Women's World Cup Soccer!

We haven't kept a close enough eye on the events in the World Cup of women's futbol, but as the round of sixteen concludes, let's review the tournament so far...

Group A saw a cluster at the top which allowed three teams through thanks to three ties with the three decisions. Canada won with five points (1-0-2), and China and the Netherlands also advanced, leaving New Zealand behind.

Group B saw 2-0-1 records from both Germany and Norway, eliminating upstarts Thailand and the Ivory Coast. 

Group C was dominated by the Japanese women, who won all three matches, and Switzerland and Cameroon also advanced, eliminating Ecuador.

Group D: the United States went undefeated, going 2-0-1 with a tie against Sweden (who tied everybody - 0-0-3!), dragging Australia in as well as the Swedes. Only 0-2- Nigeria stayed behind. 

Group E saw Brazil's Marta set an all-time goal scoring record, and the ladies of the beautiful sport started their redemption tour for the men's debacle by going 3-0-0 in the round-robin round. South Korea placed second with a record of 1-1-1. Spain was winless, tying only Costa Rica, who also tied the Koreans but never won a game.

Finally, Group F was led by channel neighbors France and England, followed into the knockout round by 1-1-1 Columbia. Only Mexico was sent home.

Now in the Round of Sixteen, no major surprises presented themselves:
China def. Cameroon 1-0
United States beat Columbia 2-0
Germany def. Sweden 4-1
France won over South Korea, 3-0
Australia did upset the Brazilians, 1-0. So, there goes the revenge for the men's debacle.
Japan outlasted the Netherlands, 2-1
England beat Norway 2-1.
Canada, the host country, continued on by beating Switzerland 1-0.

So, the quarterfinals begin on Friday, when Germany takes on France, and then China faces the United States (so, a replay of WW2, followed by a preview of WW3!). Winners play each other on Tuesday.

On Saturday, the other two quarters take place, with a spot in Wednesday's second semi on the line: Australia v. Japan, and England v. Canada. The finals will be next weekend - third place game on Saturday, July 4th, championship on Sunday, July 5th. No predictions from us - we don't know anywhere NEAR enough about these teams!