The Women’s World Cup Wrap-Up: Chile, France Bring the Fury
The Women’s World Cup Wrap-Up: Chile, France Bring the Fury. The Women’s World Cup wrapped up on day four with two matches played. Chile took their first ever World Cup victory as they beat Ireland, 1-0. The next match was between China and India, who were equal for the whole game.
The Japan and South Africa match was a tense one, with the Japanese team leading 3-nil halfway through. The African team then completed an unlikely comeback and won 4-3.
New Zealand went into a 3-1 lead over England and held onto that lead with a defensive display. And in the final match of the day, Australia stunned Belgium, beating them by two quick goals
Ireland vs. Chile:
Both teams entered the match willing to take home points, and this attitude helped create pressure and urgency on the field.
The first three quarters were without goals, but action-packed with a lot of running around and high-energy attacks. Both goalkeepers did an excellent job saving shots from both teams.
The squad was challenged by color cards which made the task more challenging.
A few penalty corners here and there weren’t scored by Ireland. Chile’s number one penalty corner runners made the difference in this game.
In the final quarter of the game, an own penalty corner led to a goal for Chile. Denise Krimerman Losada made no mistake as she fired the ball into the left corner of McFerran’s goal.
Chile was able to hold strong and earn their first win in the World Cup. They were put under pressure for the final 10 minutes, winning a number of penalty corners but still unable to find a way past Ireland. A yellow card for Eleana Tice limited Dancer’s options, but Chile held on and won the game.
Manuela Urroz was Player of the Match. She is proud of the team for all their hard work and how she can’t explain how proud she is. She said that both teams knew this was an important game in their group. This win marks a big step for the team in competing at a World Cup.
China and India (Pool B)
China and India (Pool B) were playing the second match of the day. Both sides had yet to win while they tested each other’s defenses, but there was only one shot in the first 15 minutes with only India hitting the target.
India thought they had scored when Tete Salima scored from Ktariya Vandana’s pass. However, the goal was subsequently discounted when the referee judged that it hit his body before entering the goal.
Playing a great pass through India’s defence, Xindan weaved her way behind their line and into the end zone for an easy score. China was leading India in this crucial game.
The second half commenced with China on the offensive. First Gu Bingfeng sent a penalty corner just over the cross bar, then Zhang Xiaoxue missed a chance that would have definitely produced a second goal.
After a missed opportunity, China was able to score their first goal on another India chance. The goal came at a time when India could have been forgiven for giving up hope because they were unable to beat a strong China defense.
Despite the yellow card, China was able to win a penalty corner and score. The goalkeeper, Savita, saved the shot and continued to play.
India defended China’s goal for the last few minutes and after time expired, the game ended in a tie, with both teams having a draw against each point.
Player of the Match says they are disappointed they didn’t win, but that they worked hard and hopefully will be triumphant in the next match.
“Today we had fun and worked hard. We should have won and hopefully we will win the next game. We just need to score more goals, but we enjoyed the one that went in. For our next game, we hope to succeed on penalty corners.”
Japan started off their first win
Japan started off their first win of the World Cup by scoring two quick goals. Captain Nagai led by example, and Japan doubled their lead in six minutes.
The South African team was momentarily stunned at Japan’s strong start, but they recovered and were able to score a few goals of their own. The problem was that while the balls were flowing freely from player to player in Japan’s circle, the South African team relied on individual players to do all the work.
As the second half progressed, South Africa sought to answer Giles Bonnet’s call for improvements in all areas. Lillian du Plessis received a great pass from her midfield and shot wide of the Japan goalkeeper. Moments later, South Africa had a penalty corner where Du Plessis took a shot but Tanaka stopped it.
Japan scored a third goal, Japan’s Nishikori Emi was able to slot home a perfectly placed shot. South Africa pulled back with a goal, Kirsten Paton scored the goal.
South Africa had been struggling until they scored an important goal five minutes before the end of the game. With Zulu on the attack, she earns a penalty corner and Tarryn Lombard goes even closer to scoring two goals in a span of five minutes.
With time for just one more goal, Tarryn Lombard scored again. South Africa’s Coach had pulled the goalkeeper off the field and as Lombard picked up a bouncing ball and turned it into the goal, he put the keeper back on. South Africa completed the best comeback at this World Cup so far.
Zulu is the player of the game. He was proud of his team’s results after going 2-0 down in the first half, and they came back with a win.
England scored a penalty corner
Lily Owsley of England celebrates her 100th cap with the opening goal for England. It was a perfect start for England and the attacking midfielder.
In the first half, England seemed to have a lot of possession, as well as many circles. However, they didn’t capitalize on them. Later in the game, a player from Ireland picked up the ball and scored.
England scored a penalty corner that was deemed dangerous, but the replay showed that it did not cross the goal line.
The score was now 3-2, and Katie Doar scored again. She took the ball into the goal and ran past Hinch to beat New Zealand with a quick shot.
New Zealand took the lead when Tarryn Davey scored on a penalty corner strike from Tyler Lench just before halftime. With only nine minutes left on the clock and Hinch on goal, it seemed to be over for USA. However, New Zealand’s defence weren’t able to clear the ball and then paid for their mistake as USA equalized in the 41st minute.
England was attacking New Zealand’s goal and eventually scored off a penalty corner. That club defended in a complete unit and successfully blocked England’s shots.
England scored a single goal in total and had 14 penalty corners. The Player of the Match was New Zealand’s Katie Doar.
Belgium and Australia
Belgium and Australia played a tough game, but at the end Belgium was unable to convert any of their penalty corners.
Australia were unable to create their own opportunities in the first half because of their opponent’s good defense. The only chance they had was intercepted by Lien Hillewaert before they even had a chance to score.
Belgium were able to score in 39th minute with the game being held at 10-on-10 situation. Greta Hayes was able to escape close attention from two defenders, create space and give Belgium their first goal in the game.
The ball was played in and the first Australian shot hit the post. Rebecca Greiner was quick to react and she finished the sequence with a goal.
Belgium started a comeback but not at the other side of the pitch. They found Stephanie Kershaw in tremendous form in the Australian defense. She intercepted important passes and Belgium’s attack was broken down each time.
Belgium became more desperate for goals in the second half and especially needed them late in. Judith Vandermeiren was able to weave through the defense but couldn’t find an opportunity to score a goal.
Stephanie Kershaw, who won the match, said that it was important and difficult. She also expresses her happiness in the team win.
Belgium’s captain, at the time Alix Gerniers said: ‘Today was important to top the pool. It was disappointing but tomorrow is another day and we will start again then.’
The 2018 FIH Women’s World Cup will continue on Wednesday at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen. Two matches will take place. Ireland will play Germany at 16:30 and Netherlands will watch Chile at 19:30.
It will be all Pool D action at the Estadi Olimpic de Terrasa in Spain, with Japan facing Belgium at 18:00, then Australia taking on South Africa at 21:30.
Make sure to check the pool standings here. Pool A: Netherlands, Germany, Ireland, Chile. Pool B: England, New Zealand, India, China. Pool C: Argentina, Spain, Korea, Canada. Pool D: Australia, Belgium, Japan South Africa
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