Women's World Cup Schedule 2015: Live Stream and Group Times for Monday Fixtures
Monday marks the first time teams competing in the 2015 Women's World Cup will play their third matches in the group stage. Of course, that means by the day's end, we'll know which four teams will go through to the knockout stage, which two will be eliminated and which two will be in limbo—only the top four third-place squads will go through.
Group B kicks things off Monday, as Germany and Norway fight to obtain the top spot. The Germans hold the advantage with a better goal differential, but the Norwegians will have an opportunity to rack up goals against the struggling Ivory Coast. Thailand enters the day in third place with three points and will likely need a result against Germany to move on.
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Group A is in action as well, as host country Canada aims to maintain its position atop the group. The Canadians will be in for a true test against a Netherlands team that is reeling after a loss to China. As for the Chinese, they have three points and will look to add to that tally against winless New Zealand. A result will send them through to the knockout stage.
With so many teams still in contention to reach the round of 16, we should expect plenty of compelling action during Monday's contests. So, to ensure you don't miss a moment of the excitement, let's take a look at the full schedule and highlight the match of the day.
Monday's World Cup Schedule
| B | Thailand vs. Germany | 4 p.m. | Fox |
| B | Ivory Coast vs. Norway | 4 p.m. | FS1 |
| A | Netherlands vs. Canada | 7:30 p.m. | FS1 |
| A | China vs. New Zealand | 7:30 p.m. | FS2 |
Live Stream: Fox Sports Go
Match of the Day
Netherlands vs. Canada
It's easy for Canada: A win secures the top spot in Group A and a good position in the knockout stage. However, it will be easier said than done for the host country, as it has failed to generate a consistent attack through two matches, accumulating just one goal that came on a penalty kick.
It's not as if the Canadians haven't had their fair share of chances. In their opener against China, they maintained 62 percent of the possession, took 14 shots (four on goal) and were awarded 16 free kicks. It was a similar story against New Zealand, as Canada finished with 59 percent of possession, 10 shots (six on goal), 20 free kicks and eight corners.
Still, the goals wouldn't come.
Christine Sinclair, scorer of Canada's lone World Cup goal, spoke about her squad's struggles to find the back of the net during an interview with Kelsey Patterson of The Canadian Press, via CBC.ca:
"As a forward, you get worried when you're not creating chances and chances aren't falling for you. Myself, but also the rest of the front line, we've created chances. Sooner or later they're going to go in.
People have to realize it's the World Cup—we're playing against the best teams in the world. There are no slouches.
"
There certainly aren't any slouches, but the lack of goals must be a concern for a Canadian team that was expected to contend for the title. Coach John Herdman kept his message simple during an interview with Terry Jones of the Edmonton Sun, via the Toronto Sun, saying, "Keep the faith. That’s all I'm going to say. Keep the faith. Don't ever lose faith in Christine."
Canada is known for playing well as a team, and Sinclair will receive plenty of help from Sophie Schmidt, Melissa Tancredi and others. Rest assured, they'll have plenty of opportunities against a Netherlands defense that has been susceptible to attacking-minded teams.
The Dutch began their World Cup debut with a bang, defeating New Zealand 1-0. However, the result was far more appealing than the match statistics. While Holland only allowed 11 shots, it gave up some good looks, as five of them were on target. The Dutch also gave up eight corners and 11 free kicks against a Kiwi side not known for strong offensive output.
Things worsened for the Netherlands in its second contest, as China applied heavy pressure to the Dutch back line. The Chinese controlled possession for 60 percent of the game, accumulating 27 shots (10 on goal), seven corners and 15 free kicks, as Holland was under constant fire.
The big takeaway for the Netherlands was its ability to avoid conceding a bevy of goals throughout the first two games. In fact, it took until the 91st minute of the nation's second contest to finally allow a goal. So, here's the question: Will the Dutch continue their stalwart defending, or will that late goal open the floodgates for the Canadians?
Don't expect either team to play for a draw in this one, as neither is ensured of a position in the knockout stage.
