Sweden Takes 3rd Place

Playing one player down for the last 22 minutes and stoppage, Sweden managed to pull out a 2-1 victory over France to give them third place in the 2011 World Cup. Marie Hammarstrom became the hero with a stunning strike in the 82nd minute.

Both teams entered this third place match minus one of their star players. Marie-Laure Delie for France and Caroline Seger for Sweden were both out of this match because of injuries. Sweden started Nilla Fischer in the midfield for Seger. France went with Eugenie LeSommer for Delie. And in yet another shuffling of the French back line, Bruno Bini started Corine Franco at right back and put Wendie Renard in at center back.

Sweden appeared to break through in just the fifth minute. Linda Forsberg hit a forceful header through with Lotta Schelin getting behind the defense and scoring, but offsides was the ruling in what was a very close call. Sweden again came close in the 14th minute, with Charlotte Rohlin heading a corner kick, but right at Berangere Sapowicz.

France's first real chance was in the 23rd minute, with LeSommer getting through with some room on the right side of the box, but her low shot was lacking pace and directly at Hedvig Lindahl.

Sweden did take the lead in the 29th minute. Sara Larsson sent a brilliant long ball out of the back, splitting the central defenders with Schelin running onto it. Schelin used the outside of her right foot to touch it past a charging Sapowicz and into the goal.

Sapowicz was injured on the play as her foot got tangled with Schelin's after the shot and she landed very awkwardly on her ankle. Celine Deville had to replace Sapowicz and Louisa Necib, who had received a knock in the knee earlier came off in favor of Elodie Thomis. France were down a goal and had lost two more players to injury.

France came back with a couple of chances. Gaetane Thiney shot high and wide to the right from 14 yards in the 33rd minute. France came very close in the 36th minute with Thiney touching the ball to Elise Bussaglia, whose drive from 22 yards hit the right post squarely and bounced away.

Sweden had a couple of chances of their own in the closing minutes of the half. Rohlin once again came close on a header off of a corner kick, with this one going just inches over the crossbar. As the final seconds ticked off, Therese Sjogran found Schelin open on the right side. She dribbled into the penalty area to within eight yards, but her shot was right at Deville's head and the French keeper pushed it away.

France did get the tying goal early in the 2nd half. In the 56th minute, Thiney turned on a defender and pushed the ball ahead to Thomis. Her right-footed shot from 20 yards was well placed inside the left post and it beat Lindahl to tie the score at one.

Sweden made their first substitution in the 62nd minute, sending in Marie Hammarstrom for Linda Forsberg. It would prove to be a fortuitous decision for Thomas Dennerby.

The action went end-to-end in the next few minutes. Lisa Dahlqvist sent Josefine Oqvist in alone on the left side. But with Deville coming out to cut off the angle, Oqvist's shot hooked just a bit and the ball bounced off the right post and away. At the other end, Thomis was able to get within six yards to take a shot from a bad angle, but Lindahl made the save on that shot. The ensuing corner kick saw Thomis putting the ball just wide of the post.

Things got very chippy in the 68th minute. With Oqvist approaching the penalty area from the right side, she and Sonia Bompastor collided. It appeared that Bompastor tried to kick Oqvist as both were falling to the ground. Oqvist retaliated by kicking Bompastor and as often happens, only the second offense was caught by the referee and Oqvist was sent off.

Sweden made another substitution as Nilla Fischer went down with an injury and Linda Sembrandt was sent in.

In the 82nd minute, Schelin and Laura Georges were chasing the ball on the side of the penalty area, with the ball appearing to go of Schelin last. However, Sweden was awarded a corner on the play and that decision proved important.

Sjogran took the corner and it was headed away by France, but Hammarstrom recovered the ball about 25 yards from the goal. She first volleyed the ball over LeSommer's head, then touched the ball back to the left to get by Bompastor. She then released a bullet of a strike that found the upper left corner of the goal, beating Deville and putting Sweden back ahead by a 2-1 margin. It was certainly one of the best goals of the tournament.

Now down a goal, France subbed in Caroline Pizzala for Franco in the 84th minute. France's best chance came as the game entered the fourth minute of stoppage time. LeSommer sent the ball behind the Swedish defense to Thomis, but Lindahl dove out and beat the French striker to the ball before she could get a shot off.

Sweden was able to finish the match with a 2-1 victory. Interestingly enough, it was the third time that a red card has been shown in this tournament, and in each case, the team playing a man down came back to score a goal. France's Laura Georges scored after Sapowicz had been redcarded against Germany to cut the lead to 3-2 in what proved to be a losing effort. Abby Wambach scored the game-tying goal against Brazil in the quarterfinals after Rachel Buehler had been sent off. Hammarstrom scored the winning goal in this match after Oqvist had been sent off.

For Sweden, it was second time they have finished third at the World Cup, the first being in 1991. Their highest finish was their second place effort in the 2003 World Cup. The fourth place finish was the highest ever by France.

3rd Place Match: France vs. Sweden

France (#7) vs. Sweden (#5)
Sinsheim (11:30 am eastern)

Last Meeting: Sweden 3, France 1 (March 14, 2007)

France
Coach: Bruno Bini
WC Matches: Defeated Nigeria 1-0; Defeated Canada 4-0, Lost to Germany 2-4, Defeated England 1-1 (4-3 PK); Lost to United States 1-3.

Roster:
Goalkeepers: Berangere Sapowicz (4 gms, 1.34 gaa, 2 shutouts); Celine Deville (2 gms, 1.90 gaa), Laetitia Philippe.
Defenders: Laura Georges (5 gms, 1 goal); Laure LePailleur (5 gms); Sonia Bompastor (4 gms, 1 goal); Sabrina Viguier (2 gms); Ophelie Meilleroux (2 gms); Wendie Renard (2 gms), Corine Franco.
Midfielders: Elise Bussaglia (5 gms, 1 goal); Gaetane Thiney (5 gms, 2 goals); Camille Abily (5 gms, 1 goal, 1 assist); Louisa Necib (5 gms, 1 assist); Sandrine Soubeyrand (5 gms, 2 assists); Laure Boulleau (2 gms); Caroline Pizzala.
Forwards: Marie-Laure Delie (5 gms, 2 goals); Elodie Thomis (5 gms, 1 goal); Eugenie LeSommer (5 gms, 1 assist); Sandrine Bretigny (1 gm).

Sweden
Coach: Thomas Dennerby
WC Matches: Defeated Colombia 1-0; Defeated Korea DPR 1-0; Defeated United States 2-1; Defeated Australia 3-1; Lost to Japan 1-3.

Roster:
Goalkeepers: Hedvig Lindahl (5 gms, 1.00 gaa, 2 shutouts); Kristin Hammarstrom, Sofia Lundgren.
Defenders: Charlotte Rohlin (5 gms); Sara Thunebro (5 gms); Sara Larsson (5 gms); Annica Svensson (5 gms); Linda Sembrandt (1 gm); Lina Nilsson (1 gm).
Midfielders: Lisa Dahlkvist (5 gms, 3 goals); Therese Sjogran (5 gms, 1 goal, 2 assists); Linda Forsberg (5 gms); Caroline Seger (3 gms); Nilla Fischer (4 gms, 1 goal); Marie Hammarstrom (2 gms); Sofia Jakobsson (2 gms); Antonia Goransson (2 gms).
Forwards: Lotta Schelin (5 gms, 1 goal, 2 assists); Josefine Oqvist (4 gms, 1 goal); Jessica Landstrom (3 gms, 1 goal); Madelaine Edlund (2 gms).

Both of these two teams have to be disappointed that they are not playing Sunday for the World Cup, instead of Saturday for 3rd place. Sweden grabbed the early lead against Japan and were tied until the 60th minute, but just didn't look to be the same team that won their first four matches in Germany.

France tied their match against the United States in the 2nd half and certainly looked to be outplaying them, before giving up two goals in the last 15 minutes. France can take heart in that their two defeats in this tournament were to the two top ranked teams in the world heading in. They can also be proud in that this will be their highest World Cup finish ever.

One never knows quite how coaches will approach a third place match. Certainly the pressure is now off for Bruno Bini and Thomas Dennerby. Caroline Seger has been nursing an injury and sadly missed Wednesday's semifinal match. Her presence was greatly missed by Sweden.

It will be interesting to see if the two coaches try to play some of their younger players or if they attempt to get everyone into the match that hasn't played yet. Of course, everyone has played in at least one match for Sweden, save for their two backup goalkeepers, Kristin Hammarstrom and Sofia Lundgren. For France, third keeper Laetitia Philippe, defender Corine Franco, and midfielder Caroline Pizzala have not yet seen action.

For some of these players, it will be their last World Cup game. Certainly, that is the case for Sandrine Soubeyrand of France, who will be the oldest player for either team at age 37. She now has over 160 caps in her great career. Sweden's all-time cap leader, Therese Sjogran, will likely be playing in her last World Cup match as well. Probably the same could be said of defender Sara Larsson.

It is very surprising that these two European powers have not met since the 2007 Algarve Cup, over four years ago. Sweden won that meeting 3-1. Josefine Oqvist scored the first goal in that match.

Another prize up for grabs is the Adidas Golden Boot award. Heading into this weekend's matches, Marta and Homare Sawa are tied with four goals. Sawa has one game remaining. Just one goal behind them is Sweden's Lisa Dahlkvist with three. Both Gaetane Thiney and Marie-Laure Delie have two for France and are certainly not out of the running.

While third place is the prize for this match, the two teams will really be playing more for pride than anything else. The winner will finish third and can claim to be the top finishing European team in the tournament.

USA to the Finals

It was a gloomy, misty day in Moenchengladbach, but the United States saw blue skies to final as they defeated France 3-1 in FIFA World Cup semifinal action on Wednesday. It was not nearly so dramatic as Sunday's quarterfinal, but it was surely in doubt most of the way. However, this team seems to find a way to win.

