WWC: Round of 16
Leading up to, and for the first few days of every World Cup since I had the ability to DVR and later stream matches, I forget that 75% of the matches happen in the first two weeks, and then things slow down significantly. It makes sense, but it always leaves my head spinning a little when the group stage ends.
Since July 20th, I have watch 5,833 minutes of World Cup matches, if you include stoppage time and extra time. That's equal to just over 97 hours, or 4 days, 1 hour, and 13 minutes. Some of those minutes were overlapping, as I watch the simultaneous games on two screens, but still, that's a lot of soccer. All of that to say, I had to stare into space for a little while before I would write again. But here comes a round up of the Round of 16 matches, and a preview of the quarterfinals:
The first round of knockout matches matches really ran the full spectrum from jaw-clenchingly tight matches that went all the way to penalty kicks to decisively dominant victories. They were fun and dramatic, though there were few surprises, at least not for those of us who have watched all 56 matches so far.
Switzerland (20) v Spain (6)
Final score: 1-5
This was probably the biggest “blowout” of the round, with Switzerland’s one goal coming from an early own goal by Spain’s Laia Codina, but she made up for it by scoring a goal for Spain as well. Spain continues to look dominant, though they haven’t been mentioned much as a title contender. They played a beautiful game that was fun to watch, even as the clouds of “La Quince” and the coaching complaints hang over the team.
Japan (11) v Norway (12)
Final score: 3-1
Norway actually scored 2 goals, but unfortunately for them, one went in the wrong net. The game looked like it might be tight for the first half, but Japan came out strong in the second half, and sent Norway home. Japan seems to be a common pick to go all the way to the final. Having easily dispensed with Spain and Norway, and considering the performances of the teams they may still face, I can believe their chances are good. While every other team seems to have a secondary storyline of troubles, either on or off the pitch, Japan seem comfortably peaceful, just playing the game and scoring goals, which seems like a pretty good way to win a World Cup.
Netherlands (9) v South Africa (54)
Final score: 2-0
There was a fair amount of comments online about the three African countries to move out of the group stage all playing former colonizers in the knockouts, but unfortunately, the story ended here for all three. But, they all put on quite a show on the way out. Despite falling behind early, South Africa forced the Dutch keeper to make many saves. This game could have easily gone to extra time with a 2-2 scoreline.
Sweden (3) v USA (1)
Final score: 0-0 (5-4 penalty shootout)
The only “upset” of the Round of 16, in the sense that Sweden is ranked below USA, but the difference is Sweden’s 3 to USA’s 1. A lot has been written about this match, and I can’t add anything that hasn’t already been said. Frankly, it was the best the USWNT played all tournament, and penalty shootouts are a cruel, cruel death to die with so much expectation heaped on the team. The final, millimeter-won penalty will live on in infamy I expect, or at least US-Soccer-Fan-Meme-famy.
Australia (10) v Denmark (13)
Final score: 2-0
Australia felt much more dominant than the stats show, but that may just have been due to the boisterous home crowd. The biggest news of the match was Aussie superstar Sam Kerr playing her first fifteen minutes of the tournament so far after a curious, much discussed, but not explained calf injury. Given the hype she received in the build up, it’s actually kind of pleasing that her team has played the vast majority of the tournament just fine without her, and still succeeded. That said, I hope we get to see more of her in the next match, because she is so fun to watch.
England (4) v Nigeria (40)
Final score: 0-0 (4-2 penalty shootout)
This was objectively the most dramatic game of the round, though I’m not sure many US fans would agree with that. Final-favorites England were put to the test by a team ranked 36 spots below them. Nigeria frustrated all their plans, to the extent that a young, irritated Lauren James stepped on Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie, a choice that earned her a red card, countless column inches, and a place in England footballing history among such luminaries as David Beckham and Alan Mullery.
Colombia (25) v Jamaica (43)
Final score: 1-0
Jamaica did a wonderful job of shutting down the absolutely captivating young Linda Caiceido, but that left enough of her teammates open to get the chances necessary to break through the Jamaican defense. Catalina Usme scored the lone goal, the only goal allowed by Jamaica through their four games in this World Cup, from an absolutely incredible service by 18 year-old Ana María Guzmán. It was enough. Jamaica go home, but considering the monumental off-field challenges they faced, they should be heading home with a lot of pride at their performance.
France (5) v Morocco (76)
Final score: 4-0
This game was probably the most painful to watch, as France pulled Morocco apart early on. France scored 3 goals in less than 10 minutes in the first half, and despite Morocco pulling it together afterward, it was too late and they never managed to gain any momentum towards a comeback, or even a consolation goal to take with them on the plane ride home. That said, the 76th ranked team played a hell of a tournament and I think it’s fair to say they impressed us all with their performance. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see them again soon.
Quarterfinals preview
Spain (6) v Netherlands (9)
8/10, 9pm EDT
My pick: Spain
One of the greatest footballing days of my life was July 11, 2010, when Spain’s men’s side beat the Dutch, winning the World Cup. As such, I am morally obligated by heritage to always pick Spain over the Netherlands, even if this feels like an even match that could really go either way.
Japan (11) v Sweden (3)
8/11, 3:30am EDT
My pick: Japan
This is a wild match-up and I am very excited to watch it. Sweden dominates in set pieces, using their height. Japan dominates in the run of play. If any match in this round stands a chance of both sides scoring goals, and maybe a few each (there hasn’t been a lot of that in this Cup) it would be this one. Then again, Sweden’s goalkeeper, Zecira Musovic, proved to be something of a brick wall against the US, so watch me be wrong here completely.
Australia (10) v France (5)
8/12, 3am EDT
My pick: The Buff Kangaroo has informed me that if I want to live, I’ll choose Australia here, so the Matildas it is.
If we go with the assumption that Sam Kerr will get more playing time in this match, I definitely like Australia’s chances. Even without her, the support from the fans will be loud and powerful. Australia have also faced more difficult teams in their last few matches than France, which could either mean they will be sharper and more prepared…or they’ll be completely gassed, leaving room for France to pull off another high-scoring victory. So I wouldn’t count France out either.
England (4) v Colombia (25)
8/12, 6:30am EDT
My pick: [redacted]
Of the four matches in this round, I’m most torn about this one. I’m weirdly invested in England winning, for “Football’s coming home” reasons, but I am in LOVE with the Colombian team. I also like Colombia’s kit better. If I had my druthers, this would be a semifinal or final match up. I’m sad that one of these two teams will be going home after this.
On paper, England has more experience and a higher ranking, but I don’t trust the FIFA rankings outside of the UEFA conference in the women’s game, and not only were England already missing many of their best players, they will now be playing without Lauren James, the star of their run so far in the tournament. If Colombia does go home after this match, expect them back in four years with a higher rank and a deeper run, because half of this team seems to be preternaturally gifted teenagers.
Until next time!