by Kara McDermott
Group B grew more contentious in the second round of play as the battle for the second advancement spot came up for grabs for any of the remaining teams since Japan secured their spot earlier in the day.
England came into the match with one point from a tie with Mexico in the first round of group play, who fell in spectacular fashion to Japan. New Zealand could empathize, as they also lost to Japan in the first round.
A win for England would knock out New Zealand and force Mexico into a strong victory against the Kiwis in the final bout of group play.
FIFA Women’s World Cup : Group B Table
| P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | PTS | ||
| 1 | Japan | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 6 |
| 2 | England | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| 3 | Mexico | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | -4 | 1 |
| 4 | New Zealand | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 0 |
New Zealand was not going to go quietly though. They opened scoring in the 18th minute off of a close-range shot from Sarah Gregorius, assisted by Amber Hearn who scored the side’s only goal against Japan earlier in the tournament.
New Zealand continued to hold until midway through the second half, when England’s Jill Scott redirected a cross from Alex Scott with a header into the goal in the 63rd minute. Jill Scott came back again in the 81st minute to assist Jessica Clarke who fired from the center of the box past goalkeeper Jenny Bindon.
England looks solid to advance, but not guaranteed. If they lose against Japan next Tuesday, Mexico has a faint glimmer of hope to overtake them. However, Mexico will need Japan to punish England in similar fashion to the match today, and Mexico will also need a decisive win against New Zealand.
Predictions from this author is that England will lose to red-hot Japan, but only by one or two goals, enough to advance with them with Japan to the quarterfinals. Mexico unraveled today from inexperience, but with something to play for, might be motivated enough to take on New Zealand, but doubtful by enough margin to overcome the staggering goal differential against them.
The top-ranked US team will look to keep their momentum in Group C after their 2-0 victory against Korea earlier in the week while playing Colombia tomorrow. If hopes and expectations come through, the US will beat the young Colombians and earn their place in the quarterfinals. Korea and Sweden will then be playing each other for a chance at the other advancement slot.
See Also:
Sawa Hat Trick Advances Japan to Next Round
You can read more from Kara McDermott on her blog, Waving the Rave.
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