The only change for US coach Pia Sundhage was replacing the suspended Rachel Buehler with Becky Sauerbrunn. French coach Bruno Bini decided to use Ophelie Meilleroux in the left center back position, one that has been somewhat of a revolving door for France in this World Cup.

The first chance for France in this match came in eighth minute as Hope Solo was forced to tip a Louisa Necib drive over the net from 22 yards out. Solo, who was making her 100th appearance for the United States, would have quite a busy day in goal for the US as she faced 25 French shots, eight of which were on goal.

As in their match with Brazil, the United States was able to get on the board early. In the 9th minute, the US worked the ball around to the left, with Carli Lloyd backheeling a pass forward to Heather O'Reilly. O'Reilly, who rarely finds herself on that side of the field, was able to get a step on French defender Laura Georges and crossed the ball toward the six. Lauren Cheney was making a near post run for the Americans and she was able to change the direction of the ball just enough to deflect it past Berangere Sapowicz and inside the right post to put the US up 1-0.

In the 24th minute, Carli Lloyd was able to get her head on a Cheney corner kick, but put it a couple of feet wide of the post. Overall, the first 25 minutes were pretty even play between the two sides, but France began to dominate as play approached the half hour mark.

In the 27th minute, Elise Bussaglia hit a hard, low shot from 30 yards, but Solo smothered it. Over the next few minutes, France put heavy pressure on the United States, taking control of the match.

France came very close in the 30th minute as Necib set up Gaetane Thiney on the left side of the penalty area, but Solo came out and deflected the ball wide with her right arm. Just three minutes later, Sandrine Soubeyrand played a short free kick to Sonia Bompastor who struck a beautiful shot from the edge of the penalty area. The ball hooked away from Solo, but unfortunately for France, it struck the corner of the goal post and bounced away.

In the 38th minute, Christie Rampone made a rare forward run on the right side and crossed to Abby Wambach, who rose for the header just outside the back post. Wambach's header went all the way across the goal mouth and wide of the right post. The half ended with the US clinging to a 1-0 lead.

Bini surprisingly sent Eugenie LeSommer in for Marie-Laure Delie at the half. Delie is probably the most dangerous attacking player for France.

Not a minute into the second half, France had a golden opportunity. Necib sent Thiney into the left side of the penalty area. Thiney appeared to have space, but with US defender Ali Krieger bearing down on her and Solo charging out, she took a bit too long and was never able to really get a shot off.

But it wasn't long before France did pull even. In 55th minute, Bussaglia switched the point of attack to the left side. Bompastor sent a cross into the penalty area from 30 yards out. With Thiney making a near post run, Solo was uncertain whether to go for the ball or play a potential Thiney header. She elected to stay with Thiney. As it turned out, Thiney rose for the header, but didn't make contact and the ball continued on inside the right post to tie the score at one. It was the first goal for Bompastor in this World Cup.

With the game now even and with the US being outplayed, it began to look like Sunday's game was taking its toll on the tired US squad. Camille Abily followed the goal with a shot over the crossbar in the 57th minute. In the 66th minute, Solo made a turnover on an attempted clearance, but LeSommer mishit her shot from 18 yards.

Sundhage made two substitutions early in the half, sending Alex Morgan in for Amy Rodriguez in the 57th minute and Megan Rapinoe in for Carli Lloyd in the 65th minute. It was a rare moment to see Lloyd subbed out since she nearly always plays the full match.

But just when you thought that this United States team might not have anything left, they came alive. A free kick in the 70th minute nearly gave them the go ahead goal. Rapinoe's low drive from 35 yards gave Sapowicz all kinds of trouble. The ball bounced a few feet away with Morgan charging toward the net. Sapowicz was able to block Morgan's shot and as it turned out, Morgan had been whistled offside, although that was very close as well.

Bini made his second substitution, sending in speedy Elodie Thomis for Soubeyrand in the 78th minute. It was clear that Bini was going for the win.

In the 79th minute, the US won a corner kick on the right side. Cheney's kick went to the back post, just a few feet off the goal line. Abby Wambach had gotten past Laure LePailleur and was uncontested for her header. With Sapowicz arriving late, Wambach headed the ball down and into the net from close in and the United States were back in the lead.

France tried to battle back. In the 81st minute, LePailleur sent a cross toward LeSommer on the left side of the box, but her diving attempt at the header went well wide.

The United States sealed the match in the 82nd minute. Rapinoe was able to touch the ball past the French defense to Morgan. She gained possession on the left side of the penalty area. With Sapowicz charging out and from a very tough angle, Morgan chipped the ball toward the goal. Sapowicz may have barely gotten her fingertips on the ball, but not enough to change the flight of the ball. Morgan's chip found the right side netting and it was 3-1 for the US.

France never really had a good scoring chance afterwards. Sapowicz later made a great save on Morgan that prevented the scoreline from getting any worse. For the French team, it had to be a disappointment, because they had played so well for the first 75 minutes of the match. But in the end, the United States had persevered yet again.

So now, it is on to the finals for the United States. The United States have never lost their final match in the World Cup, twice winning it and three times winning the third place match. It will be their first appearance in the finals since 1999, when they won as the host nation in penalties over China.

Preview: Semifinal One

United States (#1) vs. France (#7)
Moenchengladbach (12 pm eastern)

Last Meeting: United States 4, France 1 (March 13, 2006)

United States
Coach: Pia Sundhage
WC Matches: Defeated Korea DPR 2-0; Defeated Colombia 3-0; Lost to Sweden 1-2; Defeated Brazil 2-2 (5-3 pk).

Lineup
GK-Hope Solo (4 gms, 0.92 gaa, 2 shutouts)
DF-Ali Krieger (4 gms)
DF-Becky Sauerbrunn
DF-Christie Rampone (4 gms)
DF-Amy LePeilbet (4 gms)
MF-Heather O'Reilly (3 gms, 1 goal)
MF-Shannon Boxx (3 gms)
MF-Carli Lloyd (4 gms, 1 goal, 1 assist)
MF-Lauren Cheney (4 gms, 1 goal, 2 assists)
FW-Abby Wambach (4 gms, 2 goals, 1 assist)
FW-Amy Rodriguez (4 gms)

Substitutes:
GK-Nicole Barnhart, Jill Loyden.
DF-Stephanie Cox (2 gms, 1 assist), Heather Mitts.
MF-Megan Rapinoe, Lauren Lindsey (1 gm), Tobin Heath (2 gms), Kelley O'Hara (1 gm).
FW-Alex Morgan (3 gms).
Inactive-Rachel Buehler (4 gms, 1 goal) (red card suspension).

France
Coach: Bruno Bini
WC Matches: Defeated Nigeria 1-0; Defeated Canada 4-0; Lost to Germany 2-4; Defeated England 1-1 (4-3 pk).

Lineup:
GK-Berangere Sapowicz (3 gms, 0.73 gaa, 2 shutouts)
DF-Laure LePailleur (4 gms)
DF-Laura Georges (4 gms, 1 goal)
DF-Ophelie Meilleroux (1 gm)
DF-Sonia Bompastor (4 gms)
MF-Sandrine Soubeyrand (4 gms, 2 assists)
MF-Elise Bussaglia (4 gms, 1 goal)
MF-Camille Abily (4 gms, 1 goal, 1 assist)
MF-Louisa Necib (4 gms, 1 assist)
MF-Gaetane Thiney (4 gms, 2 goals)
FW-Marie-Laure Delie (4 gms, 2 goals)

Substitutes:
GK-Celine Deville (2 gms, 1.90 gaa) , Laetitia Philippe.
DF-Sabrina Viguier (2 gms), Wendie Renard (2 gms), Corine Franco.
MF-Laure Boulleau (2 gms), Caroline Pizzala.
FW-Eugenie LeSommer (4 gms, 1 assist), Elodie Thomis (4 games, 1 goal), Sandrine Bretigny (1 gm).

Preview
These two teams arrived in Moenchengladbach in a very similar fashion. Both finished second in their group stage, losing their last match. Both had to go to penalty kicks to win in the quarterfinals. Both have suffered one red card in this tournament.

However, one big difference is that the United States will be missing a key starter for this match, with Rachel Buehler having to sit because of the red card in the quarterfinal match against Brazil. The United States also had to play one down for nearly 60 minutes on Sunday and France will have 24 hours of additional rest, both of which could be factors in Wednesday's match.

France has never defeated the United States in women's soccer. They haven't even met since 2006 and most of the meetings between the two occured back in the 1990's, a long time ago now.

Neither team has scored much early in the match. France has scored seven of their eight goals after the 56 minute mark. The United States has scored six of their eight goals after the 50 minute mark.

The United States has been to every single semifinal in World Cup history, but their record in semifinal matches is only 2-3. For France, this is their first venture into the semis, having never even reached the quarterfinals before this year.

Goalkeepers
Hope Solo has given up four goals in this World Cup. Two were penalty kicks, one a deflected free kick, and one a brilliant goal by Marta. She has also stopped two penalties, although one was reversed by a referee's decision. Most of the pre-tournament worries about her shoulder have been forgotten now. She is arguably the best goalkeeper in the world right now.

Solo will have to keep her emotions in check for this match. She will likely get tested on some one-on-one chances by the French, who have a lot of speed up front and on the wings. Solo will have to make a lot of split second decisions on Wednesday, especially if her back line gets beat. She is extremely quick and agile.

Berangere Sapowicz should be well rested. She sat out the last match serving her red card suspension from the match against Germany. While she was somewhat maligned coming into the tournament, she has played very, very well, posting shutouts against Nigeria and Canada. She, too, will have to make quite a few quick decisions on Wednesday, especially when dealing with high crosses to the middle, with Abby Wambach as their target.

Advantage: United States

Defenders
It appears both coaches are making changes to their back line for the match. Bruno Bini is putting first game starter Ophelie Meilleroux at center back, next to Laura Georges. Sonia Bompastor and Laure LePailleur will play the outside back positions.

