Women’s World Cup Group F Preview: France vs Colombia, England vs Mexico
After an exciting opening round of fixtures, Group F is back underway today. Scott Stewart previews the upcoming fixtures.
France vs Colombia
Eugenie Le Sommer fired home the lone goal in France’s 1-0 win over England, but it was Colombia’s Daniela Montoya who stole the show in their match against Mexico, striking a bullet of a ball past Mexico’s keeper in late dramatic fashion to earn a 1-1 draw with El Tri.
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Unfortunately for Colombia however, today’s match is unlikely to be as close. France impressed with overall team play in their first match and now a match against Colombia should be nothing less than another chance at three points. Louisa Necib was incredible in midfield, popping up everywhere both with and without the ball. If Necib and Le Sommer show what they did in the first game, Colombia will be in trouble.
England vs Mexico
Unlike the first match, this one has real implications as far as progression goes. Unless Colombia somehow pull off a draw, England’s match against El Tri may decide who moves forward in the group. Mexico will likely need all three points if they are to progress, as their next meeting with France looms as a doubtful win. England, however, still has to face Colombia and has a bit of breathing room even still.
The problem is that the Three Lionesses looked greatly disjointed in attack and moving the ball forward in general, and Mexico are keen to steal points after seeing what was a win dwindle into a draw at the feet of Colombia’s midfield. Mexico would be wise to go at England early and try to get an early goal.
Three Things to Watch For
1) France’s dominance
Les Bleus didn’t show everything they had in their arsenal against England, but look for an even more open approach against Colombia today. If they can get their attack firing early it should be no surprise if they can pile on at least three goals. With the play of the United States now, I would actually tip France ahead of them and on par with Germany as the favorites to win it all.
2) England’s play
The Three Lionesses just aren’t clicking, and this time the England faithful don’t have Roy Hodgson to blame. Aluko hasn’t yet hit the target, and Toni Duggan probably should have started last match for England to show a semblance of an attack, but there are signs. They will likely need goals from both attack and midfield, and midfielder Fara Williams is keen to add to her tally.
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3) Mexico’s resilience
El Tri were robbed of three points against Colombia, but if they can thwart England and get an early goal they have a good chance of stealing points where it was unlikely. Mexico have the ability to put a couple past the Three Lionesses, but need to assure that they don’t pour forward and leave themselves vulnerable on the counter. If Mexico can get a win today, England’s future in this competition is in question.