Editor's Note: Now through the group stage of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada, all eight of the Portlad Thorns FC players represented at the tournament have progressed to the knockout stage with their respective national teams. Thorns FC head coach Paul Riley writes his second special column for PortlandThornsFC.com about this next stage and games and players to watch.
Read our full broadcast guide for tournament kickoff times, channels and viewing parties.
-----------
It was an interesting, eventful and exhilarating group stage of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. There were magical moments, major surprises and new heroes, all sandwiched in between some poor officiating, drab tactics and goal-scoring futility.
After the dust has settled we are down to the final sweet sixteen. Four of the world’s top five teams are on a collision course on one side of the bracket while Japan and Canada sit cozy in the knowledge that they have exactly the draw they wanted on the other side of the bracket.
Let's breakdown the last sixteen matchups:
China vs. Cameroon: June 20 - 4:30 p.m. PT on FOX Sports 1
Cameroon is without question the overachiever of the World Cup so far. They are sparked by pace, athleticism and a 4-11 midfielder Gabrielle Onguene. They are the epitome of soccer entertainment and might just have enough in their arsenal to pip the Chinese and get a momentous battle with the U.S. in the quarterfinals. Chinese coach Hao Wei was dismissed in their game against New Zealand but his antics have his team playing their skins out for him. Expect goals in this game.
U.S. vs. Colombia: June 22 - 5 p.m. PT on FOX Sports 1
Abby Wambach and crew are quietly moving along, picking up the required points and getting more dangerous as tournament moves to knockout stage. The midfield is lacking chemistry and has been disjointed but with the best defense in the world and Hope Solo in top form they will be a tough nut to crack. Julie Johnston and Becky Sauerbrunn have been mistake free and they represent the team’s best chance of lifting the trophy for the first time since 1999. The U.S. has struggled on the attacking end of the field but former University of Portland standout Megan Rapinoe remains a major threat and it's a great sign that Thorns FC standout Alex Morgan is back to full fitness. She will be a decisive factor at some point in this World Cup. Lots of attacking weapons for the U.S. and a second string goalkeeper for Colombia after their number one Sandra Sepulveda collected a second yellow card in group stage. She will miss this game and all signs point to a comfortable U.S. victory. With China or Cameroon lurking in quarterfinals, head coach Jill Ellis has the opportunity to find some midfield creativity before the big guns step into the fray. Players like Thorns FC’s Tobin Heath and Morgan Brian need to get on the ball and create another line for the U.S. attacking unit. Colombia has been a great story but their tank looked empty against England. Players such as Lady Andrade have enhanced their reputation on the world’s biggest stage but this is the end for Colombia's World Cup adventure.
Germany vs. Sweden: June 20 - 1 p.m. PT on FOX Sports 1
Germany look solid, professional and well prepared and that bodes well for a team that underachieved on home soil a mere four years ago. Big-stage players like Alexandra Popp, Celia Sasic and Anja Mittag will ensure that Germany will jump this hurdle but if the “real” France shows up in the quarterfinals, Thorns FC goalkeeper Nadine Angerer might be back in a Portland earlier than expected. Sweden poses a genuine threat but they are predictable, archaic in their tactics and will need to rely on their defensive acumen to get a result against the Germans. Star striker Lotta Schelin is struggling to find form and without her goals Sweden must look to Caroline Seger to be their shining light.
France vs. Korea: June 21 - 1 p.m. PT on FOX Sports 1
The French look expansive, hungry and ready to stake their claim for the world’s biggest prize. Nerves are gone, confidence resurrected and now Louisa Necib, Gaetane Thiney, Amandine Henry and Elodie Thomas are primed and ready to deliver for the French. Korea put in a brilliant second-half shift against a Spain to turnaround a 1-0 halftime deficit. The Koreans energy and physicality upset the Spanish technical game but it will need a 90-minute performance to unravel the French. Picking France but watch out for Ji Soyn and crew, they have talent and this will be a tight affair.
The other side of the bracket looks like a doozy.
Brazil vs. Australia: June 21 - 10 a.m. PT on FOX Sports 1
This is the most exciting game of the sweet sixteen for me. Lisa De Vanna is on fire and if she continues in this rich vein of form she will cause chaos in the uncertain Brazilian back line and maybe carry Australia to an unlikely semifinal berth. The Australians are fueled by a ton of pace and have the physical and mental strength to beat the big nations. Brazil is teasing us all with moments of sheer delightful soccer and skillful combinations but they have defensive frailties and this is the wrong team to be drawn against. Despite their pedigree I think Marta and company go home early in the biggest upset of the knockout stage.
Japan vs. Netherlands: June 23 - 6 p.m. PT on FOX Sports 1
Aya Miyama is still pulling the strings for Japan whose discipline, pressure systems and dogged defensive work offer another side to their normal possession, free flowing style of soccer that rewarded them with the World Cup title last time out. The Dutch have struggled defensively but do have attacking weapons. Youngster Vivianne Miedema has struggled so far but if Manon Melis, Lieke Martens and Miedema can get their act together they might cause Japan a few problems. Japan is too focused and resolute to let this occasion slip away, but Australia in the quarterfinals could be a different story.
England vs. Norway: June 22 - 2 p.m. PT on FOX Sports 1
The Three Lionesses shrugged off the boredom of their sleepy eyed dual with France to wake up and play some decent football against Mexico and Colombia. Portland Thorns FC's own Jodie Taylor is now fit after injury and could be the difference in England slipping through to the semifinal stage. Blessed with a great draw and top players returning from injury like Jordan Nobbs, Karen Carney and Taylor, all England has to do is get away from their negative tactics (as witnessed against France) go out and be brave and it will pay dividends. Norway's Solveig Gulbrandsen has been their best player but goalkeeper Ingrid Hjelmseth will have to be huge in those big moments to keep Norway alive. They have size and decent athleticism but no difference makers, which ultimately will be their downfall.
Canada vs. Switzerland: June 21 - 4:30 p.m. PT on FOX Sports 1
The Swiss have shown signs of brilliance and moments of sheer frustration but if Ramona Bachmann decides to play, the Canadian backline will be in for an eventful day. Canada is slowly improving and Thorns legend Christine Sinclair still has fire in those eyes. Kaylyn Kyle, one of the newest Thorns, has impressed and given Canada some fluidity, bite and physicality in their midfield. I still think Canada has the emotional support and talent to get to the semifinals. Sophie Schmidt has been top notch and goalkeeper Erin McLeod will need to be inspirational if the Canadians are to win the title on home soil.
The world has finally embraced women's soccer and the talent is there for all to see. The African teams are more technical and well rounded, South American teams are much quicker and better physically, the Asian teams now offer both attacking and defensive tactics and the European squads are getting younger and deeper.
It's an incredibly exciting time for women's soccer and the improvement in tactics, technical ability and athleticism is here for everyone to witness.
Enjoy the games. Its for real now: win or go home.