Meanwhile, ESPN is reporting that Pia Sundhage has opted for Becky Sauerbrunn in the US backfield to take the place of Buehler, apparently passing on the opportunity to move Amy LePeilbet back to her natural position at center back by starting Stephanie Cox at left back. It is a bit of risk for Sundhage, because Sauerbrunn has just ten caps and has yet to play at the World Cup. Ali Krieger will start at right back and Christie Rampone will start at center back, joining LePeilbet and Sauerbrunn.

Georges is one of the best center backs in this tournament. She has 100 caps to show for her career. She is very experienced and a tough tackler, not to mention she scored a goal for France against Germany. Meilleroux has experience as well, but she is the third different center back to play along side Georges in this tournament. Sabrina Viguier had started at center back twice.

France has two very active outside backs that like to get forward. Sonia Bompastor was a star in WPS for two season, before returning to play in France in 2011. She is a sly veteran, who is very rarely beaten one-on-one. She also has a nice touch on crosses from the wing. LePailleur is the least experienced of the French starting defenders, but she has also proven a two-way threat as well.

Rampone is surprisingly fast at age 36. When it appeared Marta might have a breakaway in Sunday's match, Rampone stayed close enough to make sure Marta had to go wide, instead of straight at Solo. Sundhage will likely start her on LePeilbet's side again to help make up for the latter's lack of pace. Left back LePeilbet is a two-time Defensive Player of the Year in WPS, but that was at center back. The outside position is new to her and her speed is not necessarily well-suited for that position.

On the right side, Ali Krieger and Becky Sauerbrunn will defend for the Americans. Krieger is having an outstanding World Cup and has arguably been the United States' most consistent player to this point. She also scored the game-winning penalty in Sunday's match. She is more apt to get forward than LePeilbet on the opposite side.

Sauerbrunn has been a solid player in WPS and many had labelled her as the heir apparent in the center for the US. But one wonders whether her inexperience will be a problem, because she will be tested by French speed in this match.

Advantage: France

Midfielders
France will likely stay with a 4-2-3-1 set, meaning five midfielders. The United States has been a 4-4-2 team for quite some time.

Veteran Sandrine Soubeyrand and Elise Bussaglia will play holding mids for the French. Soubeyrand is the elder stateswoman of French soccer at age 37. She has already recorded two assists in this tournament. Elise Bussaglia has also had a very good World Cup. Underrated by most standards, Bussaglia has defended solidly and showed her offensive abilities by scoring the goal that sent the match against England into overtime.

At the attacking positions, France will have Camille Abily and Gaetane Thiney on the wings, with Laura Necib in the middle. Abily is a dangerous attacking player, who can score anywhere within 35 yards of the goal. After a lackluster performance against Nigeria, she has been improving ever since. Thiney, a true forward, has two goals to this point and has good pace to attack from the outside.

Necib started the tournament on a high note, playing great matches against Nigeria and Canada. She is very active and not afraid to shoot. She is also one of France's most technically skilled players. The French have a huge advantage in the midfield when it comes to technical skills and their passing game has been superb.

The United States will start the two veterans, Shannon Boxx and Carli Lloyd, in the central midfield. Boxx was once considered one of the best defensive midfielders in women's soccer. She has had a pretty good tournament so far, save for the distraction on Marta's second goal. She is very strong in the air and gives the US a tough one-two punch in the air with Wambach. Lloyd can be inconsistent, but she seems to rise to the occasion when it comes to the big tournaments. She has one of the hardest shots in women's soccer.

Heather O'Reilly and Lauren Cheney start on the wings. O'Reilly is always a threat up the right side with her great speed and can strike from reasonable distance as she showed in the match against Colombia. Cheney has been a bit of a revelation in this tournament. A forward by trade, she has embraced the outside midfield role with a passion. She has been impressive on the offensive end with a goal and two assists, and has shown the ability to track back and help out the US left side defense.

Look for Megan Rapinoe to play a key role off the bench as she did in Sunday's match against Brazil, getting the game-tying assist.

Advantage: Very slightly France.

Forwards
Abby Wambach has been the US target forward for some time now. She has well over 100 goals to her credit, but none bigger than the one she scored against Brazil on Sunday. She has been nursing an Achilles injury throughout the tournament, but when it's game on, she's ready. She, along with Kerstin Garefrekes, is the most feared player in the world in the air. Wambach has already scored twice in this tournament.

Amy Rodriguez has been a bit of an enigma. Blessed with great speed, she has appeared to mature as shown by the improvement in her WPS play. But she still seems to disappear at times for the United States. She will need to keep defenses honest, making probing runs so they cannot concentrate on Wambach.

Alex Morgan plays the role of supersub. She has scored several big goals late in matches leading up to the World Cup, but none so far in this tournament. Like Rodriguez, she is very fast and has already proven that she pairs well with Wambach.

But when you talk about speed up front, you have to talk about France. Marie-Laure Delie is averaging a goal about every 35 minutes over her very young playing career. She has lightning speed and has already showed the knack for taking advantage of opposing defenses and their weaknesses. Delie has already scored twice in this World Cup and seems to cause big problems in the 2nd half when defenders start to wear down.

If there is anyone faster than Delie, it is Elodie Thomis, another dangerous forward. Thomis has more experience than Delie, but has not quite shown her scoring touch to this point. Still, she has scored 15 international goals and much be watched at all times. Eugenie LeSommer has also had a good tournament and assisted on a goal earlier in the tournament. She has good passing skills and could be a force late in this match.

Advantage: Even.

Summary
The French have the advantage in technical skills and the ability to wear the already tired US team down with their passing. Necib and Abily could well be the key in the middle for France. Both can control the tempo of the match, especially Necib. Abily, Thiney, and Delie will cause the US defense problems. LePeilbet will be tested on the American left, as will the inexperienced Sauerbrunn.

The United States have attacked well from the flanks in this tournament and have several players that can serve crosses into the middle, with Wambach being a very dangerous target. O'Reilly is especially adept at getting around the outside defender to the end line. She will have to face a great veteran in Bompastor in this match, which could be one of the best matchups of the day.

One weakness the United States midfield has shown on occasion is having trouble getting back and allowing too much room in behind them, where opposing teams can counterattack. Without Buehler in the lineup, they cannot allow this to happen in this match, because the French have the players that can exploit this.

France's biggest weakness is defending against set pieces, something that the Americans are quite good at. France will do very well to hold the US off on corner kicks and free kicks and need to surrender as few of those opportunities as possible.

The goalkeeper matchup features Solo and Sapowicz. Sapowicz has played well, but Solo has been very strong. Solo has good command of her penalty area and will try to start a counterattack of her own by launching a quick ball down the field when an opportunity arises.

One thing to watch for early on is if either team, particularly the US, appears to have tired legs. The last match had to take a lot out of each team and the weather has been quite warm in Germany. The United States team had to be nearly emotionally spent following the match against Brazil. One cannot underestimate the effect on this kind of a match. My head and my heart are telling me different things.

Prediction: France 2, United States 1 in overtime.

France Advances to Semis on Penalty Kicks

France and England battled through 120 minutes of tough soccer, without settling a winner. And after all of the nailbiting anxiety of 120 minutes, the penalty kick faceoff offered even more drama. But in the end, France prevailed by a 5-4 margin on penalties and advanced to the semifinals for the first time in their history.

Elise Bussaglia became the French hero, scoring in the 88th minute to draw France even, when it looked like time would run out on them. Late substitute Eugenie LeSommer knocked home what proved to be the winning penalty kick as English captain Faye White would hit England's final kick off the crossbar, in a heartbreaking finish for the veteran English defender.

One would have to say that the better team won this match as France were certainly more dominant for much of the game. However, one had to feel for an English team that was only minutes from wrapping up the match in regulation and led on penalties 3-2 with only two kicks per team left.

By the time the overtime came around, Kelly Smith was barely able to walk, let alone run. Fara Williams was hobbled as well and Ellen White had run herself nearly into the ground. Karen Bardsley appeared to injure her shoulder, although it did not appear to affect the game in any way.

While France held an advantage in play throughout most of the game, it was England that had a chance just seconds into the match. Karen Carney played a perfect ball through to Smith, who dribbled around French keeper Celine Deville. But Smith's attempt from a bad angle was blocked by Laura Georges and France had averted early disaster.

In the 25th minute, Marie-Laure Delie sent the ball to Gaetane Thiney who struck a beautiful volley that was heading inside the right post, but Bardsley made a diving save to keep France off the board. Bardsley nearly got caught off her line in the 37th minute and Louisa Necib's free kick from 35 was headed on target. Bardsley had started forward and had to back up in quite a hurry to tip the ball over the bar.

France continued to create chance after chance, with Necib putting a shot over the bar, Sandrine Soubeyrand shooting wide, and Bardsley making a leaping catch of a corner kick at the back post. Camille Abily also had two attempts that missed their target in the first half.

Meanwhile, England rarely threatened after the chance in the opening seconds. The first half ended scoreless.

The second half continued the same pattern as France consistently pressured and outplayed the English. Delie had a chance from 14 yards on the right side and put it just high and wide of upper right corner of the net. Thiney sent one right at Bardsley just minutes later.

England finally came close in the 54th minute. Rachel Unitt sent a cross from the left wing and Jill Scott's header went just outside the left post. It may have been a sign of things to come for England.

In the 59th minute, Rachel Yankey sent the ball up the left side to Scott, who cut between French defenders Laure LePailleur and Sabrina Viguier to the middle. With open space in front of her, she dribbled to just outside the top of the box and seeing Deville off her line, drilled a shot over the keeper's head, giving England a 1-0 lead.

Play got a little contentious in the 64th minute as Sonia Bompastor took what quite frankly appeared to be a dive while fighting with Kelly Smith for the ball. Smith took exception to Bompastor's acting abilities and after conversing with one another with faces about two inches apart, Smith gave Bompastor a shove. Things settled down and soccer continued.

