Women's World Cup Schedule 2015: Live Stream and TV Info for Saturday's Bracket
Friday kicked off the quarterfinal action in the 2015 Women's World Cup, and the first two matches of the round didn't disappoint.
In a clash of soccer juggernauts, No. 1 Germany took on No. 3 France in an epic battle. After a back-and-forth first half that didn't yield a goal, the French finally got on the board in the 64th minute. However, Germany equalized through a penalty in the 84th minute, and after no goals were scored in extra time, the match went to penalty kicks. It concluded with a huge save by Nadine Angerer to send Germany through.
The second match of the day was a rematch of the 1999 Women's World Cup final, as the United States took on China. While the Americans dominated possession in the first half, they couldn't break through a tight Chinese defense. Just six minutes after halftime, a header by Carli Lloyd put the United States on top, and the team didn't look back.
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Saturday features two more exciting contests, as surging Australia take on the technically sound Japan and host country Canada meet a resilient England side. Two more spots in the semifinals are on the line, so we can expect some more compelling soccer. To ensure you don't miss a moment of the action, here's a look at the day's essential viewing information.
Saturday's World Cup Schedule
| Australia vs. Japan | 4 p.m. | Fox Sports 1 |
| England vs. Canada | 7:30 p.m. | Fox Sports 1 |
Live Stream: Fox Sports Go
Match Previews
Australia vs. Japan
After falling 3-1 to the United States in its opener, Australia has been on fire. The Matildas were able to get through the Group of Death after finishing in second place and proceeded to stun Brazil 1-0 in the round of 16. The victory was historic for Australia, as it was the country's first game in the knockout stage of any senior World Cup.
Beating Brazil was no easy feat for Australia, as the Selecao hadn't conceded a single goal during the group stage. The Matildas' goal was a sight to behold, as Katrina Gorry split the defense with a brilliant pass to a breaking Lisa De Vanna. The captain fired at goal, but her shot was deflected right to the feet of Kyah Simon, who coolly netted the game-winner.
Australia coach Alen Stajcic commented on his squad's showing after the match, relayed by FIFA.com:
"The players stuck to their tasks well, demonstrating good execution speed and a strong mental attitude. It's a huge moment for us, but I'm hopeful that we'll experience even bigger moments in the near future. We want to go as far as possible in this tournament. Thinking about what might happen next is actually very exciting.
We're very happy to have beaten a potential Women's World Cup winner like Brazil. It was amazing to see how much the team were up for the fight today. I'm extremely proud of them.
"
Both defenses were stout throughout the course of the contest, but Australia's crisp passing and great pace were the difference-makers. Those attributes will be needed to beat a Japan team that relies on very technical play to keep possession.
Japan's title defense continues on Saturday after it downed a strong Netherlands side 2-1 in the round of 16. The Netherlands' goal in that contest was just the second Japan has conceded in the 2015 Women's World Cup, and it came in the 92nd minute.
The Netherlands attempted to use its pace to break quickly on the Japanese defense, but the defending champions remained in position, thwarting attacks and playing the ball out of the back with precise passing to move back up the pitch. Australia may come at Japan with a similar strategy, making this impending matchup highly intriguing.
England vs. Canada
England will attempt to continue its improbable run in this year's World Cup against a Canada side playing in its own territory. The Three Lionesses began the tournament with a 1-0 loss to France and just squeezed by struggling Mexico in its next contest. However, the team bounced back in a big way, notching wins against Colombia and Norway to earn a berth in the quarterfinals.
After a very tight first half against the Norwegians in the round of 16, England found itself on the brink of elimination following a goal by Solveig Gulbrandsen in the 54th minute. However, the English refused to go quietly, as captain Steph Houghton found the back of the net with a brilliant back-post header off a corner in the 61st minute.
That goal appeared to spark England to life, as the team suddenly found its legs and began to attack with enthusiasm. The constant pressure on the Norway defense resulted in a fantastic winner from Lucy Bronze, sending England through to the last eight.
England coach Mark Sampson had this to say following the match, relayed by FIFA.com:
"The first emotion I'm feeling is a sense of pride for the team. To show that kind of resilience, to come back from a goal down, the players have been immense with their character to come back in that game.
The names of these players, this team, will go down in English football history—but make no mistake, this journey is not over. Based on our second half performance, we deserved to win that match.
We're going to enjoy today because it is a big win for our country, and then it'll be back to business and we're determined to keep this journey going.
"
If England is to keep its journey alive, it will have to take down a very strong Canada team on its own turf.
Canada has struggled to find some consistent offense in this year's World Cup, scoring just three goals in four matches. However, the side has also boasted one of the tournament's most impressive defenses, allowing just one goal over that span.
The host nation continued that trend in the round of 16, as it attempted just seven shots (two on target) against Switzerland. The Canadians didn't win a single corner but allowed five to the Swiss. Still, Canada remained resolute in its own defensive third, allowing just five shots (two on target) from its opposition.
Canada must generate more of a consistent attack to overtake England in the quarterfinals. Getting captain Christine Sinclair and Sophie Schmidt involved early will be key, but the team must concentrate on maintaining possession on offense with quick decisions and precise passes to break through a strong defense.
