FIFA Women’s World Cup Group F Preview: Could France fail to progress?
The last fixtures of Group F are slated for today, and there’s a very real possibility that one of France or England do not progress to the knockout stage. Scott Stewart previews Colombia v. England and France v. Mexico.
Colombia v. England
In what is probably the biggest shock of the FIFA Women’s World Cup so far, outsiders Colombia hold a one point edge over France and England at the top of Group F, and it’s entirely possible that they finish top if they can beat England. The Three Lionesses are coming off their first win of the tournament, 2-1 over Mexico, and have not been as impressive as many expected being ranked 6th in the world.
The Colombians have far exceeded expectations however, and will not look to stop here. Even a draw with England would secure their fate of the knockout stages if France cannot beat Mexico. When 4pm rolls around, both teams know what is at stake but can the Colombians improbable run continue?
France v. Mexico
Another shock of the tournament is France sitting third in a group they were expected to dominate in. After defeating England 1-0 in the first game, they were shocked by the Colombians 2-0 in the second game and are now in danger of missing out on the knockout stage. France are ranked 3rd in the world by FIFA and many (myself included) have them headed as far as the tournament semi-finals.
Mexico has been about what most folks expected, and yet favorable results from other games mean that technically they still have a chance to progress. Should Colombia draw with England and Mexico beat France, the Colombians would advance if the goal difference was in their favor.
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Three Things to Watch For
1) Each game is crucial for everyone
There are multiple scenarios that yield different results, and it’s still possible if not likely that current group leaders Colombia do not advance. If England beat the leaders and France beat Mexico, the two aforementioned will move on to the knockout stage with six points a piece. France are currently hoping that England and Colombia draw, or that they can beat Mexico at the very least, while Mexico need Colombia to win or draw so they can move on if they beat France. With the groups as tight as they are right now, the two results today will determine everything.
2) France cannot bow out
I’m not saying that I’d put my life savings on the French to advance, but there’s a pretty good chance that they make it through to the next round. Mexico has been lackluster and the late goal they conceded to Colombia was the major difference between them having three points right now versus the one they have instead. Regardless of what happens in the other game, Les Bleus know that if they beat Mexico they will advance – it would just factor into who wins the group. Look for French playmakers Eugenie Le Sommer and Louisa Necib to make a difference.
3) What a run from the Colombians
No matter what happens today, Colombia deserves a massive amount of credit for the run they have put together in this tournament. It’s never easy matching up against two of the top six teams in the world, and yet they have not just held their own but beat one of the favorites to lift the trophy in July. Even if they don’t pull of progression to the knockout stage, the Colombians have put together a run to remember and one worthy of praise.