The 2019 Women’s World Cup kicked off last Friday with 24 teams crowned the “queens” of the month-long tournament in France.
There are 24 teams classed into six groups. Africa’s representatives are Nigeria’s Super Falcons, Banyana Banyana of South Africa and the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon.
A: France (hosts), Korea Republic, Norway,
Nigeria
GROUP B: Germany, China, Spain, South Africa
GROUP E: Canada, Cameroon, New Zealand, Netherlands
Africa’s participation at the World Cup ended on Sunday with Cameroon’s elimination from the competition after England beat Cameroon 3-0 to set up a date against Norway in the quarterfinals of the Women’s World Cup.
The Indomitable Lionesses fell behind 2 – 0 at half time before conceding a third in the second half.
Houghton scored in the 14th minute whiles White doubled it in added time of the first half. Alex Greenwood put the game beyond Cameroon with a 58th minute strike.
On Saturday, Nigeria’s Super Falcons had also crashed out of the competition after a similar scoreline loss ti Germany.
The two African reps made history with their qualification to the knockout phase – this was the first time Africa had two teams making the round-of-16 stage. The fixtures were seen as a tall order and supporters only hoped for an upset.
Breakdown of Nigerian stats at 2019 Women’s World Cup
Games played: Four
Goals scored: Two (against South Korea)
Goals conceded: Seven
Points gained: Three
Match Scores Group: 0 – 3 vs. Norway, 2 – 0 vs. South Korea, 0 – 1 vs. France
Match Score (round of 16): 0 – 3 vs. Germany
Breakdown of Cameroon stats at 2019 Women’s World Cup
Games: Four
Goals scored: Three (against Dutch, N. Zealand)
Goals against: Eight
Points: 3
Match Scores (group): 0 – 1 vs. Canada, 1 – 3 vs. Netherlands, 2 – 1 vs. N. Zealand
Match score (round of 16): 0 – 3 vs. England
Nigeria vs Germany
Africa’s record champions, Nigeria are hoping the fortunes favor them one more time as they take on Germany at the Stade des Alpes in Grenoble.
It is at this venue that the Super Falcons earned their sole win so far at the tournament, a 2-0 victory over South Korea in the group stages.
In Germany, they face an opponent that has defeated them twice at the Women’s World Cup.
“Germany is definitely one of the strongest teams, they have a lot of good players and they are extremely organised,” said Thomas Dennerby, Nigeria’s head coach.
“Maybe we can have a chance if we defend well to handle the forwards they have today and sooner or later we will get our chance.’‘
