Women's World Cup Schedule 2015: Live Stream, Group Times for Tuesday Fixtures
This is where the 2015 Women's World Cup gets really interesting.
Groups A and B completed the group stage Monday, and Germany, Norway, Canada and China all went through to the knockout rounds as a result. New Zealand and the Ivory Coast were effectively eliminated from the tournament, and the Netherlands and Thailand will remain in limbo until the remaining group-stage fixtures play out.
Tuesday's fixtures include all teams from Groups C and D, putting defending champion Japan and 2011 World Cup runner-up United States in action. Both teams sit atop their respective groups, but while the Japanese have already clinched a spot in the knockout rounds, the Americans have work to do, as both Australia and Sweden are nipping at their heels.
TOP NEWS
Madrid Fines Players $590K 😲
'Mbappé Out' Petition Gaining Steam 😳
Star-Studded World Cup Ad 🤩
By day's end, two more teams will be eliminated from the World Cup, four will be sent through to the knockout rounds and two will be forced to wait to see if they qualify as one of four third-place squads to make it past the group stage. You won't want to miss a moment of the action, so here's a look at the full Tuesday schedule and an overview of the match of the day.
Tuesday's World Cup Schedule
| C | Ecuador vs. Japan | 5 p.m. | FS1 |
| C | Switzerland vs. Cameroon | 5 p.m. | FS2 |
| D | Nigeria vs. United States | 8 p.m. | Fox |
| D | Australia vs. Sweden | 8 p.m. | FS1 |
Live Stream: Fox Sports Go
Match of the Day
Nigeria vs. United States
While many different scenarios would afford the United States a trip to the knockout stage, a win will ensure the Americans the top spot in Group D and a great position in the round of 16. After all, finishing atop the group will allow the United States to face off against a third-place finisher instead of another top team in its next match.
That said, the Americans will need to find some offense for that scenario to come to fruition.
The United States plays out of a 4-4-2 formation, but with veteran forward Abby Wambach and star striker Alex Morgan out of the starting lineup against Sweden, the Americans found it difficult to create chances. While Sydney Leroux and Christen Press feature plenty of pace, they don't have the same finishing ability.
Against Sweden, the United States accumulated 12 shots but only two were on target. That number is especially low considering the Americans were also awarded 10 corners. Head coach Jill Ellis mentioned her team's struggles to break through the Swedish defense during a press conference, via FIFA.com:
"It was like two heavyweights going at it. I thought both teams left it all on the field. I think Sweden had a good game plan. They were tough to break down. In the second half we were better, we had better possession and we took good things away from this. We’re still in the driver’s seat. We still have an opportunity to finish top.
"
We'll see if her gameplan or starting lineup changes against a Nigeria side that has allowed a total of 26 shots (eight on target) and five goals through two games.
Although, if the Americans enter the game with an attacking mindset, they must be cautious of the counter. Speedy midfielder Asisat Oshoala is fantastic with the ball at her feet and can create chances on the break for herself and her teammates. The back line of the United States will be heavily tested to keep its shape and pick its spots to go forward.
Outside back Ali Krieger spoke of balancing her attack and defense during an interview with Jeff Carlisle of ESPNW.com, saying, "I have to remember I am a defender first and do my job there first and foremost. If the spaces open up in the attack, then of course I'm willing to take it because I love to get involved, I love to get crosses in. I love to do combinations and just bring a different aspect to our game."
Krieger and fellow outside back Meghan Klingenberg may enjoy moving forward and getting in on the attack, but if they aren't careful, they could provide Nigeria with one too many opportunities for a counter—something that may come with devastating consequences.
We should expect to see some fast-paced action Tuesday, as the Americans will want to accumulate goals against a Nigeria squad that appeared fatigued late in its contest against Australia in an effort to enter the knockout stage with some momentum. Meanwhile, the Nigerians know a win against the United States gives them a chance to move on to the round of 16.
