2019 Women’s World Cup Day 18: Match thread and discussion

We’re halfway through the first knockout round of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with four teams through and four left to be decided. On this, the 18th day of the tournament, the United States will face off against Spain in Reims, and Canada will battle with Sweden in Paris. Here are a few things to watch for as we enter the third day of knockout matches.

In the opening match, the United States will look to continue their perfect tournament against Spain. After racking up 16 goals in their first two group stage games, the USA was able to contain and shut down Sweden in a 2-0 victory to take group F. The Americans are heavy favorites in this match thanks to the depth of their roster and consistent play throughout the tournament. Slight injuries to striker Alex Morgan and midfielder/defender Julie Ertz are in the back of the fans’ minds, but there are competent backup players at every position. Spain comes into the match with just one goal in open play and one win from the group stage, but they still managed to take second place in group B. The team’s defense has consistently been well organized and effective, but they were unable to score in their duels with Germany and China. Spain will look for a big game from Lucia Garcia, the 20-year-old forward, if they want to stand a chance against the United States. She has the team’s only goal not taken from the spot this tournament and is a rising star in Spanish football.

The second game features the first of two knockout matches between two second-place teams. Canada, ranked fifth in the world, finished second in group E after a 2-1 loss to the Netherlands in their third match of the group stage. The North American side has been unexciting this tournament, and they’ve drawn a tough Sweden side for their first knockout match. All eyes are on forward Christine Sinclair, who is three goals away from breaking the record for most international goals by any player. Sweden is looking to bounce back after a 2-0 loss to the United Stage in the final match of the group stage. They played an extremely strange set of players in that match, with seven changes from their previous lineup. The key player for Sweden in this match is Kosovare Asllani, who is one of Sweden’s most productive goal scorers. The winner of this game will face off against Germany in the quarterfinals.

How To Watch

Match 1

Who: United States vs Spain

Where: Stade Auguste-Delaune, Reims

When: 12:00 p.m. ET

TV: FS1

Match 2

Who: Canada vs Sweden

Where: Parc des Princes, Paris

When: 3 p.m. ET

TV: FS1

Open Thread

Let’s make some noise for the USWNT! This is your place to throw out predictions, talk about the matches, and prove to everyone that you’re the smartest fan. Leave a comment below to join in the festivities.