FIFA Women’s World Cup 2011: Germany Vs. France, Canada Vs. Nigeria, Group A

Germany and France were both through to the quarterfinals in the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup before today’s final Group A match, but their positioning remained to be settled. The hosts have prevailed with a 4-2 win that clinches first place in the group and sets up a quarterfinal match against Japan, but they were very much exposed as a team that could be beaten as they looked very poor at defending set pieces.

The first half was all Germany, as Wendie Renard had a nightmarish 45 minute period, completely losing the woman she was supposed to be marking on both of Germany’s goals, which were both scored on headers. France came out a different team in the second half, though, and seriously challenged the hosts.

With France resting some of their key players and Germany benching Birgit Prinz for Inka Grings, the hosts of the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup are cruising, up by a score of 2-0 at halftime. Camille Abily and Sonia Bompastor have started on the bench for France as coach Bruno Bini tries to avoid suspensions, and that decision has hurt his team severely. It’s possible that Bini doesn’t see England as any more of a threat than Japan, but at present, his conservative decision making is setting up a quarterfinal matchup against a seemingly more dangerous opponent.

Kerstin Garefrekes and Inka Grings scored Germany’s two goals, both on headers. Wendie Renard is having a poor game, as she was beaten and should have done much better on both headers. The first goal was assisted by Babett Peter on a free kick, while the second was assisted by Simone Laudehr on a cross.

Group A hasn’t worked out exactly like it was supposed to in the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup, but some unexpected results have provided a different kind of excitement than expected. Both Canada and Nigeria have zero points while France and Germany have six each. Germany has showed some chinks in the armor, while France absolutely embarrassed a strong Canada squad. Could the hosts actually lose their group?

If they did, it would be a surprise, but not a total shock. France have not been one of the true powers in women’s football over the years, but many saw them as a dark horse coming into this tournament. They have some players with some absolutely outstanding technical skill, and they’re not lacking in big game experience either. While none of France’s players have dealt with an occasion like a World Cup final, ten of them did manage to win the 2010-11 UEFA Women’s Champions League title.