By the Numbers: What we learned from the group stage at the Women's World Cup
The tournament has been highlighted by surprise sides Japan and Jamaica
Powerhouses Germany, Canada, Brazil and co-host New Zealand are out of the Women’s World Cup. Surprise sides Jamaica, Nigeria. Colombia and Morocco move on.
Here’s one way to condense some of the outcomes of this tournament, where the expanded 32-nation field has brought with it highs, lows and many surprises.
A tournament where everyone expected blowouts — there were a few — turned out to be a group stage loaded with thrilling outcomes. It ultimately created a knockout bracket few would have ever predicted just two weeks ago.
The round of 16 starts on Saturday, where even more surprises could take place. The United States, who finished second in Group E, face Sweden on Sunday in Melbourne.
Here are three data points from the first round that could have an impact in the knockout phase:
4 — Goals by top scorer Hinata Miyazawa
Japan’s Hinata Miyazawa is currently the tournament’s top scorer with four goals. The 23-year-old midfielder has been unstoppable.
Miyazawa scored twice in Japan’s 5-0 victory over Zambia and added two more in a 4-0 win against Spain. Japan takes on Norway on Saturday in Wellington, New Zealand.
3 — Teams who have yet to give up a goal
Japan, Jamaica and Switzerland have all yet to concede a goal at this tournament. As a result, Japan and Switzerland won their respective groups, while Jamaica came in second.
It remains to be seen if this streak ends in the round of 16. While Japan face Norway, the Swiss play Spain on Saturday in Auckland. Jamaica take on Colombia on Tuesday in Melbourne in a battle of two Cinderella sides.
1 — Goals conceded by Alyssa Naeher
The U.S. has endured plenty of criticism over the past week, but the reality is that this is a team that’s only conceded one goal. Despite going 1-2-0, the Americans defeated Vietnam 3-0 in the first game and played Portugal to a scoreless draw in the final group game.
The 1-1 draw against the Netherlands, who went on to win the group, is the only game where the Americans gave up a goal. Starter Alyssa Naeher has played all three games in goal. This is also her third World Cup.
Naeher will need to come up big against Sweden in the U.S. has any chance to reaching the quarterfinals. Much will depend on the team’s offense, but the backline and goalkeeping will also matter in a match against such a tough opponent.