bad clears would get us.
posted by eriko at 5:00 PM on June 8, 2015


Aaaaghhhhh!!!!
posted by eriko at 5:11 PM on June 8, 2015


Woo, Gazprom!
posted by Drinky Die at 5:19 PM on June 8, 2015


Peep PEEEP!

The USWNT is not playing like a Championship team. Heck, they're not playing like a third place team. Rapinoe is playing well, Hope Solo is still the best goaltender in the game, but the back four is miserable, everyone else is looking bad. Wambach with a ball there is normally bank, Leroux shooting isn't, Press got one of her one-timers off, but right onto the goalie.

Hopefully, this is shaking the rust off -- they definitely had much better possessions after the Aussies scored. But they're going to have real trouble if they keep playing like this.
posted by eriko at 5:22 PM on June 8, 2015


Stealing a joke: the good news is team USA is playing defense like a top Premier League team. The bad news is that team is Arsenal.
posted by Huffy Puffy at 5:44 PM on June 8, 2015 [2 favorites]


GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLL
posted by Drinky Die at 5:49 PM on June 8, 2015


Now that's how to Press!!!
posted by eriko at 5:49 PM on June 8, 2015


*oh so subtle tug at FIFA logo on arm*
posted by Drinky Die at 5:52 PM on June 8, 2015 [1 favorite]


And cameroon won 6-0. Three penalties.
posted by lmfsilva at 5:55 PM on June 8, 2015


[crying in spanish]
posted by poffin boffin at 5:58 PM on June 8, 2015


also when gigi got the red card i slipped into a fugue state and may have committed atrocities
posted by poffin boffin at 6:00 PM on June 8, 2015


Wow. Ugly.
posted by eriko at 6:00 PM on June 8, 2015


Rapin Oh No You Didn't!!!!!
posted by eriko at 6:06 PM on June 8, 2015


Abby who?
posted by eriko at 6:06 PM on June 8, 2015


Sorry Australia, you are in my top 5 countries if I ever have to flee the greatest nation on Earth for some reason.
posted by Drinky Die at 6:06 PM on June 8, 2015


Alex "remember me?" Morgan tries to get on the board. Alas, net is over there.
posted by eriko at 6:08 PM on June 8, 2015


Well done, Rapinoe!
posted by weeyin at 6:13 PM on June 8, 2015 [1 favorite]


Great post! I'm very excited for the World Cup (I follow Rog and Davo in calling the other World Cup 'The Men's World Cup")! I've got the USA game on my DVR for esta noche, so I'm not going to read this thread.

Go USA!
posted by persona au gratin at 6:16 PM on June 8, 2015


RUN FASTER CLOCK!
posted by eriko at 6:18 PM on June 8, 2015


Yeah, there's no 'i' in 'Mannschaft.'

Go whoever is playing Germany!
posted by persona au gratin at 6:19 PM on June 8, 2015


Wooooohooooo USA! Great game. First half was exciting and well-matched. Second was dominated by the US.
posted by weeyin at 6:21 PM on June 8, 2015


Peep peep PEEP!!!! USA 3 points!!
posted by eriko at 6:22 PM on June 8, 2015


Much better by the USA in the second half. Megan Rapinoe was the clear person of the match - Hope Solo had a couple of killer saves in the first half, but the second half was all US and Rapinoe was all over everything the whole game.

The second half US team looks like the team that can challenge for the cup.
posted by eriko at 6:27 PM on June 8, 2015


So. 3-3 and 3-1 in group D. 6-0 in C with one more to play, and it should be a good one as well, the defending champs Japan vs Switzerland.
posted by eriko at 6:42 PM on June 8, 2015


And cross arms, turn heads!
posted by eriko at 7:01 PM on June 8, 2015


Ok, I admit I hadn't been following the build up to the women's tournament, so this bit about the women having to play on artificial turf is news to me and is pissing me right off.
posted by TwoStride at 7:25 PM on June 8, 2015 [1 favorite]


Peep PEEP!
posted by eriko at 7:47 PM on June 8, 2015


And, the day ends with Japan 1-0 Switzerland. Groups E and F get their starts tomorrow.
posted by eriko at 8:53 PM on June 8, 2015


My partner and I had gone out to dinner last night, and managed to catch the end of USA-Australia and the beginning of Japan-Switzerland while we were eating. Thanks in part to this thread, I had to reluctantly be pulled away from my seat. I wanted to watch the rest of the game!

(I also managed to impress my partner with information that I'd picked up through this thread, so thanks for saving the day again, everyone!)
posted by PearlRose at 6:23 AM on June 9, 2015 [1 favorite]


Good morning! Let me pause a bit for some partisanship.

USA! USA! USA!

Thank you.

Today, we have more proof that whomever is scheduling this thing (FIFA) hates soccer.

All times are US CDT because that's how I, and more importantly, my clocks, roll.

Group E:

Spain vs Costa Rica, 15:00 CDT, Olympic Stadium, Montreal

Spain, ranked 14, won UEFA Group 2. Las Ticas were the runner up in CONCACAF Women's Championships, a nice showing for them, but one of the powers in that group didn't dance (Canada) and, ranked 37th, they're likely to have a tough day against Spain, a team that's slowly but surely becoming a force in the Women's game.

Brésil vs Corée du Sud, 18:00 CDT, Stade Olympique, Montréal

Brazil won the Copa América Feminina to get into the tourney and is currently ranked 8th and is the group seed. South Korea, ranked 18th, was the AFC 4th place team, but has surprising pace and a furious attack. However, it's hard to see this as anything but Brazil's game to win -- but then again, Sweden should have walked all over Nigeria, so....

Group F:

France vs England, Noon CDT, Moncton Stadium, Moncton

La Belle France, UEFA Group 3 winners, ranked 3rd in the World, group seed, excellent side and want the title bad. England, ranked 6th, products of a multi-million pound program to improve women's football in for England. Literally hundreds of years of bad blood between these nations. And, hey, lunchtime game! Best game of the day. Arguably, Group F is the 2nd Group of Death with these two sided in it.

Columbia vs Mexico, 15:00 CDT, Moncton Stadium, Moncton

SERIOUSLY, YOU PUT SPAIN AND MEXICO ON AT THE SAME TIME? DIE IN A FIRE, FIFA!

Anyway? Columbia, Copa América runner's up behind Brazil. Mexico, in their normal third place in CONCACAF, which is a surprise, because normally that's behind Canada, and Canada didn't have to qualify this year, so that's actually a bit of a disaster for Las Ticos. Current rankings are 28 and 25, respectively, so solidly lower mid tier, but both have been improving, though both suffered recent drubbing at the hand of better opponents. So, really, I'd have to say if you can only watch one, go with Spain vs. Costa Rica. But still, seriously, FIFA, one of these could have been on in the evening.

And that's the fixtures for today!
posted by eriko at 7:15 AM on June 9, 2015 [1 favorite]


So, Here'swhat the Aussie's have to say about yesterday's match.

To which I can only reply thusly.

