Day 5 recap:
Following our predictions, we would have won 3 out of 3. We said Netherlands and Sweden would take the win and the USA would win with over 4.5 goals. That last prediction was on the safe side, seeing they scored 13. On the other hand, the Dutch almost ended up in a draw, just managing to score and win in injury time. Let’s take a look at today’s matches!
Nigeria – South Korea
It’s the second day for group A and this will be a match between two teams who are playing for survival. Nigeria lost to Norway in their first match with 3 against 0, and this could have easily been more for Norway. South Korea on the other hand got themselves a beating from France in the opening match, losing 4 to 0. What is interesting is that this will be the first ever face off for South Korea against a African Team. There are not many statistics to rely on, though we do know that Nigeria has never won their second game in the group stage. We expect South Korea to take this game, despite their big loss to France.
Germany – Spain
Two major teams struggling to find their form. Spain got helped in the saddle against South-Africa with two penalties, but a draw in this game would not have been an unusual outcome otherwise. Germany is looking for the net. Though they won their game against China, just one goal showed that the Germans are lacking scoring capacities. These teams faced off in a friendly match last november, ending up 0-0 and we would not be surprised to see a draw this game as well. The winning team of this match is sure to qualify, but with a draw both teams are one leg into the next round. We expect them not to go all in here and save their best game for the third and last match.
France – Norway
Both these teams showed their potential in the first match. The host country has clearly shown the ambition to win the cup for their home crowd. Norway will be a steeper hill to take than South Korea though. In the past these teams have met six times outside of the Women’s World Cup, France winning three and the other three ending up in a draw. Though the only time the two teams faced off in this tournament before, it ended in favor of Norway (2-0). Since that happened back in 2003, we expect this to be a close game for France. You can bet on both teams to score or predict the exact score. 2-1, 3-1 or 3-2 would be a likely outcome.