France continued to offer most of the offense in the match as Delie put one over the crossbar from 15 yards out on the right side. In the 69th minute, Elodie Thomis crossed one from the right wing and it appeared that Bompastor might be perfectly placed on her back post run, but Smith was able to touch the ball away at the last possible second. Bompastor later put her free kick from 22 yards off the wall and over the goal.

France nearly equalized in the 76th minute as a long ball was sent out of the French backfield to Thomis who had a step on the defense. She dribbled to within 12 yards at a steep angle, but Bardsley was able to push her shot away and England were able to block the rebound and clear the ball out of trouble.

Substitutions will certainly be one of the most talked about aspects of this match. Bruno Bini elected to replace Louisa Necib, who had perhaps been France's best player in the tournament, with Sandrine Bretigny in the 79th minute.

But Hope Powell's decision to replace both outside backs in the 81st minute will surely attract some scrutiny. Apparently she was concerned about the toll that French pressure had taken on the English defense and wanted to get fresh legs in to kill the final ten minutes. But she brought on two relatively inexperienced players to replace two solid veterans, bringing in Steph Houghton and Claire Rafferty for Alex Scott and Rachel Unitt. Later in the match, with Smith and Williams in pain and struggling to continue, I'm sure Powell would like to have had one of those subs back. Powell later made a very solid substitution, putting in Anita Asante for Rachel Yankey.

The substitutions nearly proved fatal in the 85th minute as Thomis got behind the left side of the English defense and in on Bardsley from the right side. Thomis attempted to go near post, but Bardsley punched the ball wide. England had temporarily dodged a bullet.

But just when it appeared that England might survive, Sonia Bompastor hit a serve into the English penalty area. The ball landed at about the penalty spot with Delie and two English defenders fighting for the ball. Delie was just able to push the ball back to Elise Bussaglia who teed up a shot from 22 yards. She could not have hit it more perfectly, as her solid strike hit the high off the inside of the left post and behind Bardsley, who had no chance on the shot. France had drawn level with just a few minutes remaining in regulation time.

It appeared that it would take a miracle for England to make it through the overtime with Smith barely able to walk, Williams limping, and Ellen White nearly gassed from continual running over 90 minutes. Bardsley and Faye White also were injured, but somehow continued on as England tried to hang on for all they were worth.

But in spite of all that, England had the best scoring opportunity of the first overtime. Smith flicked a ball onto Ellen White who was through on the right side, but her shot sailed just wide of the net.

France then dominated the second overtime, sending shot after shot at Bardsley, but somehow couldn't score. Eugenie LeSommer, who subbed in to start the second overtime period, was particularly dangerous in the final 15 minutes, sending a shot over the crossbar in the 116th minute. But LeSommer's time had not quite come yet.

England managed to make it through the 2nd overtime and forced the game to penalty kicks, where their rapidly tiring team had a better chance.

France opened the penalties, sending Camille Abily to shoot first. Her shot was hit to the left side, but did not have great pace. Bardsley guessed right and made the save. The next five attempts were converted, with Smith, Carney, and Stoney scoring for England and Bussaglia and Thiney converting for France. In the 4th round, Sonia Bompastor placed hers perfectly into the left side drawing France even 3-3, but with England having a shot in hand.

Second half substitute Claire Rafferty stepped up to take the fourth try for England and put her low shot wide of the right post. Things were now even with one kick left for each side.

LeSommer was up next for the French and placed her shot lower right, easily beating Bardsley who had guessed wrong. Next up for England was England's captain Faye White. White hit a hard shot which caromed of the top of the crossbar and over. For France, it was a thrilling victory and a berth in the semifinals. For England, it was a heartbreaking defeat in a match that they were so closed to winning.

France will now play the winner of the Brazil-United States match on Wednesday. Except for their defeat by the Germans, the French have been dominant in their other matches and will certainly be a force to be reckoned with as the World Cup heads into its final week of action.

Quarterfinals - Game One

England (#10) vs. France (#7)
Leverkusen (12 pm eastern)

Last Meeting: England 2, France 2 (March 7, 2009)

England
Coach: Hope Powell
Matches: Tied Mexico 1-1, Defeated New Zealand 2-1, Defeated Japan 2-0.
Roster:
Goalkeepers: Karen Bardsley (3 gms, 0.67 gaa, 1 shutout), Rachel Brown, Siobhan Chamberlain.
Defenders: Alex Scott (3 gms, 1 ast), Faye White (2 gms), Casey Stoney (3 gms), Rachel Unitt (3 gms, 1 ast), Sophie Bradley (3 gms), Claire Rafferty, Dunia Susa.
Midfielders: Karen Carney (3 gms, 2 ast), Jill Scott (3 gms, 1 goal, 1 ast), Fara Williams (2 gms, 1 goal), Rachel Yankey (3 gms, 1 goal), Anita Asante (1 gm), Laura Bassett (1 gm), Stephanie Houghton.
Forwards: Kelly Smith (3 gms), Ellen White (3 gms, 1 goal), Eniola Aluko (3 gms), Jess Clarke (2 gms, 1 goal).

France
Coach: Bruno Bini
Matches: Defeated Nigeria 1-0, Defeated Canada 4-0, Lost to Germany 2-4.
Roster:
Goalkeepers: Celine Deville (1 gm, 8.18 gaa), Leticia Phillippe, Berangere Sapowicz (3 gms, 0.74 gaa).
Defenders: Wendie Renard (2 gms), Laura Georges (3 gms, 1 goal), Laure LePailleur (3 gms), Sonia Bompastor (2 gms), Ophelie Meilleroux (1 gm), Sabrina Viguier (1 gm), Corine Franco.
Midfielders: Sandrine Soubeyrand (3 gms, 2 ast), Camille Abily (3 gms, 1 goal, 1 ast), Elise Bussaglia (3 gms), Louisa Necib (3 gms, 1 ast), Laure Boulleau (2 gms), Caroline Pizzala.
Forwards: Gaetane Thiney (3 gms, 2 goals), Marie-Laure Delie (3 gms, 2 goals), Elodie Thomis (3 gms, 1 goal), Eugenie LeSommer (3 gms, 1 ast), Sandrine Bretigny.

Goalkeepers
France will have the disadvantage of having to play their backup keeper, Celine Deville. Berangere Sapowicz was red carded in the match against Germany. Deville was thrown into the fire last week, when she had to come into the match to face a penalty kick and then play the final 22 minutes with her team a player down.

Deville is certainly not inexperienced by any stretch of the imagination. She has over 40 caps and has played in four matches this year. She gave up the two goals to Germany and also two goals earlier in the year in a loss to Holland at the Cyprus Cup. She does not have a lot of big match experience. Other than her 22 minutes against Germany, her most significant match might have been in the 2009 Euros, when she shut out Holland for 120 minutes, only to be defeated on penalty kicks.

Karen Bardsley has not been the English starter all that long, but her WPS experience has helped her and she now seems quite comfortable with being England's number one keeper. She did appear to be caught a bit off guard on Monica Ocampo's bomb in the match against Mexico, but has played very well otherwise. She is very athletic and mobile for such a tall keeper.

Advantage: England

Defenders
This area has been labelled England's Achilles heel, but they came out and played a solid match against a very strong technical side in Japan. They will be facing similar technical prowess in France. There is little doubt that Alex Scott and Rachel Unitt will start outside, and probably Faye White and Casey Stoney in the middle.

England will have to deal with the experience of Thiney, but probably their biggest problem will be the pace of Delie and Thomis. Additionally, they will have to deal with Necib on the outside. The Scott vs. Necib matchup could be one of the best. The back line will certainly need help from their midfield in this match. Offensively, Alex Scott is one of the best in the world at attacking from her right back position.

France has a very experienced back line as well. I'm guessing their probable starters will be Wendie Renard and Sonia Bompastor outside, with Laura Georges and Laure LePailleur inside. Renard's height could offset England's strong air attack, especially on set pieces. Overall, Georges has had a very solid tournament and scored a goal against Germany. Bompastor is a crafty veteran who rarely makes mistakes and does a lot of the little things to help her team win.

France will have to deal with a physical English side featuring Ellen White, Kelly Smith, and Jill Scott. They will have to be on the alert on set pieces and they had problems defending against another tall side, Germany, in the air. Bompastor will get forward into the attack when the opportunity presents itself and she is very good at serving the ball from the flank.

Advantage: France.

Midfielders
France has an excellent midfield and they are playing very well right now. Louisa Necib is having a fabulous Cup and her work rate to this point has been exceptional. Camille Abily is always a threat and can score from anywhere inside 30 yards. Soubeyrand is the experienced veteran of the French squad and is often called upon to attempt their set pieces. Elise Bussaglia is a solid player and one of the better defenders in the midfield. We will also likely see Laure Boulleau in a substitute role, a defensive specialist.

The French are masterful in technical play and that is one of their advantages over England. To this point, they have overwhelmingly favored Necib's side of the field, with good results to show for it. They will look for opportunities to play through to their speedy strikers, but have the patience to break down the opposing defense by conventional means.

England's midfield is strong as well, but in different areas. Fara Williams is generally very active in the middle of the field and is excellent on set piece service. Jill Scott is often on the other end of those set pieces and could cause France problems in the air. The aging veteran, Rachel Yankey, has proved quite effective and opportunistic as of late, both in the friendly against the United States back in April and in the match against Japan last week. Karen Carney has also been very effective on attacking from the wing and her service from that position has been spot on.

England will have to beware not to give France too much space in front of their back line. They will have to track back quickly on counterattacks as France's speed will be a problem for them. It is important that they not waste their set pieces, which might be their best opportunity to score. Also look for Anita Asante, a great defensive player, to be involved in this match, either as a possible starter or a substitute.

Advantage: France

Forwards
Both of these teams are very deep at forward. France has an incredible amount of speed with Marie-Laure Delie and Elodie Thomis. Delie is already proving to be a scoring machine. Her pace will be a huge problem, especially for England's central defense. Thiney will look to make precise runs to receive passes from Necib and Abily. LeSommer has played well in relief for France.