Scoreboard.
posted by eriko at 9:32 AM on June 9, 2015 [3 favorites]


Yeah, that pretty much read like the typical spin doctoring you hear after a presidential debate.

This part in particular cracked me up: "If it wasn’t for this world-class keeper (Hope Solo), this could’ve been a different result."

Yes, indeed, if the US team had consisted of entirely different, worse players instead of the team they fielded who won handily, perhaps the final result would have been different.
posted by The Gooch at 9:47 AM on June 9, 2015 [3 favorites]


oh god i legitimately called out sick today and yesterday and i couldn't figure out why my boss seemed so pissed off about it and tl;dr i forgot i had the entire cup schedule listed on my outlook calendar which everyone in my office can see

mistakes have been made
posted by poffin boffin at 9:58 AM on June 9, 2015 [3 favorites]


also the cruelty of scheduling costa rica v spain at the same time as mexico v colombia seems like a crime which should be taken to the hague. which one of my precious children must i leave at this death camp, how can i chooooose
posted by poffin boffin at 10:06 AM on June 9, 2015


Seriously. Screw the turf issue, this is proof that FIFA hates women's footie.
posted by eriko at 10:11 AM on June 9, 2015 [1 favorite]


Summer weather in the Canadian Maritimes. Advantage England, I think.
posted by eriko at 10:13 AM on June 9, 2015


basically the only way i'll be able to watch both is to do one in spanish and one in english, which is also tragic because i will miss out on 50% of the GOOOOOOOL celebrations.
posted by poffin boffin at 10:19 AM on June 9, 2015


Merde! Caught England's goalie a little flat footed there, but that was a heck of a shot.
posted by eriko at 10:30 AM on June 9, 2015


France is playing very well. I'm particularly impressed with their full-backs. They've been quite dangerous in attack. Jonathan Wilson used to put forth a theory that the team with the best full-backs always wins the World Cup. If that's true, France is certainly a contender. That said, they haven't been able to turn their domination into more than one goal.
posted by Kattullus at 11:27 AM on June 9, 2015


Peep Peep PEEP. France's defense was just too good for England.
posted by eriko at 11:52 AM on June 9, 2015


Wow wow Spain Spain//Costa Costa Rica Rica is is echoy echoy.
posted by eriko at 1:07 PM on June 9, 2015


I am very jealous of all these ladies whose hair does not frizz up as soon as they get sweaty.
posted by poffin boffin at 1:14 PM on June 9, 2015


Spain Spain GOAL! (no, you do not get 2 goals with the echo.)
posted by eriko at 1:16 PM on June 9, 2015


oh my god i changed the channel for 2 MINUTES AND NOW EVERYONE HAS A GOAL
posted by poffin boffin at 1:17 PM on June 9, 2015


Costa Costa Rica Rica GOAL! That took seconds!
posted by eriko at 1:17 PM on June 9, 2015


We watched the second half of the Canada-China game with my daughters, and I have to say the women's game has come on a bit since I last watched it. At one point there was a lofted pass and someone controlled it and went past a player in a manner that would have looked good if it was done by any professional, man or woman, and as I strained to see who that was the commentator's starting raving about Sinclair. Aha.

My 7-year old - who had played her own game that morning - was inspired. She had no idea that women could be that good and now is practicing every day. It's amazing what a role model can do.
posted by sauril at 1:19 PM on June 9, 2015 [1 favorite]


74 seconds, to be specific. Wow. Las Las Ticas Ticas are not going to give up easy.
posted by eriko at 1:19 PM on June 9, 2015


We have Magic Spray!
posted by eriko at 1:24 PM on June 9, 2015 [1 favorite]


it seems awfully fucked up that the parents of the costa rican team were unable to get travel visas to see their daughters play. wtf canada.
posted by poffin boffin at 1:35 PM on June 9, 2015 [1 favorite]


Yeah the authorities here have a high sense of "omg they are going to stay, we can't let them in" when issuing visas. I encountered this once when trying to get a visa for a Thai friend to visit me. He never did.
posted by sauril at 1:45 PM on June 9, 2015


Canadians dancing to Coldplay. Surely this violates some sort of treaty?
posted by eriko at 2:03 PM on June 9, 2015 [1 favorite]


Spain Spain has gotten close twice, but close doesn't count here.
posted by eriko at 2:49 PM on June 9, 2015


I'm not able to watch the late game, but the consensus on the Internet is South Korea made an oops and paid for it, and in an earlier game, Mexico was robber of a goal for reasons which nobody can discern. Anybody got anything?
posted by eriko at 5:10 PM on June 9, 2015


Eriko : South Korea made a weak pass back to the keeper and Formiga pounced on it for Brazil's first goal. In the Mexico game, there was a bit of a collision between 3-4 players at the top of Colombia's box, in the run of play Mexico tapped it in but it was called back because of a called foul during the aforementioned collision. Bad call, imo.
posted by Bunny Boneyology at 6:21 PM on June 9, 2015


Bunny Boneyology: Ahh, thanks. The Intarthingambobs have been alive with "we cannot see how that was not a goal for Mexico." I have not seen the actual act, so I've got the proverbail nothing.

And, regardless, the first games of all groups are done. Groups A & B will go again on the 11th, so we have tomorrow off. Seriously, whoever scheduled this tournament really hates women's football.

Note -- the fact that the third games in the groups are played at the same times is not a bug, it's a feature. There were cases where knowing the result of the other game affected the play of the game, so they play the last group games at the same time.

But, as a meta-head-up, here's the group schedules

June 11 Group A&B Game 2
June 12 Group B&C Game 2
June 13 Group E&F Game 2
June 15 Group A&B Game 3
June 16 Group C&D Game 3
June 17 Group E&F Game 3

After those, we have 16 teams left in the knockouts.

See you in two days.
posted by eriko at 9:30 PM on June 9, 2015 [1 favorite]


Here are the highlights from Colombia vs. Mexico. To my eyes it wasn't a foul, but it does look like a Mexican player puts her hand, by accident, in a Colombian defender's face. I don't remember the details, but I think the referees are supposed to be strict about that at this World Cup.

But yes, the FIFA highlights from each game are here.
posted by Kattullus at 10:32 PM on June 9, 2015


But yes, that was a hell of a goal by Colombia.
posted by Kattullus at 10:32 PM on June 9, 2015


Since I plugged this there, I'll plug that thread here. The oldest international tournament in the world, the Copa América, starts Thursday, and somebody has started a thread about that over here. It's football, football EVERYWHERE!
posted by eriko at 8:29 AM on June 10, 2015


Okay, back to the fun....

Today's matches: Let round 2 begin!

Group A

China (0 pts) vs. the Netherlands (3 pts), 17:00 CDT, Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton
Canada (3 pts) vs. New Zealand (0 pts), 20:00 CDT, Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton

Canada and the Netherlands are looking to lock up tickets to the knockout stage. New Zealand and China are fighting for their life.

