Women's World Cup 2015: Best Social Reactions to Thursday's Matches

The FIFA Women’s World Cup is back, and it's arguably better than ever. From last-minute goals to surprising results, this year’s Women’s World Cup hasn’t disappointed fans and experts alike.

While Thursday’s matches didn’t provide us with matchups including high-powered teams like Sweden, Brazil, and the United States, the level of play was impressive in many facets.

Here is what people are talking about on social media regarding Thursday’s matches.

Germany vs. Norway

In the opening match of the day, Norway rallied in the second half to force a draw with top-ranked Germany by a score of 1-1.

Germany got on the board first with an early goal in the sixth minute of the game. Midfielder Anja Mittag pounced on a rebounded save inside the box by Norway goalkeeper Ingrid Hjelmseth.

UEFA.com reporter Paul Saffer noted that Mittag moved one step closer to making history with her fourth goal in this year’s World Cup through two games.

The most surprising component of the game was Germany’s inability to score given the amount of shots they took. The team took 27 shots (eight on goal) and registered just one goal against Norway.

Norway tied the game after an impressive free-kick goal from defender Maren Mjelde in the 61st minute of the game. The goal was Mjelde’s first career World Cup goal in her first World Cup appearance.

VfL Wolfsburg player Caroline G. Hansen was impressed by the Mjelde’s clutch goal.

After the draw, Germany and Norway are tied with four points each atop Group B.

China vs. Netherlands

China had their fair share of chances, but in the end they only needed one goal to defeat the Netherlands by a score of 1-0.

China pressured Dutch goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal all game long with 10 shots on goal. At the other end, the Netherlands only attempted six shots during the game and failed to get anything going offensively.

Fox Sports broadcaster John Strong pointed out China’s relentlessness in his analysis of the game:

Yahoo Sports reporter Andrew Bucholtz alluded to the similarity between China’s first two games in this World Cup:

While Van Veenendaal had an overall solid game for the Netherlands, she didn’t get a lot of help from her defenders. Equalizer Soccer writer Dan Lauletta pointed out the poor defending by the Netherlands on the game-deciding play:

China’s win causes chaos in Group A. The two teams that will make it out of the group will not be decided until the third game of the group stage.

Ivory Coast vs. Thailand

Thailand earned their first-ever win at the Women’s World Cup thanks to a scoring barrage as they defeated Ivory Coast by a score of 3-2.

Ivory Coast took the first lead of the game after a fourth-minute goal by star forward Ange N'Guessan. Thailand responded nearly 20 minutes later through midfielder Orathai Srimanee via a deflection inside the penalty box.

As halftime approached, Thailand took their first lead of the game as Srimanee scored her second goal of the game from a header near the box. However, many fans believed Srimanee’s second goal shouldn’t have counted.

A goal by forward Thanetta Chawong gave Thailand a 3-1 lead after 75 minutes, but Ivory Coast rallied with a goal of their own: Josee Nahi made it a 3-2 game with a rocket shot from the far post. Ivory Coast's Christine Lohoues’ potential game-tying shot in the 97th minute went off the crossbar, and Thailand pulled out a hard-fought victory.

Sports Illustrated senior writer Grant Wahl praised the level of play of both teams:

With the loss, Ivory Coast are eliminated from round-of-16 contention while Thailand’s hope for a deep run in the World Cup are still alive in Group B.

Canada vs. New Zealand

Canada and New Zealand recorded a scoreless draw 0-0 in an overall sloppy match for both teams. The game was delayed in the sixth minute due to severe weather conditions, but after the delay, neither team could gain momentum over the other.

The officials were very active in the match. Two yellow cards were registered to New Zealand and one was given to Canada. Overall, there were 34 combined fouls in the match.

Some fans were disappointed with the host nation’s effort:

Canada overall didn’t look good in this game. New Zealand took Canada midfielder Sophie Schmidt out of her game, and it greatly impacted the dynamic of the team’s attack. Ottawa Sun sportswriter Don Brennan was concerned that Schmidt’s strength was turned into a weakness against New Zealand:

New Zealand had their fair share of chances to beat Canada. Forward Hannah Wilkinson was tripped in the box before hitting the ensuing penalty kick off the crossbar.

Regardless of the result, many fans were impressed by New Zealand’s performance:

Canada remain atop Group A with four points. New Zealand remain dead-last in the group with one point and will need to win their next game against China to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

Follow Curtis on Twitter: @CalhounCurtis