Netherlands vs. Canada
In the final match of the group stage, Canada and the Netherlands did battle on Thursday to be the top of Group E of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Utah Royals FC MF Desiree Scott and Canada pushed for a win that was just out of reach settling for a 2-1 loss on the day. The Netherlands’ win sees it finish atop the group with Canada finishing second.
Scott started the game in the midfield for Canada, playing 79 minutes.
After a scoreless first half of play, the second of play opened up as the goals started to flow.
In the 54th minute the Netherlands found their opportunity and the back of the net. In the 60thminute, Canada capitalized bringing the score to 1-1. In the 75th minute the Netherlands crossed the ball into the six-yard box where forward Lineth Beerensteyn found the ball and pushed it right into the back of the net.
As both teams pushed through looking for another goal, chances were denied which left the match to end in favor of the Netherlands with the 2-1 win.
New Zealand vs. Cameroon
In the final match of the group stage, Cameroon and New Zealand fought on Thursday to possibly secure a spot in the Round of16 of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Utah Royals FC DF Katie Bowen and New Zealand were looking for their first win of the World Cup, but the opportunity was missed as Cameroon beat the Lady Ferns 2-1.
Bowen started the game on the backline for New Zealand and played the full 90 minutes.
The first half was left scoreless, but Cameroon stormed through in the second stanza. In the 57th minute Cameroon found tits chance for its first goal. In the 80th minute New Zealand made a pass towards goal and Cameroon defender touched it right into the net for an own goal, setting the score 1-1.
Cameroon battled back to find its second goal and in the 95th minute, MF Ajara Nchout scored her second goal of the match to send Cameroon to a 2-1 victory and the opportunity to play on with other results pending.
The result leaves New Zealand out of the 2019 FIFA World Cup as Bowen is expected to return to URFC in the coming weeks.