Group B

Germany (3 pts) vs. Norway (3 pts), 15:00 CDT, Lansdowne Stadium, Ottawa
Ivory Coast (0 pts) vs. Thailand (0 pts), 18:00 CDT, Lansdowne Stadium, Ottawa

What can you say here? The two best teams are playing, and the two worst teams are playing. It's a must win for the 0 point teams to have any hope of advancing. Norway would really like a draw, but it's Germany, so that may be tough to come by. Most likely Germany punches their ticket to the knockouts today and Norway will have to wait until the next match.
posted by eriko at 4:53 AM on June 11, 2015


I don't have time to read the whole thread now, so I just ctrl-F'd for "Clark" and got no results, so here's Anna Clark's What the missing Women’s World Cup brackets says about sports media, and if someone's already posted it, let this be a lesson: mention the author's name!
posted by languagehat at 11:18 AM on June 11, 2015 [2 favorites]


will germany go into double digits again today? who wants to be me some ice creams that they will not.
posted by poffin boffin at 11:45 AM on June 11, 2015


also i feel like canada v NZ is going to be the best match of the day.
posted by poffin boffin at 11:50 AM on June 11, 2015


I don't think Germany will walk over Norway. Norway is certainly not a top 10 team, but they're not a walkover and many of their players are playing the best Swedish players regularly, that's top tier competition. So far, they've made a couple of good runs in against Germany.

Now, I don't expect them to win -- but I doubt we're going to see a drubbing.

Canada-New Zealand should be a fun match.
posted by eriko at 1:05 PM on June 11, 2015


This commentator has an accident that is making a German player's name sound an awful lot like "Sausage" which is wrong in many ways.
posted by eriko at 1:06 PM on June 11, 2015


Oh, wait. Germany is wearing red. I thought Norway was, you know, red-white flag, Germany like white with black trim....

Never mind, this might be a beatdown after all.
posted by eriko at 1:07 PM on June 11, 2015


god, within the first 5 minutes. i guess i'm not getting ice cream.
posted by poffin boffin at 1:07 PM on June 11, 2015


Norway needs to pray for ice and change the game to hockey.
posted by eriko at 1:11 PM on June 11, 2015


Wow. Norway's lucky that it is only 1-0, though with that one bad punch, Germany's lucky it's not tied after Norway's one good attack.
posted by eriko at 1:49 PM on June 11, 2015


Wow, just wow. JUST WOW. 15 utterly brilliant minutes of football by Norway, and props to the Ref for getting that call right.
posted by eriko at 2:20 PM on June 11, 2015


Peep Peep PEEP! First Half Germany was unstoppable. Second Half Germany was anything but, and now Group B is by no means wrapped up. Well done Norway.
posted by eriko at 2:52 PM on June 11, 2015


That's a pretty major upset, isn't it? Norway tying Germany?
posted by nubs at 3:23 PM on June 11, 2015


I wouldn't call it a major upset, but it is a bit of a suprise, esp. after the way Getmany dominated the first half.

Meanwhile, China have done everything in this game except get the ball in the net.
posted by eriko at 4:25 PM on June 11, 2015


Okay, I swear Getmany was a typo. I only wish I'd thought of that.
posted by eriko at 4:32 PM on June 11, 2015


Suddenly the Netherlands have come alive.
posted by eriko at 4:37 PM on June 11, 2015


Finally! Shot number 26, right as the clock rolled past 90' the Netherlands goalkeeper made a mistake and China scores. 3 minutes added time announced, but we had the goal.
posted by eriko at 4:49 PM on June 11, 2015


how was thailand not offsides for that second goal though
posted by poffin boffin at 4:54 PM on June 11, 2015


There it is. China dominated that whole game, and 1-0 doesn't really show it. Right now, three teams on three points now, but we have Canada-New Zealand yet to play. Canada winning would put them in the knockouts for sure.
posted by eriko at 4:54 PM on June 11, 2015


Oh, man, just saw the very end of Thailand-Ivory Coast, and the Ivory Coast *just missed* tying it up at the end. What a heartbreaker. This one was apparently a referee disaster, judging by my Twitter feed. That's a shame, that means the Ivory Coast has come to Canada only to get mauled by Germany and get beaten victory by bad calls and then almost tie anyway.
posted by eriko at 6:02 PM on June 11, 2015


Miserable conditions for Canada-New Zealand. And so far, it looks like the NZ plan is just to drape themselves over Canadian players?
posted by TwoStride at 6:04 PM on June 11, 2015


did lightning just strike the fucking stadium omg
posted by poffin boffin at 6:06 PM on June 11, 2015


Yes, yes it did. Match suspended.

Turns out my radar app can get data from Canadian radars too. Nasty storm.
posted by eriko at 6:10 PM on June 11, 2015


Storm seems to be moving pretty fast to the east. We should be restarting family quickly.
posted by eriko at 6:12 PM on June 11, 2015


Bright and sunny now over the stadium. Typical summer storm.
posted by eriko at 6:16 PM on June 11, 2015


Can't believe that. Sinclair vs. a goalkeeper is almost always a goal for Canada.
posted by eriko at 6:58 PM on June 11, 2015


Well, that got a bit chippy. No. That got a bit hockey like.
posted by eriko at 7:21 PM on June 11, 2015


Well. Spectacles. 0-0. Canada still on top of group A, but they don't have the ticket fully punched. New Zealand missed a penalty that would have left the group dead tied.

Groups C and D game 2 tomorrow.
posted by eriko at 8:28 PM on June 11, 2015


Good Morning!

Today we have (Times again in Cubs Daylight Time)

Group C:

Cameroon (3 pts) vs Ecuador (0 pts) 18:00 CDT, BC Place, Vancouver

Cameroon might just punch a ticket here. Ecuador is playing for their life.

Japan (3 pts) vs Switzerland (0 pts) 21:00 CDT, BC Place, Vancouver

Japan should punch their ticket here against an hapless looking Swiss team, which surprised me, they looked much better in the qualifiers. But then again, we've seen Canada and Germany tie, so...

Group D:

Australia (0 pts) vs. Nigeria (1 pt), 16:00 CDT, Winnipeg Stadium, Winnipeg

Australia, the only team without a point and the only team with only one goal petty snigger plays for its life. By the standings, should be a walkover, but Nigeria tied a much better (on paper) Swedish team. If Australia plays like they did in the 2nd half of the US game, the Nigerian pace will be a real problem for them. Speaking of that....

United States (3 pts) vs Sweden (1 pt) 19:00 CDT, Winnipeg Stadium, Winnipeg.

Clash of the Group of Death Titans. Both sides come off of arguably weak performances. The first half of the US game can charitably be described as a "weak start" for the US side, and the Swedish defense in was in tatters in the 2nd half of their match. However, this is, by far, the highest ranked match we've had so far in the tournament and will reman so until we get into the knockout rounds -- (2nd vs. 5th in the world). If the US wins, they've punched their ticket, if the US wins and Australia-Nigeria ties, the US wins the group.

