Women's World Cup 2015: Full Predictions and Players to Watch for Matchday 8
All teams in Groups E and F will play their second match of the 2015 Women's World Cup on Matchday 8, and both France and Brazil could lock up the top spot in their respective groups with a win on Saturday.
Both teams won their opening matches and saw the other two teams in their group draw, the perfect scenario with an eye on the next round. France will like their chances against Colombia, while Brazil will take on Spain.
Let's have a look at the group standings and schedule ahead of Saturday's set of fixtures:
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| 1 | Brazil | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| 2 | Costa Rica | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 3 | Spain | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 4 | South Korea | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
| 1 | France | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| 2 | Colombia | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 3 | Mexico | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 4 | England | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| France | vs. | Colombia | 3-0 |
| England | vs. | Mexico | 2-1 |
| Brazil | vs. | Spain | 2-0 |
| South Korea | vs. | Costa Rica | 1-1 |
Players to Watch
Louisa Necib, France
Eugenie Le Sommer deserves special mention for her excellent performance and sublime goal in the 1-0 win over England, but against Colombia, it will once again be Louisa Necib who will be in the spotlight.
The 28-year-old play-maker was excellent against England, leading Les Bleus from midfield with her typical incisive passing. England did well to limit space and frustrate France, but despite their defensive efforts, Necib still found the open areas at times, thanks to her wonderful vision.
Necib has often disappointed at major tournaments in the past, and the 2015 World Cup presents her with her best opportunity to break out yet. France are massively talented, particularly in the attacking third, and Le Sommer gives Necib exactly the kind of passing target she craves.
Eight by Eight recently documented her rise to stardom and even compared her to compatriot Zinedine Zidane, and it's not hard to see the resemblance in their playing styles.
Colombia fought hard to secure a 1-1 draw against Mexico, and while their performance was admirable, it's clear the team doesn't even come close to Les Bleus when it comes to talent. France should have little difficulty in this match, and Necib will have plenty of opportunities to shine.
Marta, Brazil
Brazil didn't have it easy in their 2-0 win over Korea Republic, but star forward Marta still made history by scoring the second goal, becoming the all-time scoring leader in World Cup history:
The 29-year-old is widely regarded as the best female player the sport has ever seen, but she's still waiting for World Cup glory. She's failed to win the World Player of the Year award since 2010, and with Germany, France and the USA all traveling to Canada with supremely talented squads, many fear her days at the top of the game are over.
Underestimating the prolific forward would be a mistake, however, and Brazil's status as dark-horse candidates, rather than favourites, could actually be an advantage. Group E isn't the toughest of groups, giving the Selecao the chance to prepare for the knockout stages at their own pace.
Spain struggled to a disappointing 1-1 draw with Costa Rica in their first match, and they need a result against Brazil. Speaking to FIFA's official website, players Veronica Boquete and Ruth Garcia acknowledged the task at hand, saying:
"We’ve mainly discussed the fact that we have to watch all their veteran players. They’ve got bags of experience and the skill to decide matches with the smallest of details.
Their experience gives them something extra but they’ve also got a tremendous amount of quality too. And not just Marta. They’re very strong in every department.
"
Brazil were at their best when Korea gave them space in the first match, and the Spanish defence will likely play with more discipline. La Roja have the attacking talent to take advantage of the smallest chance, so they'll gladly focus on defending and pulling the Selecao forward.
That said, the Brazilians should still be favourites in this match, particularly with Marta pulling the strings.
Follow @ReverschPass.