Look for France to use its strong technical skills and passing to break down the English defense. They will look for opportunities to spring Delie behind England's back line. Also, look for France to take advantage of counterattacking opportunities, especially if they can catch England pressing too far forward.

England's advantage is their strength up front. Kelly Smith has been one of the best attacking players in the world for a number of years, but she has not had the huge effect on this tournament that one might have thought. She could be key in this match, because she can draw so many defenders toward her and then dish off to her forward partner, or out to her wings.

Ellen White is a blue-collar forward, not always pretty, but working constantly. It is sometimes the effort more than the skill that turns close matches. Eni Aluko, England's speed forward, has been less than effective lately after being one of England's stars at the 2009 Euros. Jess Clarke is also excellent from the wing and does provide England with a bit of pace up front.

Look for England to either try to get the ball to Smith in the middle, if she can find space, or attack from the wing with Carney and Yankey. There could be some epic battles on high serves into the French penalty area, an aspect that England has to dominate if they are to succeed.

Advantage: Even

Summary
England is making their third trip to the quarterfinals, while France is making their first. England has never made it as far as the semifinals.

France has been playing very good soccer and in spite of the loss to Germany, scoring two goals against the hosts was an impressive feat. England started slowly in the tournament, but has shown improvement in each match. They finally appeared to be hitting their stride against Japan.

Look for France to use their speed, technical advantage, and passing to break down Englands' often criticized defense. England's midfield will have to be mindful of the French attack, which could reduce their numbers going forward. Necib and Abily are key in the midfield and Delie has been one of the revelations of this tournament.

Meanwhile, England will try to get Smith opportunites in the middle and failing that, will attack from the flanks with Carney and Yankey. Set pieces might be their best weapon with Jill Scott, Smith, and White as the prime targets. Look for Alex Scott to make overlapping runs, but she must be careful not to get caught upfield on counterattacks. Defensively, she will have to try to restrict Necib's ability to cause havoc. Also look for England to test Deville early and often and try to rattle the substitute French keeper.

This could be a very physical match and one that will certainly feature contrasting styles and interesting matchups. My original prediction was England and it's tempting to stay with that in consideration that Sapowicz will not play. However, France has been playing very well.

My Prediction: France 2, England 1

This should be a very interesting match.

Germany 4, France 2

Germany won the match, but not before a few anxious moments, defeating France 4-2 in their final group stage match. The Germans won Group A and will meet Japan in a quarterfinal match on Saturday. France finishes second in the group and will play England.

While Germany certainly had the better of play, the French kept coming back at every turn, making the Germans work the whole match to hold on.

Germany was in control for most of the match and they did so without Birgit Prinz, who sat through the match on the German bench. Silvia Neid made several other changes to her lineup, inserting Bianca Schmidt, Lena Goessling, Inka Grings, and Fatmire Bajramaj.

French coach Bruno Bini made changes as well. Wendie Renard was back in the lineup after missing the last match with an injury. Laure Boulleau and Elodie Thomis were also given starts, with Marie-Laure Delie and Camille Abily sitting on the sidelines at the start.

Most of the early part of the match was played from 18 to 18, with few chances. Bajramaj shot from 15 yards was blocked by the French defense in the 12th minute. Another Bajramaj effort was caught by Berangere Sapowicz in the 15th minute.

Germany started to take more control of the match and they finally broke through in the 25th minute. And it was Kerstin Garefrekes doing what she does best, using her head to score. Babett Peter took a free kick from 40 yards out and Garefrekes beat Renard, heading the ball cleanly into the upper left side of the net. Germany led 1-0.

France attempted to come back, but their chances were not particularly dangerous. A Sandrine Soubeyrand long-range effort from 35 yards went well over the net in the 28th minute. A free kick from Soubeyrand was punched safely wide by Nadine Angerer.

Germany made it 2-0 in the 32nd minute and once again it was a header. Simone Laudehr placed a beautiful cross from the left side to about 12 yards out, with Inka Grings cutting across the box. Grings headed it just past Sapowicz's outstretched hands and Germany appeared to be in control with a two goal halftime lead.

Marie-Laure Delie and Camille Abily came in for Thomas and Louisa Necib at the half, while Ariane Hingst was inserted for Simone Laudehr.

If Germany thought they were going to have an easy time of it in the second half, France had other ideas. The French seemed to come out with renewed determination in the 2nd half and they were the ones to strike first. Soubeyrand took a French corner kick in the 56th minute and Delie headed the ball in from the near post about eight yards out. All of a sudden, France had life.

Germany was awarded a questionable free kick just outside the box in the 59th minute, while Renard was given a yellow card for what appeared to be a clean tackle. Grings low shot was headed just inside the left post, but Sapowicz made a beautiful diving save.

In the 65th minute, Inka Grings controlled the ball on the right side of the box and pushed a nice, soft pass across to Bajramaj. As the German midfielder attempted to move in for the shot, Sapowicz took her legs out. A red card was given to Sapowicz and a penalty kick awarded to Germany. On this call, there was no question. Inka Grings hit a solid shot into the right side, with replacement keeper Celine Deville guessing the other way. It was 3-1 Germany and the game appeared to be over. Well, maybe not yet.

Just when German fans thought they could breathe easy, France struck again. Camille Abily's corner kick went just over the head of Wendie Renard, but Laura Georges was right behind her and unmarked. Georges perfect header once again cut the lead to one. The French were not giving up easily. Four goals on headers had been scored at that point as both sides were having trouble defending in the air.

Delie nearly tied the match a minute later, getting in on the left side of the box, but her shot went wide of the right post. France was playing a player down, but were still making things interesting.

Grings' free kick in the 76th minute slipped just wide of the right post and hit the side of the net. Hingst hit a cross from the right side a minute later, with Deville missing the ball. Bajramaj's bouncer was saved off the line by a sliding Abily to keep the margin at one.

Germany finally finished it off in the 89th minute. A cross came from Alexandra Popp to the head of Inka Grings who flicked a header to the right side of the box where a wide open Okoyino da Mbabi was waiting. She drilled a hard shot passed the feet of Deville and into the left side netting to finally clinch it for the Germans.

Germany wins Group A with an undefeated record. France comes in second, with this match being their only blemish. In addition to Sapowicz's red card, which will keep her out of France's match with England, several yellow cards were handed out which could affect both teams further into the tournament. Renard, Georges, and Elise Bussaglia all received yellow cards for France. Bajmaraj and Lena Goessling each received one for Germany.

World Cup: Day 10

There will be four matches played on Tuesday, the final group stage matches in both Group A and Group B. In Group A, the only thing left to be decided is placement. Germany and France have already booked their quarterfinal berths, while Canada and Nigeria have been eliminated. France had the goal differential advantage, so a win or a tie for the French and they will take Group A

In Group B, things are a bit more interesting. Japan has clinched a quarterfinal spot, but not the top spot. England could finish anywhere from first to third in the group. Mexico has slim hopes of advancing to the quarterfinals, but a lot of things will have to go right for them. New Zealand will be playing for pride when they face Mexico.

Germany vs. France (2:45 pm eastern)

France is coming off an impressive 4-0 victory over Canada, while Germany had to struggle through an extremely physical 1-0 win over Nigeria. Because of those results, a tie would mean France wins Group A and Germany would finish second.

But much of the talk around the German team hasn't been about their victory over Nigeria or the upcoming match against France, but about Birgit Prinz. One of the all-time greats in women's soccer, she made a fairly early exit in the 53rd minute in Friday's match against Nigeria and appeared to be none too happy about it. She was criticized by many in the German press for her actions.

Also in question for the Germans is midfielder Melanie Behringer, who came off injured in the match against Nigeria. While this match against France isn't essential to Germany winning the Cup, it is doubtful that they would want to lose to anybody, let alone to neighboring France, a team they thrashed by a 5-1 margin the last time they played them in the 2009 Euros. There will be a certain amount of pride at stake for this match.

France is coming off one of their most dominating performances in recent memory, maybe ever against a team as good as Canada. Normally, the Germans have a midfield advantage against every team they play, but France can put a strong midfield group on the field as well. Louisa Necib has to be considered one of the top players in the tournament so far. After a rather average first match, Camille Abily looked very good against Canada.

Germany probably has the edge in attacking players, mostly because they have so many good ones. Even with Prinz struggling and Grings not starting, German has a potent attack. Young Okoyino da Mbabi came to the forefront in the first two matches for Germany. Midfielder Kerstin Garefrekes is one of the best in the world in the air. Young midfielders Simone Laudehr, the goal scorer against Nigeria, and Kim Kulig make Germany as strong as any in the center.

Two of the best young forwards in women's soccer will probably have a lot to say about who wins this match. Alexandra Popp for Germany and Marie-Laure Delie for France will be among the next wave of great attacking players in the world. Gaetane Thiney is a dangerous scoring threat for France as well.

Both teams have solid, veteran back lines. Germany is led by Linda Bresonik and Babett Peter at the outside back positions, with Saskia Bartusiak and Annike Krahn in the middle. The French have the great veteran Sonia Bompastor at one outside position and Laure LePailleur got the start at the other outside position after Wendie Renard was injured in the opener. Laura Georges will definitely be one of France's central defenders, with the other being between Ophelie Meilleroux and Sabrina Viguier.

Germany has one of the best keepers in the world in Nadine Angerer. She has given up only one goal in eight World Cup matches. Berangere Sapowicz will be the French goalkeeper and it may well come down to her play if France is to win.

In spite of the injury to Behringer and the distraction regarding Prinz, one has to think that the Germans have the most depth of any team in this tournament. Angerer gives them an extra edge in goal. I expect this to be a close match, but I think Germany will want to send a message.

My Prediction: Germany 2, France 0

Canada vs. Nigeria (2:45 pm eastern)

This game has very little meaning except that both teams would like to end this World Cup on a positive note and come away with a win here.

Canada will be looking for some measure of redemption after a poor outing against a very good French squad. It was just one of those days when they were outmatched and nothing seemed to go right.