There's been some smack talk from Pia Sundhage, the current Sweden and former US manager, which is sharpen by the controversies surrounding the handling of the team by the current manager, Jillian Ellis. So, we already have some bad blood simmering. Likely to be the match of the night and the match of the round.
posted by eriko at 4:52 AM on June 12, 2015 [1 favorite]


Oh, God, I'd forgotten about the trumpet.
posted by eriko at 2:01 PM on June 12, 2015


The trumpet, however, does not forget.
posted by nubs at 2:16 PM on June 12, 2015


There he is! There is the trumpet bearer!
posted by eriko at 3:14 PM on June 12, 2015


Peep peep PEEP? Well, fastest four minutes I've ever seen. Aussies did what they had to do, and now they have three goals too!
posted by eriko at 3:50 PM on June 12, 2015


I know the coverage I am watching noted that the ref called the game much earlier than expected. Not sure why.
posted by nubs at 4:42 PM on June 12, 2015


Wow, tough first half. I have no idea who is going to win this.

(USA is.)
posted by Drinky Die at 5:49 PM on June 12, 2015 [1 favorite]


Oh good, we are talking about USA-Sweden! I was afraid everybody had moved to some other thread.
posted by languagehat at 5:54 PM on June 12, 2015 [1 favorite]


I misread the tables. Switzerland played Ecuador today, not Japan, and it did not go well for Ecuador. It went very.....German...for Ecuador.

10-1 Switzerland.
posted by eriko at 6:03 PM on June 12, 2015


Both the SVENSKABÅK and the USA Back are playing much better than they did in the first game.
posted by eriko at 6:09 PM on June 12, 2015


Right it's time for subs

I say...

Brian off Rodriguez On
Lloyd off Heath On
posted by eriko at 6:12 PM on June 12, 2015


Woot called the first one!
posted by eriko at 6:14 PM on June 12, 2015


Mandatory Wave Shot.
posted by eriko at 6:17 PM on June 12, 2015


Yikes.
posted by languagehat at 6:20 PM on June 12, 2015


Wow. But for those of you in the Men's world cup discussions, it's

THE RETURN OF THE STAPLES!

I hope they are both OK.
posted by eriko at 6:22 PM on June 12, 2015


You know, these big head things -- I don't like it. No sir, I don't.
posted by eriko at 6:24 PM on June 12, 2015


Swedish wrestling team makes an appearance.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 6:26 PM on June 12, 2015 [1 favorite]


Klingenberg, I love you.
posted by eriko at 6:34 PM on June 12, 2015


lol, 0-0. The reason that even as an American that kind of likes soccer I also kind of dislike it.
posted by Drinky Die at 6:52 PM on June 12, 2015


Well, Spectacles, and boy howdy a hard fought draw. Much better play on both sides. Both back lines played *much* better than they did in their first games.

Group D is now

USA 4
AUS 3
SWE 2
NGA 1

The US is probably through -- even if they lose to Nigeria, they'll make it as a third place team at worst, if they win, they'll win the group. The winner of Australia-Sweden will be at least 2nd in the group. Nigeria probably needs a win to advance.
posted by eriko at 6:58 PM on June 12, 2015


Meanwhile, Japan vs. Cameroon has started.
posted by eriko at 7:03 PM on June 12, 2015


God, now Americans dancing to Coldplay. It's spreading. Humanity is doomed.
posted by eriko at 8:01 PM on June 12, 2015


Wow, what started as a Japan runway became a tight game and was inches from a 2-2 tie, but it's Japan 2-1 over Camroon and Japan is definitely through and in the driver seat in Group D.

JPN 6
SWZ 3
CMR 3
ECU 0
posted by eriko at 8:55 PM on June 12, 2015


Ecuador may be on a record. With losses with 0-6 and 1-10, they have a -15 goal differential. So far. They have to pay Japan next.
posted by eriko at 9:00 PM on June 12, 2015


Morning! Today, we close out the 2nd games in Groups E and F.

As always, times are in Chicago Daylight Time.


Group E:

Brazil (3 pts) vs. Spain (1 pt), 15:00 CDT, Olympic Stadium, Montreal

Brazil looks to punch the ticket. Spain needs a win. Gotta favor Brazil here.

Corée du Sud (0 pts) vs. Costa Rica (1 pt), 18:00 CDT, Stade Olympique, Montréal

South Korea really needs a win. Costa Rica really wants a win, but in a group that's gone 3-1-1-0, would be happy with a draw, esp. if Brazil-Spain also drew, but a win for Costa Rica puts them in a much better place.

Group F:

France (3 pts ) vs. Columbia (1 pts), Noon CDT, Moncton Stadium, Moncton

France looks to punch the ticket, and are the clear favorites, though I thought they would have handled England far harder than they did. I don't know if this says England is better than I thought or France is worse than I thought. Columbia? We shall see. If they can draw France, it'll be a de facto win. If they can beat France, they become a contender.

England (0 pts) vs. Mexico (1 pt), 15:00 CDT, Moncton Stadium, Moncton

England really need this win, and if the 1-0 against France was England playing better than I thought, they should be able to get three points against Mexico, and I will give them a hearty Dos et Cero! if they manage that. Because.

These games will close out the 2nd set of group matches, which will lead to...

Tomorrow: Nothing! The international standard is three days of rest. between matches, and since there are only six groups, we don't have have Groups G and H to fill those days.

Travel. Because the last games of the groups are played at the same time, the teams travel to different stadia to play. Everybody travels to be fair. So, after today, we adjourn for Sunday, and Monday, we close out Groups A&B.
posted by eriko at 7:23 AM on June 13, 2015


> lol, 0-0. The reason that even as an American that kind of likes soccer I also kind of dislike it

Really? As an American who likes soccer I found the game thrilling, and I actually thought as it ended "my fellow countrymen who mock 0-0 games don't know what they're missing."
posted by languagehat at 7:32 AM on June 13, 2015 [1 favorite]


Group stages games are like the regular seasons. We can afford ties there.

Remember: You get three subs, you can't keep playing, the players will just drop.

The NHL used to be reasonable about this. Then they invented the Loser Point.
posted by eriko at 11:04 AM on June 13, 2015


Meanwhile, FFF* is not playing well. I think a factor in this is the heat, France is not comfortable on the hot turf, Columbia is like "hey, this is like home, but with a nice breeze."

Columbia's defense is sparking right now.



* Do not believe what every England footy support will tell you, this does not stand for "Fucking Frog Footballers". It's "Fédération Française de Football"

Even when the Fucking Frog Footballers are beating you again.
posted by eriko at 11:08 AM on June 13, 2015


Wow, blatant handball is BLATANT.
posted by eriko at 11:24 AM on June 13, 2015 [1 favorite]


Damn, the officiating in this tournament has got to improve. Drastically.
posted by Bunny Boneyology at 11:25 AM on June 13, 2015 [1 favorite]


Better referees AND more of them!
posted by eriko at 11:26 AM on June 13, 2015


And that goaltender was six inches from a DOGSO red card. Props to her for knowing exactly where the line of the box was.
posted by eriko at 11:28 AM on June 13, 2015


Wonder if France will get €5M for that handball.
posted by eriko at 11:29 AM on June 13, 2015 [1 favorite]


So, I don't remember how this works. Can FIFA issue a retroactive red card for that handball, like they better for the vicious elbow by the Nigerian player on Kerr yesterday?
posted by Bunny Boneyology at 11:30 AM on June 13, 2015


Wonder if France will get €5M for that handball.

