U.S. appears to have easiest path to semifinal
OTTAWA — Thirty-six matches have been played in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and 16 remain before the trophy will be handed to the seventh champions of the tournament in Vancouver on July 5.
Looking ahead to the Round of 16 — which begins with two matches on Saturday — the toughest bracket looks to be the quarter that includes Germany (No. 1 in the FIFA world rankings), France (3), Sweden (5) and South Korea (18). Another quarter comprises Japan (4), Brazil (7), Australia (10) and Netherlands (12), while host Canada (8) has been grouped with England (6), Norway (11) and its Roundof- 16 opponent, Switzerland (19). Based only on world rankings, the United States (2) would seem to have the easiest path to the final four. The Americans face No. 28 Colombia next, with the victor then taking on the survivor of a contest between China (16) and Cameroon (53).
Here are the Round- of- 16 matchups:
Germany (1) vs. Sweden (5), Saturday at Ottawa: The Germans (2-0-1) received the nod for top spot in Group B because their goal differential was superior to Norway’s, but their reward was a matchup with Sweden, which tied all three matches it played in Group D. This might prove to be the best game of this round.
China (16) vs. Cameroon (53), Saturday at Edmonton: China was 1-1-1 in the opening round, but got the nod over Netherlands for second place in Group A because of goal differential. Cameroon, which defeated Ecuador and upset Switzerland, became the first African qualifier for the knockout stage since Nigeria in 1999.
Brazil ( 7) vs. Australia (10), Sunday at Moncton: The Brazilians were the only team not to allow a goal in the group stage. The Australians have travelled from Winnipeg to Edmonton to Moncton, quite possibly the most extreme route of any club in the tournament, and the winner of this match has to get to Alberta’s capital for a quarterfinal on June 27.
France (3) vs. South Korea ( 18), Sunday at Montreal: French coach Philippe Bergeroo held midfielders Louisa Necib (quadriceps), Claire Lavogez and Kenza Dali out of their last game against lower-ranked Mexico. The South Koreans found a way to beat Spain despite having less ball possession, fewer shots (6 to 18) and fewer shots on target (2 to 3).
Canada (8) vs. Switzerland (19), Sunday at Vancouver: The Swiss scored 5.5 times as many goals as the Canadians (11-2) during the group stage, but most of that production came in a 10-1 thumping of Ecuador. The home team was the lowest scoring first-place club in any of the six groups, but was also one of five that tied for second in defensive efficiency with one goal allowed.
Norway (11) vs. England ( 6), Monday at Ottawa: The Norwegians are returning to Lansdowne Stadium, where they blanked Thailand and played Germany to a draw. England, whose Fara Williams became the first player to score for the country in three Women’s World Cups, has been moving from east to west (Moncton to Montreal to Ottawa), and the winner of this game will play a quarter-final in Vancouver on June 27.
U.S. (2) vs. Colombia (28), Monday at Edmonton: Defender Christie Rampone, the lone remaining member of the celebrated 1999 U.S. champions, became the oldest player ever in the Women’s World Cup; she’ll turn 39 just two days after this game. Colombia wasn’t expected to get this far, based on its middling world ranking, but its stunning 2-0 triumph against France was enough to help it advance.
Japan (4) vs. Netherlands ( 12), Tuesday at Vancouver: Japan was one of only two teams to sail through the group stage (Brazil was the other) with three victories. Netherlands managed a victory (New Zealand) and loss (China) before snatching a draw against Canada on a late goal by Kirsten van de Ven.