After a lot of goals and some exciting Round 1 action, we are now into our second round of the Women’s World Cup. This is where things get interesting for the groups. There are four matches today, including one for the U.S.
Australia faces Nigeria at 2 p.m. PT on Fox Sports 1. This will be an important match to watch, as both teams are in Group D with the United States. At 4 p.m. PT, Switzerland takes on Ecuador, a team that lost 6-0 to Cameroon earlier this week. The U.S. vs. Sweden match kicks off at 5:00 p.m. on FOX, and the day ends with Japan against Cameroon.
We will have a separate gamethread for the U.S. match, so consider this your Day 6 gamethread for the remaining three matches. I will be up in Vancouver today watching the Group C matches, so you will have to do without my useless comments today.
Players to Watch
Australia v. Nigeria: This could be a fun battle of speedy outside midfielders. Samantha Kerr caused a lot of trouble for the U.S. on the left, and Nigeria's Asisat Oshoala, and really their entire attacking team, gave Sweden a lot of problems. Teammate Ngozi Okobi was another speedy threat, who got into the attack a lot more in the second half and was a key factor in their comeback.
Switzerland v. Ecuador: Ecuador did not have many scoring chances against Cameroon. But Giannina Lattanzio should be their primary goal-scoring threat. The forward led her team in qualifiers and is a skilled, technical player. 24-year-old Ramona Bachman for Switzerland can do some amazing things with the ball. She proved that in her first match against Japan.
Japan v. Cameroon: For Japan, if former Seattle Reign player Naho Kawasumi does not get more playing time, I will riot. Cameroon is a bit more difficult to scout. Their first match against Ecuador, when they won 6-0, was probably not a good measure. However, keep an eye on Gaelle Enganamouit, who scored a hattrick on her birthday against Ecuador.
How to Watch
Match #1: Australia (#10 FIFA Ranking) v. Nigeria (#33)
Date/Time: Friday, June 12, 2 p.m. PT
TV: Fox Sports 1
Online: FOX Sports Go (need TV subscription), FOX Soccer 2 Go (paid service, no TV subscription required). NBC Deportes En Vivo also offers a Spanish-language streaming service.
Match #2: Switzerland (#19) v. Ecuador (#48)
Date/Time: Friday, June 12, 4 p.m. PT
TV: Fox Sports 1
Online: FOX Sports Go, FOX Soccer 2 Go (paid service), and NBC Deportes En Vivo
Match #3: U.S. (#2) v. Sweden (#5)
Date/Time: Friday, June 12, 5 p.m. PT
We will have a separate gamethread for this match
Match #4: Japan (#4) v. Cameroon (#53)
Date/Time: Friday, June 12, 7 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 6 Women's World Cup Gamethread. Watch and discuss with us.