Considering the physical nature of the Germany-Nigeria match on Friday, one wonders whether Carolina Morace will want to play Christine Sinclair, who is suffering from a broken nose and also appeared to get cut near her eye in the second match against France.

It will be interesting to see whether Morace will make many changes to her lineup, given the performance against France and the relative unimportance of this match. And she might want to get some of her younger players experience in a World Cup match, although it must be said that the Canadian squad is one of the oldest in Germany.

Nigeria will be looking for their first World Cup victory since 1999, when they qualified for the quarterfinals with two group stage wins. They are led by great veterans in Stella Mbachu, Perpetua Nkwocha, Precious Dede, and talented young players like Desire Oparanozie and Ebere Orji.

It will be a hard match to predict, because it is uncertain how each coach will approach the match and the lineup.

My Prediction: Canada 1, Nigeria 1.

Japan vs. England (12:15 pm eastern)

Japan has already clinched a spot in the quarterfinals, but England has a little work yet to be done. A tie gets England into the quarterfinals and a victory gives them Group B. In the event of a loss, the result of the Mexico-New Zealand match will decide if they qualify for the quarterfinals and it could come down to goal differential, where England has a healthy advantage.

Certainly, this will be a contrast in styles. Japan will rely on technicals skills, using their passing game to break down England's defense and Aya Miyama's set pieces to given them scoring opportunities. But England will not be so easy to score on as Mexico was on set pieces. England has a tall physical squad and it is doubtbul that Homare Sawa will get uncontested headers in this match.

The Japanese have a great midfield, led by Sawa and Miyama. They also have both speed and creativeness up front with the likes of Shinobu Ohno, Yuki Nagasato, and Mana Iwabuchi. They play a patient game, waiting for opportunities to exploit their opponent's defenses. But four goal outbursts like the one against Mexico have been the exception, rather than the rule. Most often, Japan plays low scoring matches decided by one goal.

On defense, the Japanese start Yukari Kinga, Saki Kumagai, Azusa Iwashimizu, and Aya Sameshima. Kinga is a great veteran defender who also gets involved in the offense. It was her hard work that set up one of Sawa's goals against Mexico. Ayumi Kaihori has been the keeper in both matches for Japan.

Japan have given up only one goal so far. However, that one goal was on a header, which brings us to Japan's weakness on their back line, their size. Tall striker Amber Hearn from New Zealand was able to score on a header against Japan and the Nadeshiko can be exploited on set pieces, something that England, particularly Jill Scott, are very adept at.

Indeed, Scott headed in a goal against New Zealand and is the prime target player on set pieces for England. Another English midfielder, Fara Williams may not quite be as good as Miyama on placing free kicks, but she's darn close.

However, Kelly Smith will be the center of attention for England and rightfully so. Smith is still one of the best in the world and she draws multiple defenders every time she touches the ball. As for English forwards, Jess Clarke came off the bench to get the game winner against New Zealand and it wouldn't be a surprise to see her start this match. Eni Aluko, who got the starting assignment in the first two matches, has been unable to find the scoring touch as of late. Ellen White is another possibility at forward for England.

Karen Bardsley has good height and has been the starting English keeper over the past few months. She is generally very solid, but was caught off guard by Monica Ocampo's strike in the match against Mexico. The English defense may be suspect. They have given up two goals at the World Cup, certainly not bad, but the Japanese team will be the most skilled passing team they will face in Group B. Alex Scott is an excellent attacking player from the outside back position and she assisted on Jill Scott's goal against New Zealand.

Because of the goal differential, I believe England will go through to the quarterfinals, no matter what happens here. While they have posted a win and a tie, they have played rather lackluster soccer at times. After a tough first match, Japan put on quite a show against Mexico.

My Prediction: Japan 1, England 1

Mexico vs. New Zealand (12:15 pm eastern)

In many ways, it was disappointing to see New Zealand mathematically eliminated because they had played two close matches against two quality opponents. The Ferns would really like to get a victory in their last match in Germany. Mexico is still clinging to thin hopes of advancing, but they will have to score a lot of goals to make up the huge goal differential deficit after their 4-0 defeat at the hands of Japan.

The last time these two teams met was at the Cyprus Cup in March with Mexico winning by a surprising 5-0 margin. New Zealand will surely remember that as well and want to make amends.

Mexico will need to throw everything into the attack in this match. It is unrealistic to believe that England will lose to Japan by anything more than a goal, so Mexico will need to score at least four to have any chance.

That means their will be a lot of pressure on their best scoring options Maribel Dominguez, Monica Ocampo, Veronica Perez, Dinora Garza, and Stephany Mayor, to create offensive opportunities. Will young Charlyn Corral get a chance for action in this match?

Defensively, Mexico had a rough outing against the Japanese and were quite frankly horrible on defending set pieces. That has to improve against New Zealand or they will be in for another long day. Another question is whether or not Mexico will stay with their young keeper, Cecilia Santiago, or might they go to a more veteran option in either Erika Vanegas or Pam Tajonar.

New Zealand will try to use Amber Hearn's size to duplicate Homare Sawa's efforts against Mexico. Look for the Ferns to test the Mexican back line with balls over the defense, using speedy Sarah Gregorius as a target. Note that New Zealand has scored on both opponents so far.

The back line for New Zealand has held up fairly well so far. Ali Riley is very talented at outside back and look for her to attack frequently in this match. Rebecca Smith is the experience on the back line, while Anna Green usually is their set piece specialist. Jenny Bindon is very experienced in the goal for New Zealand.

Second halves have not been kind to the Ferns. They were even to Japan and one up on England at halftime of their two matches, only to lose both. Meanwhile, Mexico appeared to wear England down somewhat in the second half of their match. New Zealand has very little pressure on them, while Mexico will be the desperate team. I could see this match having a lot of scoring.

My Prediction: Mexico 2, New Zealand 2

Germany 1, Nigeria 0

In what was one of the most unattractive matches in these proceedings, Germany edged Nigeria by a 1-0 margin. Germany clinched a quarterfinal berth, but now trail France in goal differential, so they will need to defeat France next Tuesday if they are to win their group.

The first half saw no scoring and few chances. Nigeria, while playing very competant soccer, apparently decided that one their primary tactics would be to intimidate the Germans. The Nigerians certainly held their own in the first half.

Germany nearly got on the board in the 3rd minue as Kim Kulig tried to take advantage of a mixup by the Nigerian defense. But while Kulig was able to get a touch on the ball, Precious Dede was there to make sure it didn't get as far as the goal.

Kulig again tried to get the Germans on the board in the 13th minute, but Dede made a diving save on the German midfielder's attempt from 30 yards out.

Nigeria appeared to have a three-on-two advantage in the 22nd second minute, but the German defense recovered and Sarah Michael's cross was grabbed by Nadine Angerer.

But for most of the first half, the most noticeable facet of the match was the Nigerians' consistently overly physical play, the referee consistently allowing it to go on, and the Germans consistently complaining about the lack of calls. Late in the half, there was some particularly nasty jostling before a set piece.

The first half ended scoreless, not surprisingly so. There were only seven shots on goal for the match, six for Germany and one for Nigeria.

The second half continued the same pattern, with the Nigerians being progressively more physical and Germans complaining progressively more about the lack of whistles.

Germany had the first good opportunity of the second half, but Babett Peter's header was blocked by the Nigerian defense.

In the 54th minute, Germany was award a free kick just outside the left side of the box. Okoyino da Mbabi struck the ball into the middle. The ball was loose on a scramble with Alexandra Popp getting first crack at it. Her shot was blocked, but Simone Laudehr's rebound found its way through the maze of bodies into the net and Germany had finally scored.

In the 64th minute, Inka Grings' shot was partially blocked and Kerstin Garefrekes' stretching effort lifted the ball over the crossbar from 12 yards out. Grings caused Dede problems in the 77th minute as her 15 yard shot had good pace and overspin. The ball was briefly bobbled by Dede, but she grabbed it before Popp was able to try for a rebound. In the 79th minute, Kulig's drive from distance went just over the crossbar.

As the match wore on, Germany seemed to try to match Nigeria in physicality department and began to get in a few shots of their own, although it must be said that they were quite a bit more subtle about it than their opponent. Then a late game collision, as Angerer jumped to punch the ball out and Desire Oparanozie made a brash attempt to crash in and head the ball, nearly led to more hostility.

There is no doubt that Germany was thrown off their game by what was going on. The strange thing is that, physical play aside, the Nigerians played pretty well for most of the match. One would not have thought going in that Germany would have won each of their games by only a single tally at this point.

Nigeria will now play Canada in a match that will be purely for pride. Germany will play France in a match that will decide the order of finish atop Group A. Germany must defeat France in order to win the group.

World Cup: Day 5

Canada vs. France (12 pm eastern)

As we head into the second match in group stage play, there is likely none that will be bigger than this one. The sixth and seventh ranked teams in the world, Canada and France, will probably be battling for one position into the quarterfinals.

A win for either team would put them in the driver's seat for the second quarterfinal berth out of Group A. In fact, a victory by the French combined with a German tie or win would clinch a quarterfinal berth for them. And a tie would not necessarily be a bad result for Canada.

France surely must have thought that they would have a bigger advantage in goal differential after the first match. But they only managed a one goal decision over Nigeria while the Canadians were able to play the mighty Germans close. It increases the urgency of needing to come away from this match with a victory for the French.

A late goal by Christine Sinclair against Germany kept the Canadians close and she was expected to lead Canada against France on Thursday. But will she be able to? Sinclair's nose was broken by an elbow in Sunday's match against Germany and she hasn't been cleared to play as of last word. If the Canadians have to go into this all important match against France without her, it is hard to see them coming away with a victory.

Certainly, concern has to be the word of the day for the Canadians. Sinclair rarely misses an important match, in fact, she rarely ever comes out for substitution.

