It is the second rest day of the competition in Canada as the second round of group games are over and done with. It is time to take a look at the action and how the tournament is shaping up as the teams complete for a place in the knockout phase.
Group A
Results – China 1-0 Netherlands, Canada 0-0 New Zealand
An impressive Chinese side overcame the Dutch following the disappointment of losing out to Canada in the opening game. They left it late though as the injury time goal was a real blow to the Netherlands. Meanwhile, hosts Canada top the group with an unconvincing draw against New Zealand.
Next fixtures – Netherlands v Canada, China v New Zealand
Prediction – Canada and China to qualify
Group B
Results – Germany 1-1 Norway, Cote D’Ivoire 2-3 Thailand
In the game of the group, Germany and Norway played out a draw which puts them both in pole position to qualify. An excellent win for debutants Thailand over the Ivory Coast gives them an outside chance but they do face the clinical Germans in the final game. The Africans are unlikely to make it out of the group.
Next fixtures – Thailand v Germany, Cote D’Ivoire v Norway
Predictions – Germany and Norway to qualify
Group C
Results – Switzerland 10-1 Ecuador, Japan 2-1 Cameroon
A big win for the Swiss over Ecuador, the second team to score double figures in this tournament, sets them up for a clash with Cameroon to battle it out for the runners up spot. The Africans narrowly lost out to group leaders and defending champions Japan who boast a 100% record.
Next fixtures – Ecuador v Japan, Switzerland v Cameroon
Prediction – Japan and Switzerland to qualify
Group D
Results – Australia 2-0 Nigeria, USA 0-0 Sweden
Another tight group and one that will almost certainly see three teams qualify from it. The two times winners USA look to have done just enough already to make it to the next round but the question is who will join them. It is expected to be Sweden but they are another team who have not been convincing following their goalless draw with USA. A good win for Australia over Nigeria puts them into a great position going into the final game.
Next fixtures – Nigeria v USA, Australia v Sweden
Prediction – USA and Australia to qualify
Group E
Results – Brazil 1-0 Spain, Korea Republic 2-2 Costa Rica
Brazil are only the second team to retain an 100% record following a narrow victory over Spain. With the group favourites already through, it is a straight fight between the other three. Costa Rica managed to find a late equaliser against Korea Republic to snatch a share of the points which will be a real boost going into the final game.
Next fixtures – Costa Rica v Brazil, Korea Republic v Spain
Predictions – Brazil and Spain to qualify
Group F
Results – France 0-2 Colombia, England 2-1 Mexico
The biggest shock of the tournament happened in this group as the Colombians defeated much fancied France. A results which blew the group open wide and England sensed it with a good win over Mexico. It is all to play for in the final group games.
Next fixtures – Mexico v France, England v Colombia
Prediction – England and France to qualify
With plenty of goals scored already throughout the groups it is Anja Mittag (Germany) that leads the goal scoring charts with four goals. Hot on her heels are Gaelle Enganamouit (Cameroon), Celia Sasic (Germany), Fabeinne Humm (Switzerland) and Ramona Bachmann (Switzerland) all with three each.
The third and final round of group games take place on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with plenty of great looking match ups on paper. It is difficult to pick out one to watch as at this stage of the competition it is effectively a knockout scenario.
You can enjoy all the action on either the BBC or Eurosport in the UK.