Well, since it's the women's tournament, probably about 77% of that.
posted by Bunny Boneyology at 11:33 AM on June 13, 2015 [2 favorites]


No -- they can issue retroactive cards only for violent conduct, not fouls. And the only red there would be for denial of a obvious goal scoring opportunity (DOGSO), and that wasn't there. It was a clear yellow for intentionally handling the ball and a penalty, but not a red. (Of course, if you're on a yellow, the 2nd yellow gets you a red.)

The goaltender almost handling the ball outside the box on that breakaway right after, however, *would* have been a red if she did handle it outside the box. It was a one-on-one, if the goaltender commits a foul preventing a goal, it's DOGSO. The goaltender can handle the ball inside the penalty box, but not outside, so if she'd been outside when she'd grabbed that ball, it would be have been a direct free kick right outside the box -- and a red card for the goaltender. If Columbia had a sub, they could sub in another goaltender, if they didn't, an outfield player would have to go into goal.
posted by eriko at 11:41 AM on June 13, 2015


(adding -- when I say, "sub in another goaltender", they replace an outfield player with a goaltender, who goes into goal. They still go down to ten players.)
posted by eriko at 11:43 AM on June 13, 2015


Let's see how many minutes of stoppage time 4 minutes gets us this time.
posted by eriko at 11:47 AM on June 13, 2015 [1 favorite]


OMG. What a spectacular fuckup by French goaltender.
posted by eriko at 11:50 AM on June 13, 2015


Okay, there's the epic upset of the Tournament. #28 Columbia over #3 France. Though that's also the worst officiating of the tournament, but that goaltender mistake was epic.
posted by eriko at 11:52 AM on June 13, 2015


Wow.
posted by Bunny Boneyology at 11:54 AM on June 13, 2015


I'm going to regret not watching that game, I guess.
posted by nubs at 11:57 AM on June 13, 2015


All these pictures of Ottawa make it seems like a perfectly lovely city to visit.
posted by eriko at 12:10 PM on June 13, 2015


GOD SAVE OUR FLAMING QUEEN!
wait is that right?
posted by eriko at 12:54 PM on June 13, 2015


Can we have the noon game back? It was much more fun to watch.
posted by eriko at 1:49 PM on June 13, 2015


England is dominating, but the ball just will. not. go. in.
posted by Bunny Boneyology at 2:16 PM on June 13, 2015


Pip pip old chap I believe that's a goal.
posted by eriko at 2:26 PM on June 13, 2015 [1 favorite]


That was pretty. That was textbook.
posted by eriko at 2:38 PM on June 13, 2015


England gets the 3 points. Group E is now.

COL 4
FRA 3
ENG 3
MEX 1

So, Mexico is in trouble, with one point and having to face France. Columbia's upset puts them in a great spot to advance, even if England and Mexico both win the last game, they'll have 4 points, which will almost certainly put them through. England gets the win they really needed and puts themselves in a much better place to advance.

Meanwhile, the other game just finished. Brazil 1-0 Spain. That puts Brazil on 6 points, they're through and almost certainly winning the group (Costa Rica can top them if they win out, South Korea can tie them if they win out and Brazil loses the last game.) Spain is in real trouble with 1 point for two games, but not out by any means -- if South Korea and Costa Rica draw, the table would be 6-2-1-1 and it's anybody's ballgame for the 2nd slot. One of the winning, however, puts Spain in a real hole.
posted by eriko at 2:58 PM on June 13, 2015


Morning. Let us commence the enclosenation of das gruppenstagges. And, I screwed up and posted a broken table, and there's no way I'll fix it in five minutes. So.... let's post the table first and then the matches, shall we?
posted by eriko at 5:25 AM on June 15, 2015


Tables.

Key:
W=Wins, D=Draw,L=Losses,F=Goals For, A=Goals Against, D=Goal Differential (F-A), P=Points.)

Group A.
TEAM   W  D  L  F  A   D  P 
CAN    1  1  0  1  0  +1  4 IN
CHN    1  0  1  1  1   0  3
NED    1  0  1  1  1   0  3
NZL    0  1  1  0  1  -1 1
Group B.
TEAM   W  D  L  F  A  D   P 
GER    1  1  0 11  1 +10  4 IN
NOR    1  1  0  5  1  +4  4 IN
THA    1  0  1  3  6  -3  3
IVC    0  0  2  2  13 -11 0 
Canada, Germany and Norway are into the knockout stages as at least third place teams. Ivory Coast will need several miracles to advance. China ranks the Nethlands on basis of head-to-head.
posted by eriko at 5:38 AM on June 15, 2015


Matches. Again, a reminder, in the final group games, the matches are intentionally played simultaneously -- you don't get to know if the other match did you a favor and put you in. Better go play your hardest regardless.

Group A:

Netherlands vs. Canada, 18:30 CDT, Olympic Stadium, Montreal

Canada wins, they win group A. The Netherlands needs a win and a China tie/loss to win the group. A tie would probably qualify The Netherlands as well.

China vs. New Zealand, 18:30 CDT, Winnipeg Stadium, Winnipeg

New Zealand really needs a win to have a hope of advancing, if they do, four points should put them through. China advances if they win and wins the group if they win and Canada ties/loses.

Group B:

Germany vs. Thailand, 15:00 CDT, Winnipeg Stadium, Winnipeg

Germany is already in, and should have little trouble winning and winning the group. Thailand will probably not make it, even with three point, thanks to that -3 and getting worse goal differential. If something should go wrong and this game ties, Germany still could win the group if Norway ties/loses, thanks to that incredible goal differential, and Thailand's then four points would see them through. But let's be honest. Germany. That one tie was against Norway. It ain't gonna happen here. Germany wins and wins the group -- and because of a factor that I'll point out in the next game, there's no reason for them to hold back on the scoring.

Ivory Coast vs Norway, 15:00 CDT, Moncton Stadium, Moncton

The only even vaguely good news here is that the Ivory Coast doesn't have the worst goal differential in this tournament. That could change, though. Norway's only chance at winning the group is not only to win, but to really rack up the scoring. They need to win this game by seven more goals than Germany beats Thailand to win the group. So, really, if Norway wants the easy track to the semifinals, it comes from beating the Ever Living Daylights out of the Ivory Coast. If they don't, they'll be second and they'll have the US and France as likely opponents in the round of 16 and quarters. So...expect Norway to attack and attack and attack. Can the Ivory Coast hold on?
posted by eriko at 5:50 AM on June 15, 2015


And, we have a new contestant for miss of the tournament, aka the Iron Boot!
posted by eriko at 1:40 PM on June 15, 2015


And we're done.

Final Group A Standings

1. Canada (5 pts, +1)
2. China (4 pts, 0)
3. The Netherlands (4 pts, 0) (probably IN)
4. New Zealand (2 pts, -1) OUT

Final Group B Standings:
1. Germany (7 pts, +14)
2. Norway (7 pts, +6)
3. Thailand (3 pts, -7) (probably OUT)
4. Ivory Coast(0 pts, -13) OUT

We won't officially know which of the four third place finishers actually qualify until the end, but 4 points is usually enough, and Thailand has two strikes -- three points and that -7 goal differential, which means it'll probably be behind everyone with four points and everyone with three, but we won't know until all is said and done.

