The second day of the Women’s World Cup opened up play for Group B, which has been given the nickname “the group of life” by ESPN Commentator Kate Markgraf. After seeing Japan, New Zealand, Mexico and England play, the term Markgraf coined for this group most certainly fits. Japan walked away with the 2-1 win over New Zealand, but it was not an easy task against the Football Ferns. Mexico and England played to a 1-1 draw, each team producing two of the best goals we have seen thus far at the tournament.
Game One: Japan 2, New Zealand 1
Japan and New Zealand met for the first time in World Cup history today; and they met head on. This match was a battle from the time the first whistle blew, despite some predictions that Japan would win easily. Two of the three goals in the match were scored in the first 15 minutes. It is easy to see, these teams were ready to play – World Cup style.
The first goal came in the 6th minute for Japan’s Nahomi Kawasumi when a lofted through ball landed at her feet at the top of the penalty area. Kawasumi chipped the ball past the Kiwi keeper with one touch for the goal.
Not even six minutes later, New Zealand retaliated with hustle and a classic finish. Kiwi defender Ria Percival chased the ball down the right outside to keep it in play. Percival then sailed the ball across the pitch to find Amber Hearn for the header and goal. Hearn’s tally was the second in history for New Zealand at the Women’s World Cup.
Once the score was even again, Japan started controlling possession with well-executed one-two touch progression around the Kiwi defense. This good technique led the Japanese to earn the game-winning goal. After taking on the defense, Mana Iwabuchi was taken down at the top of the box.
With poise and style, Aya Miyama stepped up to take the free kick. Miyama did not need a run; she took two steps and placed the ball over the wall, exactly where she wanted it – in the back of the net.
The calm Miyama looked as though she could have executed the play in her sleep and according to her track record, she very well may be able to. Miyama has scored three goals in three trips to the Women’s World Cup; and they have all been from set pieces.
The rest of the match showed New Zealand’s heart but they were not able to even the score again. The Kiwi’s were looking worn out towards the end of the game, and they had used all of their subs by the 70th minute. The Japanese took control of the game and took away the only three point win of the day.
Game Two: Mexico 1, England 1
The second match of the day proved why this group is the “group of life”; it is anyone’s game. England came into the match as the favorites, but Mexico played like they thought they should win. With a remarkable amount of media coverage back home in the UK, the Three Lionesses played with stiffness reminiscent of their male counterparts in major tournaments.
Mexico started the game with high pressure, showing their confidence. They played stable and smart, stringing passes through the English midfield and defense. This was followed by an England set piece, which again proved to be the greatest scoring threat in this competition.
Off a well-placed corner kick, midfielder Fara Williams got her head on the ball from about 12 yards out. Williams’ shot was a great effort, as she was moving away from the goal and was able to connect and redirect towards goal.
The Mexican squad stuck to their game plan of playing the direct ball, holding it up top and keeping possession. In the 33rd minute, their execution of this plan was rewarded.
Monica Ocampo finished what is arguably the best goal of the tournament so far and one that will be difficult to top in the upcoming matches. Ocampo, a former Atlanta Beat player in the WPS, buried a stunner from over 30 yards out.
The game stayed even through the rest of the ninety minutes, with each team creating opportunities. England’s backline played well tactically to force Mexico, and specifically Maribel Dominguez, regularly into an offside position. At the end of the day Mexico made England conform to their style of play and they were able to come back for the draw. This result leaves the group wide open.
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Women’s World Cup, Daily Wrap-up: Group B
