.gif "Sack Attack: An A-League Webcomic")
 |
| The best and worst of Group E |
What Happened
Group E's first match of the day saw Brazil taken on Spain and come out victorious after a goal near the end of the first half clinched a 1-0 victory.
Brazil had entered the match with a great amount of confidence coming off the back of a solid victory over South Korea so it was surprising that Spain took control of possession [and the game] very early.
A long pass by Alexia Putellas lobbed over Brazil's midfield and flew perfectly to Natalia Pablos who had outrun her defender, unfortunately a very poor finish saw the ball fly wide of the goal for the Spaniard.
Spain continued their attacking onslaught but the tide turned near the end of the first half with Brazil scoring the only goal of the match.
A through ball to Andressa Alves gave her enough space to get around goalkeeper Alnhoa Tirapua. Spain's Celia Jimenez rushed to the line and looked to prevent the goal but her clearance found Alves who finished with aplomb.
That’s how the score ended with the second half playing out without too many talking points. The final minutes of the match though could have compiled a TV section of the best misses of the competition.
Korea almost had their first victory at this level until Costa Rica rained on their party in an 89th minute equaliser to take the final score to 2-2.
Melissa Herrera scored the first goal of the match for Costa Rica after an attempted long ball was misjudged by the South Korean defenders for Herrera to poke home.
Korea were back in the game soon enough though after Yoo Younga was brought down in the box and Ji Soyun stepped up to the plate to convert the penalty.
The second half was like watching a game of pinball where both ends continuously sent the ball from one end of the field to the other, ignoring the midfield in a desperate attempt to score the next goal to win.
A fantastic cross by Kang Yumi found Jeon Gaeul who perfectly timed the header which temporarily put the Korean Republic into the lead.
What seemed a certain victory for Korea Republic was turned on its head in the 89th minute when, out of nowhere, substitute Karla Villalobos sprinted past Korean defenders to connect with a through ball and shoot the ball into the goal.
Standout performers
Andressa Alvas had proven herself this morning as a natural goal-scorer after facing a very dominant Spain. Her goal gave Brazil the spark to embark on a very strong attacking performance which ultimately enabled her side to win.
Also a special mention to Brazilian captain Marta for this Ronaldo-esque move...
Talking points
There weren't any controversial decisions this morning with the penalty awarded to South Korea justifiable after Yoo Younga was brought down in the box by Costa Rica.
A mention needs to go to Brazil's kit in their match which is easily the most fashionable kit in the competition this year.
What it means
Brazil have guaranteed their place in the next stage of the Women's World Cup after their 1-0 win over Spain.
Costa Rica are in second place on two points whilst Korea Republic and Spain are level on one point with everything coming down to the final game.
Needs Work
Both Brazil and Spain could have turned that game into a goal-fest but their poor finishing led to the 1-0 final score.
The Korea Republic's defence at this level needs to be improved. Switching off in the final minutes of the match is always going to prove to be costly with today's match proving to be a lesson.
What Next
The next time Group E will play is on 18 June (AEST). Costa Rica will be taking on Brazil and will be looking for a victory to secure their place in second whilst Korean Republic will take on Spain with their results determining whether they will be at the bottom of Group E.
Goal of Day
Goal of day was Costa Rica's equaliser which added to the theatrics of the match against South Korea. Credit needs to go substitute Karla Villalobos who embodied the notion of an 'impact substitute' coming on with enough energy and control to change the final outcome of the game.
Group E's first match of the day saw Brazil taken on Spain and come out victorious after a goal near the end of the first half clinched a 1-0 victory.
Brazil had entered the match with a great amount of confidence coming off the back of a solid victory over South Korea so it was surprising that Spain took control of possession [and the game] very early.
A long pass by Alexia Putellas lobbed over Brazil's midfield and flew perfectly to Natalia Pablos who had outrun her defender, unfortunately a very poor finish saw the ball fly wide of the goal for the Spaniard.
Spain continued their attacking onslaught but the tide turned near the end of the first half with Brazil scoring the only goal of the match.
A through ball to Andressa Alves gave her enough space to get around goalkeeper Alnhoa Tirapua. Spain's Celia Jimenez rushed to the line and looked to prevent the goal but her clearance found Alves who finished with aplomb.
That’s how the score ended with the second half playing out without too many talking points. The final minutes of the match though could have compiled a TV section of the best misses of the competition.
Korea almost had their first victory at this level until Costa Rica rained on their party in an 89th minute equaliser to take the final score to 2-2.
Melissa Herrera scored the first goal of the match for Costa Rica after an attempted long ball was misjudged by the South Korean defenders for Herrera to poke home.
Korea were back in the game soon enough though after Yoo Younga was brought down in the box and Ji Soyun stepped up to the plate to convert the penalty.
The second half was like watching a game of pinball where both ends continuously sent the ball from one end of the field to the other, ignoring the midfield in a desperate attempt to score the next goal to win.
A fantastic cross by Kang Yumi found Jeon Gaeul who perfectly timed the header which temporarily put the Korean Republic into the lead.
What seemed a certain victory for Korea Republic was turned on its head in the 89th minute when, out of nowhere, substitute Karla Villalobos sprinted past Korean defenders to connect with a through ball and shoot the ball into the goal.
Standout performers
Andressa Alvas had proven herself this morning as a natural goal-scorer after facing a very dominant Spain. Her goal gave Brazil the spark to embark on a very strong attacking performance which ultimately enabled her side to win.
Also a special mention to Brazilian captain Marta for this Ronaldo-esque move...
Marta showing again why she is the greatest player ever, with another great dribble #bra #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/msbJKkVWSu
— Andrew Jerell Jones (@sluggahjells) June 13, 2015
Talking points
There weren't any controversial decisions this morning with the penalty awarded to South Korea justifiable after Yoo Younga was brought down in the box by Costa Rica.
A mention needs to go to Brazil's kit in their match which is easily the most fashionable kit in the competition this year.
What it means
Brazil have guaranteed their place in the next stage of the Women's World Cup after their 1-0 win over Spain.
Costa Rica are in second place on two points whilst Korea Republic and Spain are level on one point with everything coming down to the final game.
Needs Work
Both Brazil and Spain could have turned that game into a goal-fest but their poor finishing led to the 1-0 final score.
The Korea Republic's defence at this level needs to be improved. Switching off in the final minutes of the match is always going to prove to be costly with today's match proving to be a lesson.
What Next
The next time Group E will play is on 18 June (AEST). Costa Rica will be taking on Brazil and will be looking for a victory to secure their place in second whilst Korean Republic will take on Spain with their results determining whether they will be at the bottom of Group E.
Goal of Day
Goal of day was Costa Rica's equaliser which added to the theatrics of the match against South Korea. Credit needs to go substitute Karla Villalobos who embodied the notion of an 'impact substitute' coming on with enough energy and control to change the final outcome of the game.