2019 Women’s World Cup Recaps and Open Thread: Groups A and B

The 2019 Women’s World Cup kicks off Friday in France, with the host side taking on South Korea to start the action.

We then will enjoy a jam-packed day of action on Saturday with three matches, including the beginning of title-candidate Germany’s campaign.

Group A Standings

1 - France, 0 pts, +4

T2 - Nigeria, 0 pts

T2 - Norway, 0 pts

3 - South Korea, 0 pts, -4

Group B Standings

1 - Germany, 3 pts, +1

T2 - South Africa, 0 pts

T2 - Spain, 0 pts

3 - China, 0 pts, -1

Game Schedule

For each match, you’ll find the location, start time (central time and local), TV and streaming info, as well as a brief recap, including highlights, shortly after the final whistle.

France 4-0 South Korea

The host nation represented well in the first game of what they hope might be a trophy-winning journey at the World Cup as France routed South Korea 4-0.

Les Bleus, the title-holders on the men’s side, dominated even more than the scoreline would suggest, out-shooting the Koreans 21-4. Wendie Renard, a defender and the French captain, led her side’s effort with two goals.

Eugenie Le Sommer opened the scoring in just the ninth minute, off the crossbar, and the hosts never looked back. VAR made its presence known as a French goal was disallowed for offside. The last goal of the game, from Amandine Henry, was the best: a well-hit effort from decent range to wrap up the victory.

Check out highlights of the match here.

Germany 1-0 China

Another title contender took the field early Saturday morning (mid-afternoon in France) and looked surprisingly flat, as Germany only managed a 1-0 win over China.

It was a 66th minute finish from Giulia Gwinn that gave the Germans three points. Gwinn hit a rocket into the back of the net from just outside the penalty area after a loose ball came from a corner.

The Chinese were far from pushovers, however. They produced several chances throughout the game, leading some to question whether they could have won it. One sequence near the end of the first half provided two golden opportunities that ended with a shot hitting the post and a fingertip save.

Spain v South Africa

Location: Le Havre

Start Time: 11:00a CT, 6:00p local

TV: FOX

Streaming: fuboTV (free trial available)

Norway v Nigeria

Location: Reims

Start Time: 2:00p CT, 9:00p local

TV: FOX

Streaming: fuboTV (free trial available)

Open Thread

Watching the games? Discuss the happenings in the comments section below!

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