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| The Best & Worst of Group D! |
What Happened
The United States end Match Day 3 sitting at the top of Group D, but there were also a lot of positives for the Australians. Points were shared between Sweden and Nigeria meaning that progression is still possible for everyone in the dreaded Group of Death.
The opening match of Group D saw Sweden and Nigeria play-out a very entertaining and free-flowing 3-3 draw. Despite coming up against a very experienced Swedish outfit in Winnipeg the Nigerian’s were by no-means overawed by the occasion and even looked the better of the two teams in open-play.
It was a typical performance by Swedes who took a two goal lead into the break thanks to Nilla Fisher and an own-goal to Desire Oparanozie as they looked to grind-out a victory when the second period of play kicked off. But the Super Falcons were not having any of their Swedish shenanigans and two rapid-fire goals after half time from Ngozi Okobi and Asisat Oshoala got the Nigerians back on level terms.
Sweden again took the lead after substitute Linda Sembrant converted a surging run from left back Lina Nilsson in the only really memorable moment of Swedish flowing attack. But as Pia Sundhage’s troops again settled in to try and see out the victory Nigeria’s Francisca Ordega struck with three minutes remaining in regular time to steal what could be a vital point of the Super Falcons.
The second of the Winnipeg double-header saw the United States get past Australia 3-1 despite the Aussies controlling large periods of the match. There were plenty of positives for Australia, especially in the first half, with quick touch-pass transitions making short work of the US midfield. But it was again a case of lacking consistency with the US getting a much stronger hold in the second period and all but choking Australia out of the match.
Team USA took the lead early on against the run of play with a lucky deflection off Laura Alleway giving veteran Megan Rapinoe her first goal of the tournament. Lisa De Vanna got one back for the Australians after some quick-fire passing up the left and the teams were even at the break.
But a strong second half performance from the seasoned and professional USA squad saw young-gun Christine Press make it 2-0 and a second to Rapinoe sealed all three points for the red, white and blue.
Stand Out Performances
Asisat Oshoala was the stand-out performer during the group opener and was a constant threat, even for the all the experience at the Swedes disposal. Oshoala looks like she’s going to be a real handful for Nigerians and may be the key to seeing the Super Falcons escape Group D. The 20-year-old is lightening quick, not afraid to run at defence and has absolutely no fear. Her partner in attack Desire Oparanozie also looked extremely dangerous, just as we predicted in our Group D preview.
Megan Rapinoe was the best for the US with a commanding performance scoring two goals and proving the sole provider of creativity in dour first half from the States. The midfield duo of Emily van Egmond and Katrina Gorry for Australia were very encouraging, border-lining faultless in the first period, as strong 90 minute showing from them would give the Australian's the chance they need to progress.
Talking Points
The Super Falcons stealing a draw against the far more fancied Swedes proved two things. Firstly, Edwin Okon’s troops are here to fight. Despite being behind twice in the match the Nigerians continued to pressure the Swedes and controlled much of the match creating far better chances. Second, the Swedes are beatable and aren’t a sure thing to progress to the round of 16. The Scandinavian’s must count that match as a big missed opportunity and will have all the pressure on them as they line-up against the US in their next match-up. Look smart amongst your friends by suggesting their defensive lines were disjointed allowing the Nigerians to easily transition between the Swede’s midfield and defence.
Although victorious many US fans would no doubt agree that for a team expecting to go all the way their performance was a disappointment. While much was due to a gutsy showing from the Matildas their performance in first half had almost no enterprise and looked like they had vastly under-estimate the Australians. Much improvement will be needed if they want the title.
Needs Work
Set-piece defending killed the Nigerians who looked shaky every time they were asked to deal with a dead-ball situation. Once the Swedes realised how dodgy the Super Falcons were at defending the Swedish players running away from the keeper they repeated the tactic, look for the other teams to adopt this.
However, the Swedes have even more work to do as they offered very little in open-play attack and were just as vulnerable in defence particularly when they turned their focus to closing down the match and will need to be more solid at the back, particularly in their next match against the USA.
As for the Aussies, put together two first half performances and they'll have every chance of progressing, it's no more or less complicated than that.
What Next?
The Americans are firmly in the driver's seat right now as the only team on three points and they'll be looking to all but secure their progression to the round of 16 when they take to the field on Saturday against the very, very disappointing Swedes.
Australia now need to get all three points against surprise packet Nigeria, also to be played on Saturday. If the Matildas can get a win against the Super Falcons it will leave them in a good place to progress as they'll face Sweden in their last match while the Nigerians will be looking for points against the US.
Goal of the Day
Plenty of good goals to chose from in the opening matches of Group D. But the nod goes to the third and final goal for Sweden, not for the final finish in the net, which came off Linda Sembrant's thigh. But the team play of quick-fire triangle passing and was the only time the Swedes showed what they're capable of, check out the highlights above. They'll need a lot more of that if they want to progress.
Miss of the Day
Oshoala's miss right in front, while under pressure admittedly, really should have been converted to give Nigeria an earlier chance to go on and find a winning goal. Can't be too critical though as her performance was fantastic overall.