Let's take a look at how Groups C and D ended up after 6 matches each
Aside from defending World Champions Japan, everyone in this group is competing in their first World Cup. Japan is ranked #4, Switzerland 19, Ecuador 48, and Cameroon 53.
Ecuador's 1-0 loss to Japan in the two sides' final group match while be satisfying for both teams as Japan won the group and Ecuador didn't get crushed like they did against Switzerland and Cameroon. Like Germany, Japan paid a bit of a price for being very wasteful with the chances they had and they can't afford to be doing that in the next match when it becomes win or go home.
Cameroon pulled off an upset by beating the Swiss 2-1. It was a come from behind victory and one that means a lot for this nation as they continue to have a solid first Women's World Cup. Finishing in 2nd place will provide them an easier opponent than finishing in 3rd, but as they are well aware, anything can happen. Switzerland have a healthy goal difference thanks to their lone 10-1 win over Ecuador so with 3 points they are currently ahead of Thailand but still have some waiting to do before they find out their fate. They did, however, confirm that the Netherlands will be moving on to the Round of 16.
Japan could face Netherlands in the Round of 16 but also the runner up from Groups B and F. Cameroon's Round of 16 opponent is confirmed to be China which should be an interesting one, allowing one of two underdogs to at least finish in the top 8 of this tournament. Switzerland's potential opponents as of now could be Canada or Germany, which would be difficult for them either way.
1st Japan 9 pts 3-0-0; 4 for, 1 against; +3
2nd Cameroon 6 pts 2-0-1; 9 for, 3 against; +6
3rd Switzerland 3 pts 1-0-2; 11 for, 4 against; +7
4th Ecuador 0 pts 0 0-0-3; 1 for, 17 against; -16
Group D has been called this tournament's group of death, and it's clear to me why that's the case. With #2 USA, 5 Sweden, and 10 Australia thrown in with defending African champions Nigeria, every game would be a tough game in this group.
Nonetheless the USA were considered favorites despite not playing like favorites. It's a results business, and finishing the group with a 1-0 win over Nigeria and having a total of 7 points and ending as group winners will be satisfying to some extent. But USA are looking to redeem their loss at the final against Japan 4 years ago, and the only way to do that is to reach the final and win it this time. Can they do it? Possibly, but not if they continue to play like this.
Despite a valiant effort, only a 3-3 opening draw with Sweden provides points for Nigeria who finish in last.
Sweden rescue their World Cup campaign, if only barely, with a 1-1 draw against Australia to close the group. The Matildas will take that result as well as they clinch 2nd place.
1st USA 7 pts 2-1-0; 4 for, 1 against; +3
2nd Australia 4 pts 1-1-1; 4 for, 4 against; +0
3rd Sweden 3 pts 0-3-0; 4 for, 4 against; +0
4th Nigeria 1 pt 0-1-2; 3 for, 6 against; -3
USA don't know who they are facing yet but it will be a 3rd place team. As runner up of the group, Australia will face the Group E winner which appears to be Brazil. Sweden will have a tough opponent such as Germany or Canada waiting for them but we're not exactly sure who it will be.
The Group C and D results confirm that the Netherlands and Switzerland are moving on to the next stage, with Thailand and Sweden left waiting for the last two Groups and hoping for some favorable results. If I'm being honest, both of them are walking on thin ice, especially Thailand.
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