Women’s World Cup Group F Review: France fall, England rise to the challenge
The second round of fixtures for Group F of the Women’s World Cup have been completed, and after some unexpected results Colombia are atop the group and France and England are tied for 2nd.
France 0-2 Colombia
One of, if not the biggest Women’s World Cup group stage upset of all-time happened as Colombia beat France 2-0, another big step towards progressing in the group.
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Two shots on target, two goals was the story as the Colombians put their fate in their own hands now. Despite holding 60% of the possession and the majority of chances going forward, Les Bleus failed to break down the defensive wall their opposition put up and thus failed to win the match. Andrade put the Colombians ahead in the 19th minute with a well-taken finish, and super-sub Usme’s stoppage time goal put the finishing touches on a poor display from the French.
France will face Mexico in their next game and will likely need three points to progress, but it’s the Colombians whose fate rests in their own hands as their match against England may decide the group winner but will definitely decide who progresses.
England 2-1 Mexico
After a sluggish first 45 minutes, England got their game together and showed why they are ranked so highly with their ability to squeak through defenses and finish strong. Fran Kirby was first on the scoreboard in the 71st minute and toe-poked a shot past Santiago before Karen Carney added a second in the 82nd minute.
Mexico was able to pull one back in stoppage time after slipping through the defense where Fabiola Ibarra put a solid touch on the ball to send it past the keeper Bardsley. Mexico had a chance at a late equalizer but Ibarra put a difficult ball into space and gave up possession at a crucial moment.
The 2-1 victory puts England tied with France for second in the group at 3 points, Colombia in 1st with 4 points and Mexico last with just 1 point. The last round of fixtures (France-Mexico; England-Colombia) will determine who goes through as no one is safe as of yet.
Three takeaways
1) France aren’t invincible
Despite what I wrote earlier, it seems the resilience of Colombia was enough to force a result, even if it is better for France that they lost. If the French place second in the group they will likely avoid Germany until the final, a welcomed sight. However, this gives the Colombians a chance to advance and there is still a possibility (though remote) that France don’t get out of the group.
2) It is Colombia’s time to shine
First it was Daniela Montoya’s wonderstrike to earn a point against Mexico, and now Usme and Andrade have etched their names into Colombian history as their quest for the knockout stage continues. A win against England will send them through to the knockout stages despite being the lowest ranked team in the group (28).
3) England can put it together… when required
Though still unconvincing, the Three Lionesses got a much needed three points against the Mexicans and have set themselves up for a massive clash when they meet Colombia later this week. Still unimpressed by Aluko, England found goals from forward Fran Kirby and midfielder Karen Carney and looked far better in the second half. Hopefully this is just the start of England’s run at the title, but a bad result against Colombia could instead be the end.