Women's World Cup 2015: Latest Group Results, Table and Thursday Schedule
After one round of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup group stage, an elite few teams have risen their heads early as contenders to make it to the next phase of the tournament.
Hosts Canada got the start they sought thanks to a tight 1-0 win over China PR, while heavy-hitters Germany, the United States and Brazil have also proved their credentials thus far.
Following Wednesday's respite, the group action resumes on Thursday with everything still to play for; those with wins to their name will be hoping for continued success, while it's a chance for others to reverse their fortunes.
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Read on for a look at the group-stage results so far and a look ahead to Thursday's schedule, including a more in-depth analysis of the more enticing fixtures.
| Canada | 1–0 | China PR |
| New Zealand | 0–1 | Netherlands |
| Norway | 4–0 | Thailand |
| Germany | 10–0 | Ivory Coast |
| Cameroon | 6–0 | Ecuador |
| Japan | 1–0 | Switzerland |
| Sweden | 3–3 | Nigeria |
| United States | 3–1 | Australia |
| Spain | 1–1 | Costa Rica |
| Brazil | 2–0 | South Korea |
| France | 1–0 | England |
| Colombia | 1–1 | Mexico |
| Canada | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| Netherlands | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| China | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| New Zealand | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| Germany | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 3 |
| Norway | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 3 |
| Thailand | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -4 | 0 |
| Cote d'Ivoire | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -10 | 0 |
| Cameroon | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 3 |
| Japan | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| Switzerland | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| Ecuador | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -6 | 0 |
| United States | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| Sweden | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Nigeria | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Australia | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -2 | 0 |
| Brazil | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +2 | 3 |
| Costa Rica | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Spain | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| South Korea | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -2 | 0 |
| France | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +1 | 3 |
| Colombia | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Mexico | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| England | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| 9 p.m. BST/4 p.m. EDT | Germany vs. Norway | Lansdowne Stadium, Ottawa |
| 11 p.m. BST/4 p.m. MDT | China PR vs. Netherlands | Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton |
| 12 a.m. BST (Fri., June 12)/7 p.m. EDT | Ivory Coast vs. Thailand | Lansdowne Stadium, Ottawa |
| 2 a.m. BST (Fri. June 12)/7 p.m. MDT | Canada vs. New Zealand | Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton |
China PR vs. the Netherlands
Group A may not be the most star-studded assembly at this year's women's World Cup, but Thursday's meeting between China PR and the Netherlands makes for an incredibly tight matchup.
Canada captain Christine Sinclair slotted home a 92nd-minute penalty to begrudge China PR of what would have been a hard-fought draw in their opening fixture, a victory that didn't particularly cover the hosts in praise.
Meanwhile, NBC's Jeff Kassouf hailed Lieke Martens' winning score against New Zealand, a goal that made the history books for the Netherlands, not to mention gave them a fighting chance of progressing in the competition:
The Europeans are making their first-ever appearance at the women's World Cup finals, but despite the pedigree China possess, they may still be looked upon as likely contenders to advance.
The slightest change in any side's fortunes could see the dynamic of Group A shift all too swiftly, but a second successive win for the Dutch could prolong their dream start to the contest.
Canada vs. New Zealand
As mentioned above, Canada's extra-time win over the Chinese was hardly their most glamorous, relying on the latest of last-ditch chances to give their supporting fans some hope.
Of course, the one advantage John Herdman's side can call upon is home field, and BT Sport's Ian Darke attests as to just how strong the Canadian following was in Edmonton on Monday:
New Zealand, on the other hand, couldn't be much further from home and are attempting to make it past the first round of the women's World Cup for the first time in their history.
Considering no team managed to score more than one goal on Matchday 1, victory against Canada could catapult New Zealand to the head of Group A, while a defeat would likely see their tournament brought to an abrupt end.
Germany vs. Norway
No team looked more impressive than Germany in the first round of group fixtures, mainly due to the world's top-ranked team being clinical in a 10-0 win. But the Ivory Coast also looked like a defensive nightmare.
In contrasting fashion, world No. 11 Norway should provide a much sterner examination of the two-time women's World Cup champions, and ex-USWNT player Heather Mitts is understandably excited for the clash:
It's no secret this German squad is terrifically talented; manager Silvia Neid boasts a superb depth in quality, with names from some of the biggest clubs in the Bundesliga and other European hubs.
However, following such a morale-boosting victory over the Ivorians, it will be of major intrigue to see how tough this side is mentally, with complacency an underlying concern for a side in their position.
Norway's 4-0 win over Thailand on Sunday may not have been as offensively impressive, but the possibility of upsetting Die Nationalelf and taking Group B's throne as their own will serve as sterling motivation.
