Women's World Cup Update - TheEaglesBeak.com

The quarter final games have been and gone. Four teams remain to fight it out for the ultimate prize in women’s football. The World Cup.

Quarter Finals

Germany 1-1 France (Germany win 5-4 on penalties)

Billed as the game of the tournament between two of the top three teams in the world. After their loss in the group stage to Colombia, France have gone from strength to strength and made Germany look very ordinary. Their quick passing and attacking with pace made life difficult for the Germans.

Necib gave France a deserved lead and they really should have added to that goal but in not doing so they gave Germany a chance which they took. A questionable penalty was awarded and Sasic scored from the spot to level things up. French star Thiney had a great chance to give them the lead in extra time but put the ball wide.

The first game to go to a penalty shoot out and they were of the highest quality. However, there had to be a winner and the player to miss was French substitute Lavogez to preserve the Germans proud record with spot kicks.

The French will be kicking themselves for not winning this game as they really were the better team.

China 0-1 USA

Surprise package China took their place in the quarter finals on merit after seeing off a tough Cameroon side in the previous round. They posed a real problem for a USA team that had stumbled to this point of the competition but there was an element of professionalism by them in this one to get the job done.

A great headed goal from captain Lloyd was enough to secure yet another World Cup semi final, keeping their record of reaching the semi final stage of every major competition they have taken part in. They could just be timing their run of form just right.

Australia v Japan

A tough hard fought game between two contrasting teams. The hard working Australian side kept the short passing style of Japan at bay until very late on when Iwabuchi scored the winner. The heat may well have played a part as Australia while being hard to break down were chasing the ball more than retaining possession.

It was a real bitter blow for the Aussies having exceeded a many expectations reaching this stage. Meanwhile, the holders Japan have almost done their business quietly so far in the competition and reached the semi final stage under the radar.

England v Canada

There was a lot of expectation for the hosts as the game was played in front of a packed stadium in Vancouver. They got off to the worst possible start as Jodie Taylor took advantage of a defensive lapse to run in on goal and score. It got even better for England minutes later courtesy of a header from Lucy Bronze.

England were good value for their lead. The hosts were being outplayed but they were given a lifeline as Karen Bardsley failed to hold onto a shot which allowed the face of the World Cup Christie Sinclair in to score.

It was a lifeline for Canada but it was false hope in the end as England battled well against a very physical side that came up short. It was a fantastic result for the Mark Sampson and his England Women’s team. Every player on the pitch played for the shirt for every second of the game and got their well deserved rewards.

Semi Finals

Germany v USA

The top two teams in the world clash in what will sure to be a titanic battle. Germany started the competition well but have not looked quite so convincing lately. Meanwhile, the USA have improved as the competition has gone on and may well be timing their run to perfection.

As for players to watch it would be too easy to choose attacking players so my choice is the two goalkeepers. Arguably the best two in the world, Angerer and Solo could well be the battle to watch as both have made crucial saves in previous games.

England v Japan

England are the lowest ranked side left in the competition but they will certainly have no fear having already sending Norway and Canada crashing out. Mark Sampson will have his work cut out to combat the Japanese short passing game that has seen off lesser sides. He has proved that he is not afraid to make changes to suit certain opposition and this game will be no different. It will be interesting to see if he retains his first choice keeper Bardsley who left the pitch againts Canada due to illness in favour of Siobhan Chamberlain.

As for Japan, they will look to continue as they have done leading into this game and they will want to become the third team to win the title twice and the second to win consecutive titles.

Players

There were plenty of impressive individual performances in the quarter finals. Here are some of the best.

Nadine Angerer (Germany) – Won the game for her side with a couple of excellent saves along with the crucial penalty stop.
Carli Lloyd (USA) – A great all round performance as well as the scoring the winning goal against China.
Rumi Utsugi (Japan) – The influential midfielder made a big contribution in her sides win over Australia.
Steph Houghton (England) – The captain led by example for her country with a great defensive performance.

Top Scorers

Showing those in contention for the golden boot from teams that remain in the competition,