As for the French, they will have to make good on scoring opportunities that all too often slipped away from them in their first match against Nigeria. The heroes for that day were Louisa Necib, who had an incredible work rate in that match, Eugenie Le Sommer, who came on as a 2nd half substitution to spark France, and of course, Marie-Laure Delie, who scored the winning goal.

One would expect we would see more out of midfielder Camille Abily on Thursday. Abily never truly has a bad game, but we have seen better from her than in the match against Nigeria. It would not surprise me if she played a central role in Thursday's match against the Canadians.

The all important goalkeeper matchup should be interesting. Carolina Morace often switches goalkeepers in tournaments, but with Erin McLeod only giving up two against Germany, we may see her again. There should know doubt that Berangere Sapowicz will be in goal for France.

Defensively, the Canadians played well against Germany and it was just a couple of mistakes that cost them dearly in that match. The French earned a shutout in their first match, but Sinclair, if she plays, should pose a bigger problem. France has injury worries of their own, as Wendie Renard came off limping badly in Sunday's match and her status is unknown for Thursday's match.

The midfield battle should favor the French, but the Canadians are solid there as well. Little Diana Matheson played well in her first match and her distribution may be a key in Canada's offense. Meanwhile, magicJack midfielder Sophie Schmidt is likely to play an important role in defending against France, but the Canadians will likely have their hands full with Sandrine Soubeyrand, Abily, and Necib.

If Sinclair can't go, the burden will shift to Canada's young forwards like Jonelle Filigno and Christina Julien. Meanwhile, the team of Gaetane Thiney and Delie seemed to work well for the French against Nigeria.

Neither team shies away from physical play and it is likely that it will play a part in Thursday's match as well. Canada and France should make for compelling drama on Thursday with the winner as the odds on favorite for the quarterfinals.

My Prediction: If Sinclair plays, Canada 1, France 1. If not, France 1, Canada 0.

Germany vs. Nigeria (2:45 pm eastern)

Winning in front of huge home crowd of over 73,000 fans had to be a big thrill for the Germans. The only thing keeping it from being a perfect day was Christine Sinclair's goal late in the contest. Now they will face a predominantly young Nigerian squad in their second match. Germany will be heavy favorites and they defeated Nigeria as recently as last fall by an 8-0 margin.

What happens in the first match might have some effect on this one. If France defeats Canada, there would not be as much urgency for Germany to win this match. Sure, they want to win Group A, but they would have the peace of mind that they were in good shape heading into their third match against France. They might be able to even make earlier substitutions to give a few of their players the extra rest, if the game is in hand.

If Canada wins, however, it puts a different light on this match. Germany would have to worry about the possibility of a three-way tie atop Group A if they should lose to France in the final group stage match, bringing goal differential into the picture. If Canada wins, one can bet that Germany will be pressing to score as many as possible against Nigeria.

It must be quite a luxury to bring in the likes of Inka Grings and Alexandra Popp as substitutes. No other team in this tournament has that much firepower on the bench. That's just how deep Germany is on the attacking end. Grings certainly has to be chomping at the bit after not getting the start in Sunday's match. It will be interesting to see if Silvia Neid tries to rest Birgit Prinz late in the match.

Germany is so talented, so physical, and so superior in their midfield, it is hard to see the Nigerians winning the possession battle. Garefrekes, Okoyino da Mbabi, Behringer, Kulig, and Laudehr are strong and will not give an inch to the speedy team from Nigeria. And once again, the depth is astounding with Fatmire Bajramaj coming off the bench in the first match. That will make it hard for Rita Chikwelu and Perpetua Nkwocha to find room to operate.

Nigeria will have to find a way to string together passes and hope to use their speed with Desire Oparanozie, Ebere Orji, and crafty Stella Mbachu in the attack. Oparanzozie might be the most dangerous of these options, but she will need to make the most of her opportunities and get her shots on frame.

I don't think the Nigerians can afford to put nine behind the ball and hope to stave off the Germans for 90 minutes. Germany would be able to pound the ball into the middle where their superior size and strength would make it a nightmare for the Nigerian defense. Young defenders Osinachi Ohale and Helen Ukaonu will need to play near perfect soccer for Nigeria to stay in this match. Precious Dede will be the last line of defense for Nigeria and one would guess she will have to make some big saves at some point in the match for her team to stay in it.

Nadine Angerer and the Germans finally gave up a World Cup goal for the first time since 2003, but it took a perfect free kick from Sinclair to do it. They don't surrender goals easily, but quick counterattacks might expose some weakness and it should certainly be part of the Nigerian strategy against them. The tall German defense is a perfect foil for Nigerian set pieces.

Germany is always dangerous on corners and free kicks, especially Kerstin Garefrekes whose height and heading ability are top notch as she showed with her goal against Canada on Sunday.

Germany should win this game, it's just a matter of by how much. Nigeria has a game squad, but playing Germany in their home country is a whole different game.

My Prediction: Germany 4, Nigeria 0.

France 1, Nigeria 0

France started their 2011 World Cup with a tough victory over Nigeria by a 1-0 score. Marie-Laure Delie's goal in the 56th minute gave three points to the French team, who will now face Canada in an all important Group A contest on Thursday.

France dominated the opening minutes of the game, controlling possession and forcing several corner kicks. Louisa Necib's inswinging corner in the 4th minute nearly snuck inside the near post, but it was headed away by a Nigerian defender.

In the 17th minute, Elise Bussaglia tested Nigerian keeper Precious Dede from distance, but she was up to the task pushing the shot wide with a diving save. Just a few minutes later, another Necib corner came loose in front of the net. Wendie Renard got to the ball first and shot, but the ball was deflected by Osinachi Ohale over the crossbar.

It almost seemed like the field was tilted toward Necib's side throughout the first half and she was very active for most of the match, creating chances and always menacing the Nigerian defense.

After they weathered the initial storm, the Nigerians slowly came into their own as the half progressed. And in the 25th minute, they had the best scoring opportunity of the first half. The Nigerians were able to gain control of the ball deep in their own end and start a counterattack.

Glory Iroka sent a long through ball forward with Desire Oparanozie timing her run perfectly for a clear cut breakaway. She approached from the right side of the box, with French goalkeeper Berangere Sapowicz coming out to cut off the angle. But Oparanozie got little on her shot and it rolled just wide of the far post. Oparanozie would be a thorn in the French defense for the first two thirds of the match as she was always threatening.

One of Nigeria's top players, Faith Ikidi, came off for Josephine Chukwunonye in the 39th minute and appeared to be laboring with some sort of injury. Nigerian players appeared to have trouble with the heat throughout the match, with several players cramping up.

Another attempt from distance was made by Necib just before intermission, but her shot from 30 yards was pushed wide by Dede.

Nigeria came close in the 51st minute as a long cross found Ebere Orji behind the French defense, but she was unable to make contact from inside the penalty area and the ball rolled harmlessly wide.

France finally broke through in 56th minute. After a good buildup, Eugenie Le Sommer had possession on the right wing and she sent a cross into the penalty area. A flick by Necib changed the direction of the cross slightly and the ball came to Delie, who was perfectly centered on the net and just 10 yards out. She made no mistake of her finish into the left side of the net past Dede to put the French on top.

Delie nearly made it 2-0 in the 64th minute, but her shot off of a Elodie Thomis cross went safely into the arms of Dede.

Nigeria's best scoring chance of the second half came in the 66th minute. Oparanozie once again threatened up the right side and Nigeria was able to eventually work the ball into the penalty area. Orji's shot from 15 yards sailed high and wide to the right. Nigeria was never able to get another good opportunity after that. At that point, tired legs seem to take over and limited any serious attacking.

France was largely able to neutralize Nigeria's two veteran players, Perpetua Nkwocha and Stella Mbachu. Nigeria was most dangerous on the counterattack, but less effective when it came to a possession game.

The French outshot Nigeria by a 15-7 margin and had the better of possesion, mostly on the weight of the opening 20 minutes. Both teams will return to action on Thursday. France meets Canada in a match that could decide who team number two out of Group A will be. Nigeria's task gets no easier as they face the host Germans on Thursday.

World Cup: Day 1

France vs. Nigeria (9 am eastern)

This is the opening match of the World Cup and it will be interesting to see how these two teams attack one another. We could see a kind of feeling out process in the opening 20 minutes or so. France will try to use its experience and passing game to break down the Nigerian defense. Nigeria will look for openings for Nkwocha and Mbachu to operate.

The goalkeeping matchup should be interesting as well, with Sapowicz going for France and Dede for Nigeria. I like the French back line over their Nigerian counterparts. Look for Bompastor to get into the attack if given opportunities.

A pair of young strikers, one for each team could have a big effect on this match. Oparanozie will likely start for Nigeria and can beat defenses that are worried to much about her more experienced teammates. Delie normally comes off the bench, but has been starting more lately and she has been scoring goals in bunches.

Nerves could play a part in this opener as well, but I see it being a close match.

My Prediction: France 2, Nigeria 1

Germany vs. Canada (12 pm eastern)

The opening moments of this game could be telling in one respect. Look to see how the Canadians survive the initial waves of the German attack as they play before a huge pro-German crowd. Prinz and Grings will be the focal point early on, but Germany has many weapons. Germany is one of the few teams that can match Canada physically and the Canadians usually have problems with teams that can.

If Canada can weather the opening pressure and stay in the game until the intermission, they have a chance. The problem is that Germany has been destroying their opponents in the 2nd half lately, usually after their subs come into the match. In their four warmup matches for this World Cup, the halftime scores were 0-0, 1-0, 2-0, and 0-0. They then proceeded to outscore their opponents by a combined 12-0 in the second half, all against top competition.

Sinclair is a master at timing and shaping her runs, but the German defense is well aware of that and she will be marked closely. It may be up to one of the young forwards like Filigno to find an opening in the German defense.

The edge in the goalkeeping matchup of Angerer vs. McLeod (assuming she gets the start over LeBlanc) should go to the Germans, which isn't taking anything away from McLeod.

