It is Day 5 of the Women's World Cup, and there are some fun matchups on the horizon. Today is the second match for Groups A and B.
At 1:00 p.m. PT, Germany takes on Norway. Both teams won handily in the first round. China faces the Netherlands at 3:00 p.m., with the Ivory Coast versus Thailand match kicking off shortly after at 4:00 p.m. PT. Hosts Canada wrap up the day with a match against New Zealand.
Players to Watch
Germany v. Norway: Celia Sasic scored a hattrick against Ivory Coast in just 31 minutes, a World Cup record. She is a dynamic striker who could certainly find the back of the net again today. For Norway, 19-year-old, Lyon striker Ada Stolsmo Hegerberg had one goal against Thailand, but easily could have had a hattrick of her own. She is aggressive, quick, and scored 5 goals for Norway in qualifying.
China v. Netherlands: China's Li Ying sports an awesome neon green headband and was aggressive playing up top against Canada. She's just 22 and only has 9 national team caps, but she proved she belongs. 18-year-old forward Vivianne Miedema is one of the most gifted forwards in Europe, and she's still a teenager! Some have called her the "Arjen Robben of the women's game."
Ivory Coast v. Thailand: This should be a more balanced match for Ivory Coast, which means we could see some goals from forward Josee Nahi, who has 12 goals in 18 international caps. Thailand midfielder Kanjana Sung-Ngoen had one speedy breakaway against Norway that nearly led to a goal. She's Thailand's main threat in the attack.
Canada v. New Zealand: Canada is going to need a stronger performance from both Christine Sinclair and 26-year-old midfielder Sophie Schmidt. Both struggled to create shots against China. New Zealand will turn to their veteran (yet young) defender Abby Erceg. The 25-year-old will need to organize the backline if they want to hold off a tough Canadian attack.
How to Watch
Match #1: Germany (#1 FIFA Ranking) v. Norway (#11)
Date/Time: Thursday, June 11, 1 p.m. PT
TV: Fox Sports 1, NBC Universo (Spanish)
Online: FOX Sports Go or FOX Soccer 2 Go (paid service, no TV subscription required). NBC Deportes En Vivo also offers a Spanish-language streaming service.
Match #2: China (#16) v. Netherlands (#12)
Date/Time: Thursday, June 11, 3 p.m. PT
TV: Fox Sports 2
Online: FOX Sports Go, FOX Soccer 2 Go (paid service), and NBC Deportes En Vivo
Match #3: Ivory Coast (#67) v. Thailand (#29)
Date/Time: Thursdy, June 11, 4 p.m. PT
TV: Fox Sports 1
Online: FOX Sports Go, FOX Soccer 2 Go (paid service), and NBC Deportes En Vivo
Match #4: Canada (#8) v. New Zealand (#17)
Date/Time: Thursday, June 11, 6 p.m. PT
TV: Fox Sports 1
Online: FOX Sports Go, FOX Soccer 2 Go (paid service), and NBC Deportes En Vivo
This is your Day 5 Women's World Cup Gamethread. Watch and discuss with us.