Canada wins Group A as the seed, but in a less than convincing fashion. The Netherlands *should* have been second, but a bad penalty call not only cost them second place, it knocked them right out of the knockouts. China gets second on the basis of the head-to-head (they beat The Netherlands 1-0).

Group B's only surprise was Norway tying Germany. Otherwise, you had two good teams, who finished 1-2, and two not good teams, who were beaten badly. The two good teams advance, the two bad teams do not. Germany wins on Goal Differential, rather than the 9 vs. 6 points we expected.

Tomorrow we get Groups C and D. Group C, where Japan hold the lead in points, but is badly behind in gold differential because they haven't played the group punching bag, Ecuador. Yet. Group D, the Group of Death, where the scenarios are interesting because of the 4-3-2-1 points ladder, but the US is almost certainly in unless they lose massively to Nigeria and there are 5 third place teams with 4 points, and *nobody* is out.
posted by eriko at 6:41 PM on June 15, 2015


Another morning, another two groups. Simplified tables, because we really don't need the full details.

Group C
JPN 6 +2
SWZ 3 +8
CAM 3 +5
ECU 0 -15
Group D
USA 4 +2
AUS 3  0
SWE 2  0
NGA 1  -2
Group C Scenarios

Japan: Wins group if Win, Draw, or SWZ/CAM draws. Comes in second if loses and SWZ/CAM has other result, cannot finish worse.

Switzerland wins group if wins and Japan loses, 2nd if wins otherwise or draws, 3rd if loses and would be eliminated.

Cameroon has the same scenarios as Switzerland, with the exception that if they draw, they are third on GD but probably will advance with 4 points and a high goal differential.

Ecuador is screwed.

Group D Scenarios.

Complicated by tight GD and points, I'm just going to cover the basics, because it gets *really* deep really fast -- as in "how many goals a game gets tied by* becomes a factor if the USA loses and SWE/AUS ties.

USA: I believe that we will win the group if we win. We also win the group if we draw and SWE/AUS draw, if we draw and SWE wins by one goal, or if we lose to NGA by only one goal and SWE/AUS draws. Could theoretically be eliminated if they drop to third, but would take a very bad loss and big wins in other groups.

Australia: Needs to win and a US draw or loss to win the group, likely to advance with a draw, likely out with a loss.

Sweden: Needs to win and a US draw or loss to win the group, likely eliminated with a draw or loss.

Nigeria: Needs a miracle -- namely, a big win over the US and a low scoring AUS/SWE tie, but they could still win the group that way. Eliminated with a draw or a loss.
posted by eriko at 3:40 AM on June 16, 2015 [1 favorite]


Matches! We need stinkin' matches!

All times are in Stanley Cup Daylight Time.

Group C:

Ecuador vs Japan, 16:00 CDT, Winnipeg Stadium, Winnipeg

The team with the least good goal differential in the group, but with the most points, goes agains the team with the worst goal differential in the entire tournament. I believe we can safely call this one. Japan will almost certainly become the first 9 pointer in this tournament. Watch the other game, it'll mean something.

Switzerland vs Cameroon, 16:00 CDT, Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton

One of these two teams goes on. The other one goes home, it's really that simple. Win or go home. And, with the huge goal differentials in play, if somehow Japan screws up and ties, this game becomes Win It All Or Lose Everything. So, seriously, watch this one.

Groups D:

Nigeria vs United States, 19:00 CDT, BC Place, Vancouver

I believe that I will watch this one. Nigeria is the lowest ranked team in the group, but surprised Sweden with pace and remarkable tenacity. The US, however, has faced two much better teams already. It's win or go home, though, for Nigeria, and they play hard. Everyone will be watching this one, but I do have to say....

Australia vs Sweden, 19:00 CDT, BC Place, Vancouver

... that of the day's matches, this is likely to be the best one. It's win or go home for Sweden. Australia has a shot at winning the group if the US stumbles. They're closely matched in ranking. Of the four games, this is likely to be the most interesting to watch.
posted by eriko at 3:50 AM on June 16, 2015 [1 favorite]


We have a suspension. Nigeria's Ugo Njoku has been suspended three matches for the elbow on Australia's Samantha Kerr in their last Group D match, also fined N640,000 (about $3,200 USD)
posted by eriko at 2:09 PM on June 16, 2015


And, Group C done, with a surprise.

Group C:
1. Japan (9 points +3)
2. Cameroon (6 points +7)
3. Switzerland (3 points +7) ???
4. Ecuador (0 points -16) OUT

Yes. Cameroon beats Switzerland and sails into the knockouts. Switzerland is on the edge with three points, but with a healthy +7 goal differential. Switzerland looked in control the first half, but just fell apart in the second half. They wait. If there are three four point third place teams, they'll advance. If there are four, they won't. They are truly on the bubble.

Japan, apparently, said "we control this game and do not feel the need to destroy you," put one goal up and sat on the ball, and is the third group seed so far to win their group, which means group seeds are batting 100% so far. Ecuador goes home.
posted by eriko at 4:00 PM on June 16, 2015


No way Nigeria is finishing this game with 11 players on the pitch.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 5:43 PM on June 16, 2015 [1 favorite]


Finally!
posted by robocop is bleeding at 5:45 PM on June 16, 2015


Yay, scoring! Beautiful goal.
posted by Drinky Die at 5:45 PM on June 16, 2015


Sorry I wasn't here. I was too busy yelling things like GOD DAMMIT NIGERIA IS HORRIBLE AT DEFENDING CORNERS WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS SHORT CORNER BS and ARE YOU FUCKING NUTS THAT WAS A HANDBALL and OH GOD SHUT THE FUCK UP LALAS.

Otherwise, doing well here. AUS-SWE 1-1 at the half.
posted by eriko at 5:55 PM on June 16, 2015


And yeah, I'm wondering if Nigeria is going to go from 'exuberant' to 'downright nasty' as this game goes on. If it starts getting that way, I'd pull Alex Morgan and Meghan Rapinoe in a heartbeat just to make sure they don't get hurt.
posted by eriko at 5:57 PM on June 16, 2015


Yeah, I've ended up muting the commentators. I know I'm missing insightful comments like "They should try to score goals." and "AlexMorgan.AlexMorgan?AlexMorgan.AlexMorgan!AlexMorgan." but somehow I survive.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 5:59 PM on June 16, 2015


Don't forget Abby Wambach's head.
posted by eriko at 6:00 PM on June 16, 2015


Owch. There's one player who will not forget Abby Wambach's head.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 6:16 PM on June 16, 2015


That was a hell of a save by the Nigerian goalkeeper.
posted by eriko at 6:18 PM on June 16, 2015


Morgan off LeRoux on. Not surprised to see Morgan coming off, she's still recovering.
posted by eriko at 6:21 PM on June 16, 2015


OOPS! TWO yellows! Buh bye!
posted by eriko at 6:25 PM on June 16, 2015


Boxx in Rapinoe out. Bus parking in progress.
posted by eriko at 6:31 PM on June 16, 2015


Rampone in, Heath out? Really? Not Wambach? OK.

