Australia Vs. Norway, Brazil Vs. Equatorial Guinea Both Scoreless At Halftime In 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup

Someone should probably tell Norway that they need to win their match to get to the quarterfinals. They’re not playing a negative game, but they certainly don’t look ambitious. I guess there’s something to be said for not panicking and staying patient, but there is a thin line between being patient and lacking determination. Norway are currently tiptoeing on it, as they’re involved in a 0-0 draw with Australia, who will progress to the quarterfinals if the result holds. Brazil is also involved in a 0-0 draw, allowing Equatorial Guinea to stick around, but a draw is all Brazil need to secure first place in the group.

Both Norway and Australia are settling for long shots and long balls into the box for their scoring opportunities. Both would probably be well served trying to get the ball wide and swinging crosses into their forwards, something neither team has been effective at doing thus far.