The Germans do not lose much when their substitutes come in. Look for Popp to be dangerous if she enters the match in the second half. Germany is just too deep of a team and it will be hard for the Canadians to withstand the pressure for 90 minutes.

My Prediction: Germany 3, Canada 0.

Canada Wins the Cyprus Cup

They needed overtime to do it, but Canada won the Cyprus Cup championship by a 2-1 margin over Holland. Just three months ago, Canada had easily defeated Holland 5-0 in a match played in Brazil. This time proved to be much tougher.

The match was played in harsh weather, with rain and very windy conditions. The weather played a part in an early defensive error by the Dutch and Jonelle Filigno, the goal scoring hero against Italy last Friday, once again scored to make it 1-0 for Canada.

Holland was able to tie the match late in the first half. Claudia van den Heiligenberg scored to make it 1-1.

Late in regulation, Erin McLeod suffered a minor injury and had to be replaced by Stephanie Labbé. She was able to keep Holland from scoring any further goals.

Emily Zurrer scored the game winner off of a Diana Matheson corner kick in the 99th minute. Canada completed a solid tournament in which they defeated four strong European sides in the process.

3rd Place: France 3, Scotland 0

Marie-Laure Delie made it her second hat trick of the tournament as she scored all three goals in France's 3-0 victory over Scotland. Bérangèr Sapowicz recorded the shutout for France.

5th Place: England 2, South Korea 0

Sue Smith's brace led England to a 2-0 win over South Korea. After a disappointing run in the group stage of the tournament, England finished strong in taking fifth place.

Karen Bardsley and Siobhan Chamberlain shared the shutout for England.

7th Place: Mexico 5, New Zealand 0

After a scoreless first half, Mexico scored five times in the closing stanza to defeat New Zealand in the 7th place match. Stephany Mayor scored a hat trick to lead the way for Mexico, who finished the tournament unbeaten with two wins and two ties. Dinora Garza added a goal and the fifth was an own goal by New Zealand.

9th Place: Italy 2, Russia 0

Italy won 2-0 over Russia on goals by Patrizia Panico and Giulia Domenichetti.

11th Place: Switzerland 2, Northern Ireland 1

In a match between two teams searching for their first win at the Cyprus Cup, Switzerland edged Northern Ireland 2-1. Lara Dickenmann scored a first half goal to give Switzerland the lead. Northern Ireland tied the match early in the 2nd half, but Martina Moser scored the game winner in the 65th minute.

Canada and Holland Advance To Cyprus Cup Final

Canada won their third straight match at the Cyprus Cup with a 2-0 victory over England in Group A. For Canada, it was their third shutout, this one by Erin McLeod. It was a battle between the world's 9th and 10th ranked teams.

After most of the first half went by scoreless, Christine Sinclair scored on a rebound of Diana Matheson's shot giving the Canadians a 1-0 edge. Halftime substitution Brittany Timko made it 2-0 just ten minutes into the second half. Most of the second half of the match was played in fairly heavy rainfall.

Hope Powell's squad saw massive changes from Friday's match, with Canada also inserting new blood into the lineup.

For Canada, the victory continues an impressive run of soccer dating back to last September. They are 13 wins, 1 loss, and 2 draws over that time. Canada will face Holland, ranked 15th in the world, in the final on Wednesday.

Scotland 0, Italy 0

Scotland and Italy played to a scoreless draw on Monday. It was enough for Scotland to finish in second place in Group A, just one point ahead of England.

It looked like Scotland might win the game late as they were awarded a penalty with just 10 minutes remaining in the match, but Chiara Marchitelli stopped Kim Little's penalty attempt to preserve the tie. Gemma Fay earned the shutout for the Scots.

Holland 6, Switzerland 0

Holland easily defeated Switzerland 6-0 and will play in the championship match against Canada. They were led by a Kirsten van de Ven hat trick and a Chantel de Ridder brace. The Swiss fell behind 2-0 in the first six minutes and never seriously threatened to make it a match.

Holland will now face Canada, a team they lost to by a 5-0 margin at the Torneia Internacional Cidade de Sao Paulo in December.

France 5, New Zealand 2

Marie-Laure Delie scored three times to lead France to a 5-2 victory over New Zealand. Delie scored twice in the first half to give her team a 3-2 lead at the break, after France had fallen behind in the game's opening minutes on an own goal.

Eugenie Le Sommer and Elise Bussaglia added goals for France, while Anna Green scored directly on a corner kick for the Ferns.

Because of their loss to Holland, France settles for a 3rd place match up against Scotland, while New Zealand will meet Mexico, in what should be an interesting 7th place match of two teams headed for the World Cup in June.

Mexico 3, Northern Ireland 1

Mexico was able to finish the Cyprus Cup group stage unbeaten with a 3-1 win over Northern Ireland. However, the Mexicans still fell short of South Korea, who won Group C.

Maribel Dominguez opened the scoring in the 32nd minute on a penalty after Charlyn Corral had been fouled in the box. Corral scored just minutes later to make it 2-0 by halftime.

Northern Ireland cut the lead to one as Rachel Furness headed one home early in the 2nd half. Nancy Gandarilla scored for Mexico late in the match for the final tally. Gandarilla was making her debut for Mexico.

South Korea 2, Russia 1

Ji So-Yun and Yeo Min-Ji scored to lead South Korea to a 2-1 victory over Russia. Ji's goal came in the opening minutes of the match. South Korea led 1-0 at the half.

Russia briefly tied the score in the 77th minute on a goal by Ekaterina Sochneva, but the Koreans quickly answered with Yeo's goal just a minute later for the game winner.

Final Group Standings:
Group A: Canada 3-0-0, 9 pts; Scotland 1-1-1, 4 pts; England 1-2-0, 3 pts; Italy 0-2-1, 1 pt.
Group B: Holland 3-0-0, 9 pts; France 2-1-0, 6 pts; New Zealand 1-2-0, 3 pts; Switzerland 0-3-0, 0 pts.
Group C: South Korea 2-0-1, 7 pts; Mexico 1-0-2, 5 pts; Russia 1-1-1, 4 pts; Northern Ireland 0-3-0, 0 pts.

Finals Day Matches:
Championship: Canada vs. Holland
3rd/4th Place: Scotland vs. France
5th/6th Place: England vs. South Korea
7th/8th Place: New Zealand vs. Mexico
9th/10th Place: Italy vs. Russia
11th/12th Place: Switzerland vs. Northern Ireland

Scotland and Holland Post Upsets at Cyprus Cup

Upsets were the order of the day at the Cyprus Cup. Scotland were able to shut out England by a 2-0 margin, while France was beaten by Holland 2-1. Canada won their second straight 1-0 shutout, this time over Italy.

Scotland 2, England 0

The Scots got their two goals from Arsenal Ladies players Jennifer Beattie and Kim Little to post a 2-0 victory over neighboring England on Friday. It was the first victory for Scotland against England in over 30 years.

Although it must be noted that England's best player, Kelly Smith, did not play in the match, it was still an impressive victory for Scotland.

Beattie, normally a defender, was moved forward in this match and it paid off handsomely for coach Anna Signeul. In addition to her goal, she also earned an assist on Little's goal in the 1st half.

Shannon Lynn picked up the shutout for Scotland, while a stout Scottish defense helped Lynn keep England off of the scoreboard.

Scotland will now face Italy on Monday, still with an outside chance to win Group A. They need help from England over Canada and then need to win their match by a greater margin.

Canada 1, Italy 0

Canada continued a pattern of strong performances, knocking off Italy 1-0. Young Jonelle Filigno scored the game's only goal, assisted by Christine Sinclair. Italy came close on a few occasions in the second half, but were unable to draw even.

Filigno, who is just 20 years old, scored her sixth career goal as member of the Canadian National Team.

Stephanie Labbé earned a shutout for the Canadians, who have not surrendered a goal in either match at Cyprus.

Canada will now face England on Monday, needing just a tie or a win to secure first place in Group A. Italy will play Scotland in their final Group A match.

Holland 2, France 1

Holland posted a 2-1 upset win over France in Group B action at the Cyprus Cup. Renee Slegers and Manon Melis scored for the victors. Camille Abily scored for France.

The victory over the 8th ranked team in the world puts Holland into the championship match next Wednesday. They will face Switzerland on Monday. France will play New Zealand to decide who finishes in second place for Group B.

New Zealand 2, Switzerland 1

The Football Ferns posted their first win at the Cyprus Cup, with a 2-1 win over Switzerland. New Zealand scored two late first half goals, one by Kirsty Yallop, the other by Betsy Hassett and took a 2-0 lead into the intermission.

Sandy Maendly scored a late goal for Switzerland to close within one, but New Zealand was able to finish with the win. Jenny Bindon got the victory in goal for New Zealand.

New Zealand will now face France on Monday with a chance to finish second in Group B.

Russia 2, Northern Ireland 1

After falling behind early, Russia was able to post a 2-1 win over Northern Ireland.

Ashley Hutton scored her second goal of the tournament to give Northern Ireland a 1-0 lead in the 9th minute. Tatiana Skotnikova answered to tie the score just before halftime. Elena Fomina converted a penalty in the 51st minute to give Russia the lead. A game Northern Ireland squad was unable to equalize.

Russia and South Korea both will enter the final contest with a win and a draw, with the two teams facing each other on Monday. Mexico has posted two ties and still has a chance should they defeat Northern Ireland and the other two teams tie.

Mexico 1, South Korea 1

For the second straight match, Mexico played to a draw, a 1-1 tie with South Korea. Jeon Ga-Eul scored in the 15th minute to give South Korea the early lead. Mexico got the tying goal in the 2nd half with Dinora Garza scoring on a free kick.

Mexico played the last 26 minutes of the match a player short, as Nayeli Rangel received a second yellow card. Erika Vanegas and the Mexican defense were able to keep South Korea off the board for the remainder of the match.

Mexico will face Northern Ireland on Monday and can still finish anywhere from first to fourth depending on the results of the two Group C matches. South Korea can win Group C with a victory against Russia.