Women’s World Cup Review: Germany held, Ivory Coast Lose Again

Germany 1-1 Norway – Review:

After holding off the Norwegians for two-thirds of the match, the number one nation in the World just could not get it done and were held to a 1-1 draw, in the second match of Group B today in Ottawa, Canada.

An early goal in the sixth minute by Anja Mittag brought Germany ahead in the first half. With a very strong start and twenty-seven shots and eight on goal against Norway’s three, it appeared as if the Germans were going to run away with the match. However, in the 61st minute, after a converted free-kick by Maren Mjelde, Norway evened up with the Germans.

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Despite the draw, Germany sit on top of Group B on goal difference after defeating the Ivory Coast, 10-0, meaning that if Norway receives the same result as them the next match considering the goal difference, Germany are more than likely to be the leaders.  Norway’s next game will be against the Ivory Coast as they look to end their group play without a loss.

Ivory Coast 2-3 Thailand – Review:

Unlucky was the word for the Ivory Coast tonight as they faced fellow World Cup debutants Thailand, in a thrilling ,2-3, show. Despite have more chances and particularly a better team than their counterparts, the African nation just could not get the job done. However, the loss was not done without controversy and a lot of it.

With a variety of seemingly bad calls, Thailand took the win that gave them all three points, keeping their hopes in the 2015 World Cup alive. Though it was not easy, neither team gave up the fight and in the end, one of them walked away as winners. Despite their troubles, the Ivory Coast got onto the scoring board fairly quickly after Ange Nguessan, who would have a variety of unsuccessful chances that night, debuted a stunner that took her nation up to the top. Nearly twenty minutes later in the 26th minute Thailand equalized with a controversial goal that was clearly offsides by Orathai Srimanee.

After a perfect chance for Ivory Coast failed, Thailand doubled their lead in the third minute of first half extra time with another arguably offsides goal. They would soon put themselves on the scoring sheet once against after a header from Thanatta Chawong, that goal was also arguably offsides. Ivory Coast would score late in the match in the 88th minute after a variety of chances that should have gone in.

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Although, the Ivory Coast were the unlucky team tonight, they can leave this world cup knowing that they have tried. They will go up against Norway in their next and final match of the 2015 tournament and based on the Norwegians result today against Germany, a win will most certainly be on their mind. Lack of experience showed in today’s game with Thailand players dropping like flies from cramps and injury but they too, like the Ivory Coast, can walk away from the tournament with a bit of dignity.

Both nations have promise and a love for the beautiful game and one day, they will be able to show the world they can contend for the Women’s World Cup.