All subs in for both sides.
posted by eriko at 6:35 PM on June 16, 2015


Not an impressive win at all, but a win, and USA wins the group. Jill Ellis decided to park the bus, which is why the US couldn't score against a 10 person side, and I hate that, but you know, a win is a win, and two wins and a draw means the US won the group.

So.

EL Gruppo Del Mureto

Group D.

1. United States (7 points +3)
2. Australia (4 points, +0)
3. Sweden (3 points, +0) probable OUT?
4. Nigeria (1 point, -3) OUT

Again, the seeded team wins the group. The big surprise is the very real chance that the World's #5 ranked team has a very real chance of not making it to the knockout rounds with only 3 points and a goal differential of 0. Right now, the Netherlands and Switzerland are already ahead of them, and France needs only a draw to pass them.

Tomorrow, we close out the group stages.
posted by eriko at 7:05 PM on June 16, 2015


All right sports fans let's close this out....

Tables

Group E:
1 BRA 6 +3
2 CRC 2  0
3 ESP 1 -1
4 SOK 1 -2
Scenarios.

Brazil: Wins the group if they form a circle and samba for 90 minutes. Loses the group if they resign from the tournament. 5th of the seeded teams to win the group and they didn't need the third game to do so. Still wearing the Men's 5 stars because Brazil.

Costa Rica: 2nd if they win, 2nd if draw and SOK/ESP draws. 3rd and out if they lose and ESP/SOK win, up to goal differential if they lose and ESP/SOK draw, they have small leg up on that, but they'll have lost, but a 1 goal loss and a 1-1 tie for Spain/South Korea would make them second.

Spain & South Korea. Lose, out. Tie, out if Costa Rica draws, Win, 2nd place, other out, Costa Rica also out

Effect on Sweden: There's no way for the third place team in this group to have more than three points. If Brazil-Costa Rica draws 2-2 and Spain-South Korea has a winner, then Costa Rica would rank higher than Sweden as the 3rd place team based on goals for (5 over 4.) Chances? Low, but possible.

Group F:
1 COL 4 +2
2 ENG 3  0
3 FRA 3 -1
4 MEX 1  0
Columbia: Win the game, win the group and break the seeded team streak. Draw and FRA/MEX draw or MEX win also wins the group. Loss and FRA win drops them to 3rd, MEX win might drop them to 3rd.

England. Win and FRA draw/loss wins group. FRA win goes to tie breakers, if GD and GF tied, FRA wins group on head to head. Loss drops to at least third and probably out.

France. Really, read the England section inverted, with the exception that if England and France both with, France has the advantage in the head-to-head.

Mexico: Las Ticos are in a tough spot, but...England loses, France loses, Mexico is second.

Effect on Sweden. With three teams already on three, this is a bad group for Sweden. If all four teams draw, this group goes 5-4-4-3, and Sweden will sneak in on the bubble unless that Bizarro scenario happens in Group E that puts Costa Rica just ahead of Sweden. If Mexico wins, there's 4-4-3-3 with two teams to play.
posted by eriko at 5:23 AM on June 17, 2015


And, the matches. All times are in Lake Michigan Daylight Time.

Group E:

South Korea vs. Spain, 18:00 CDT, Lansdowne Stadium, Ottawa

Really, not a lot to say here. Win or go home when you're on 1 point.


Costa Rica vs Brazil, 18:00 CDT, Moncton Stadium, Moncton

Costa Rica is currently second with 2 points, Whee! Playing Brazil, Whee! Who don't care because this was the cakewalk group, Whee!

Anyway. Next!

Group F:

Mexico vs. France, 15:00 CDT, Lansdowne Stadium, Ottawa

Okay, now this means something. France is fighting to keep the seeded streak alive and to actually qualify for the knockout rounds. Mexico is fighting to stay alive. The talent level says this should be a walkover, but France has played poorly so far. We shall see.

England vs Colombia, 15:00 CDT, Olympic Stadium, Montreal

And, the final match (except, of course, we play it at the same time as the previous match) is a lot like the previous match. On paper, all England. In reality? I don't know. Either one of these matches should be a lot more interesting that Brazil's party over Costa Rica.

But at the end, all will be answered, we will have 16 teams and a bracket for the march to the finals.
posted by eriko at 5:31 AM on June 17, 2015


Pretty shitty of Edwin Okon, the Nigeria coach, to refuse to shake Jill Ellis's hand.
posted by languagehat at 7:06 AM on June 17, 2015


are you shitting me FIFA? I have to choose between spain v korea or brazil v costa rica? WHEN WILL THIS AGONY END
posted by poffin boffin at 10:06 AM on June 17, 2015


Yes, with the round of 16 obviously, BUT STILL.
posted by poffin boffin at 10:07 AM on June 17, 2015


Last game of the group is always played at the same time.
posted by eriko at 1:13 PM on June 17, 2015


Wow, a ref got that exactly right. England fouled in the box when the shot is blocked by a handball, the ball is loose, ref holds the whistle for advantage, the goalkeeper grabs it, whistle, yellow card for intentional handball, penalty.

I just wanted to point that out given the record on handballs so far this cup.
posted by eriko at 1:41 PM on June 17, 2015


eriko, since I am too drained by work to properly do math and it looks like today's early games are almost a fait accompli, who is shaping up to be the likely US opponent?
posted by mmascolino at 2:12 PM on June 17, 2015


It depends on who qualifies from the 3rd places teams. It will be the third place team from Group B, E or F.

3rd place in B was Thailand, but they have three points and a -7 goal differential, they're not likely to make it, which means that we'll get the 3rd place team of Groups E or F. Given the current state of play, 3rd in Group E will be Columbia.

Group F we just have to wait until the evening, with the current table being 6-2-1-1, that's way up in the air.

As to the full bracket of 16? That's a later post!
posted by eriko at 2:37 PM on June 17, 2015


Wow, Las Ticos are not having a good day.
posted by eriko at 2:40 PM on June 17, 2015


Wow, how was that not DOGSO?
posted by eriko at 2:45 PM on June 17, 2015


MEX 0-5 FRA, and the group seeds go 6-6, unless England scores 3 goals in extra time.
posted by eriko at 2:52 PM on June 17, 2015


England tried to blow it, but ENG 2-1 COL, and Group E ends up:

1. France (6 points, +4)
2. England (6 points, +1)
3. Columbia (4 points, +1) IN
4. Mexico (1 point, -6) OUT

And, Sweden is now on the bubble.

Third Place Teams

F: Colombia (4, +1)
A: The Netherlands, (4, 0)
C: Switzerland (3, +7)
D: Sweden (3, 0)
-----------------------
B: Thailand (3, -7)

So, Sweden is on the bubble. Currently third in F is Spain at 1, -1. The good news is that the two teams with one point are playing each other, so they can't both win (doom for Sweden) and the two point team is play Brazil. But, if somehow Costa Rica beats Brazil or draws with any score above 0-0, and South Korea/Spain don't draw, then Sweden is out.

