New Zealand almost denied Japan an expected victory, but a Aya Miyama free kick gave the favorites a 2-1 win. In the late game, England were disappointing in a draw against Mexico.
Women’s World Cup 2011, England Vs. Mexico: Three Lionesses Disappoint In Draw
Coming into the 2011 Women’s World Cup, England had wins over world powers Norway and the United States on their resume. With those wins and one of the best players in the world in Kelly Smith, big things were expected from the Three Lionesses in this tournament. Unfortunately for them and their fans, they were contained in their first game by a Mexico team who also owns an upset win over the U.S. women, as El Tri fought their way to a 1-1 draw.
Both goals were scored in the first half, and both highlighted why goalkeeping is likely to be very important in this tournament. While neither goal qualified as a howler, both were shots that the world class keepers like Hope Solo and Nadine Angerer would have had an excellent chance to stop. Mexico’s 16 year old starter Cecilia Santiago had a great game, but looked lost on Fara Williams’ brilliant headed goal in the 21st minute. On a corner kick, Williams rose up and hit a great looping header that sailed over the defense and dropped into the back of the net, giving England a 1-0 lead.
Read Article >Women’s World Cup 2011, Japan Vs. New Zealand: Favored Japan Grabs Three Points
It wasn’t always easy for Japan, the No. 4 team in the world, but they eventually found enough quality to defeat New Zealand by a final score of 2-1, grabbing three points in their first 2011 Women’s World Cup match. The score flatters the losers a little bit, as Japan controlled the vast majority of the game, but the Football Ferns defended well and made things difficult on Japan.
In the opening minutes, it looked like this match was going to feature absolutely no surprises. Yuki Nagasato, Japan’s star striker who plays her club football at Turbine Potsdam, scored a fantastic goal in the 6th minute to go ahead, hitting a stunning lob from the edge of the penalty area into the back of the net.
Read Article >Women’s World Cup 2011: Japan Vs. New Zealand, England Vs. Mexico, Group A
While Groups A and C fight for the ‘Group of Death’ title and Group D features the best player in the world, not too many know what to make of Group B in the 2011 Women’s World Cup. There’s no true world power in this grouping, with Japan being the highest ranked of the teams involved. They take on New Zealand in the group’s first game. In Monday’s night cap, emerging power England takes on a resilient Mexico side.
Japan vs. New Zealand
Read Article >