However, unless Brazil decides to simply rest everybody good, I don't see Brazil doing anything but slaughtering Costa Rica, and if that happens, there's no way for the third place team in E to have three points, and that puts Sweden into the knockouts.

But we will find out in an hour.
posted by eriko at 3:03 PM on June 17, 2015


And looking at the assignment table, Thailand's official elimination means that we're down to two cases. If Sweden is eliminated, then we will play the third place team from Group F, which is Columbia. If Sweden survives, we will play whomever is the third place team from Group E.
posted by eriko at 3:08 PM on June 17, 2015


What's up with the weird mask on one of the Costa Rican players? Did she break her nose or something?

Thanks for the daily summaries, eriko, I'm enjoying them.
posted by mandanza at 5:13 PM on June 17, 2015 [1 favorite]


Don't know the full details, but something happened to her.

And, it's done and dusted.

We had a moment there where it wasn't -- if Costa Rica had equalized, then we wouldn't know, because Sweden and Costa Rica would be dead tied and would have to draw lots. This also means we wouldn't know who we played. But, thankfully, that didn't happen and now we know. Sweden makes it in. We have 16 teams.

First, though....

Group E.

1. Brazil (9 pts, +4)
2. South Korea (4 points, -1)
3. Costa Rica (2 points, -1) OUT
4. Spain (1 point, -2) OUT

And the third place table...

F: Colombia (4, +1)
A: The Netherlands, (4, 0)
C: Switzerland (3, +7)
D: Sweden (3, 0)
-----------------------
B: Thailand (3, -7)
E: Costa Rica (2, -1)

So, with ACDF in, the US plays 3F, which means I misread the table before (damn small type) and we play Columbia in the first round.

Here's the fast version. How to read this. Think of each section between the short dashed lines as a mini tournament. The teams next to each other play (round of 16) The winners of that then play each other (quarter finals.) The teams that win that then play the team across the short dash line closest to them (semi final). The winners of that play across the long dashed line (final) and the losers play as well (third place game)


Round of 16

China
Cameroon

USA
Columbia
-----
Germany
Sweden

France
South Korea
---------------------------
Brazil
Australia

Japan
The Netherlands
-----
Norway
England


Canada
Switzerland

Dates of the round of 16 matches.

June 20th
China/Cameroon (Edmonton)
Germany/Sweden (Ottowa)

June 21st
France/South Korea (Montreal)
Brazil/Australia (Moncton)
Canada/Switzerland(Vancouver)

June 22nd
USA/Columbia (Edmonton)
Norway/England (Ottowa)

June 23rd
Japan/The Netherlands (Vancouver)

So, two matches Saturday, three Sunday, two Monday and one on Tuesday.

Quarters are on June 26 & 27, Semi #1 is June 30th, #2 is July 1st, the 3rd place game is on the 4th of July, and we finish on the 5th of July.

I'm going to ask the mods if I should make a new FPP for the knockout rounds. We can use this one the whole way, IIRC, it won't archive and it's not like the 2014 Men's WC threads which just overwhelmed with comments during the games, but with the knockouts coming it may be that we'll get more interest with a new FPP.
posted by eriko at 6:17 PM on June 17, 2015


Oh, eliminated team placement.

17. Thailand
18. Costa Rica
19. New Zealand
20. Spain
21. Nigeria
22. Mexico
23. Cote d'Ivoire
24. Ecuador
posted by eriko at 6:18 PM on June 17, 2015


Yes, thanks eriko for the summaries. For reasons regular readers of MetaTalk know, I've been a bit too busy in the last week to watch games or read lots of media, but eriko's summaries have appeared conveniently in Recent Activity, allowing me to take in what's going on with a glance.
posted by Kattullus at 3:02 AM on June 18, 2015


> I'm going to ask the mods if I should make a new FPP for the knockout rounds. We can use this one the whole way, IIRC, it won't archive and it's not like the 2014 Men's WC threads which just overwhelmed with comments during the games, but with the knockouts coming it may be that we'll get more interest with a new FPP.

If it's OK with the mods, I'd prefer a new post (there are all sorts of hooks to hang it on), but you're right, this one isn't unmanageable if they say no. (But where are all the footie fans? The small number of commenters here is discouraging.)
posted by languagehat at 9:56 AM on June 18, 2015


I think most fans just aren't at all interested in women playing football.
posted by poffin boffin at 9:58 AM on June 18, 2015


I like the Women's World Cup a lot more than the Men's, and would comment here more, but I haven't been able to watch too many of the games, since I'm without cable.

I did watch the USA-Nigeria game though, and that was thoroughly enjoyable--and I thank this thread for reminding me when it was on so I could tune in.
posted by PearlRose at 10:55 AM on June 18, 2015


> I think most fans just aren't at all interested in women playing football.

But the World Cup gets huge numbers of viewers. I guess most of them aren't MeFites, but it still seems odd to me that the proportions are so skewed here.
posted by languagehat at 12:30 PM on June 18, 2015


There are several factors.

1) The Women's game is very new. It's bigger in the US, but soccer isn't big in the US.

2) The new contract puts a lot of the games out of reach in the US unless you have cable. This weekend will be better. When Univision, the large Spanish Language broadcaster had the rights, you could get every game in most large US cities. Alas, now Telemundo has them. If you have Telemundo as a broadcast station in your area, check them.

FOX is broadcasting some of them over the air, which is a first, but alas, none of the round of 16. The Friday, June 26th Quarterfinals, the June 30th Semifinal, the 3rd Place Match and the Final will all be over the air.

In the UK, the BBC is broadcasting all of the games in various ways and streaming them online. Viewers in the UK, or who's computers are in UK, can watch there.
posted by eriko at 1:06 PM on June 18, 2015


Okay, I have a message off to the mods -- though I've told them it's low priority given that there's a couple of hot threads running right now and the round of 16 doesn't start until Saturday.

I'll let everyone know what they say. If they are good with a new thread, I'll post it Saturday morning and leave a message here with the JUMP! info.

Also, if you're in the US, willing to spend $19.95/month, and then go cancel afterwards, you can subscribe to Foxsoccer2go, which will give you all the games in the WWC, and many more leagues. So that's one perfectly legal route. My problem with it is it is, of course, auto renew, but the FAQ states that the cancel process isn't too horrible and doesn't involve being on a phone. So, for what it's worth. Beats having cable.
posted by eriko at 1:15 PM on June 18, 2015


i have BEin sports for $10/mo on my laptop and ipad. the streams are sometimes a little jumpy tho.
posted by poffin boffin at 1:18 PM on June 18, 2015


Okay. The Mods (well, Lobster Mitten) have spoken. We will have a new thread. I'll post it tomorrow morning.
posted by eriko at 6:13 AM on June 19, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thanks for doing this. I can't watch but have enjoyed the commentary.
posted by RedOrGreen at 9:28 AM on June 19, 2015


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