by Megan Cleary
The first matches held in Vancouver, Canada kicked off on Monday for the 2015 Women’s World Cup. In a double header that marked the debut of three nations to the tournament, Group C has become their own Group of Death. The talent of the debut nations was evident.
It started with a lightening quick Cameroonian team facing a physical Ecuadorian side. Cameroon established solid control of the game by the end of the first half, led by the skillful trio of forwards Gabrielle Onguene, Gaelle Enganamoit, and midfielder Genevieve Ngo Mbeleck. In the 34th minute they broke through with a goal by Ngono Moni, which highlighted their incredible pace and ball control. Just 3 minutes later Onguene connected with Enganamoit, who calmly placed it in the back of the net to get their second goal on the board.
Despite the chants of “Si Se Puede” by the lively Ecuadorian fans, their team had lost all momentum by the end of the first half, giving up a penalty kick in the 43rd minute that was easily converted by Christine Manie. Returning to the field the second half, Ecuador came out strong again, trying to rally back. With a red card in the 68th minute to Ana Palacios, Ecuador’s fate was sealed. They went on to give up two more penalty kicks before the game was done. Foot work and speed defined the Cameroonian team who dominated Ecuador in a 6-0 victory.
Lionness Fans had Lots to celebrate
The second match highlighted another debut nation, Switzerland, coming up against the reigning World Cup champions, Japan. Both nations displayed extraordinary skill, with neither team taking obvious control in the first half. Japan pulled ahead in the 29th minute when the Swiss gave up a penalty kick for a handball in the box. Aya Miyama converted the penalty, giving Japan the 1-0 lead.
Japan’s Aya Miyama (r) converted a penalty kick in the 29′ to give her team a 1-0 victory over Switzerland.
However, in the second half an almost complacent Japanese team spent most of the time trying to handle the Swiss attacks, presenting only occasional threats to the other side. While the talent on the field was remarkable, Switzerland stood out. Swiss captain Caroline Abbé was a wall, preventing passes and keeping the defense calm. Swiss forward Ramona Bachmann’s speed and ankle-breaking control of the ball had her cutting through the Japanese defense. The Swiss attacked until the very end, but none of their skillful assaults made it to the back of the net, and they eventually fell to Japan 1-0.
From the opener, Group C is one to watch. With strong starts by Cameroon and Switzerland, Japan has their work cut out for them, even though their advancement is likely. And, while Ecuador struggled in the first match, you can be sure they will come out in the next one, determined to show that they have a right to be playing amongst the most talented women in the world.
Vancouver will host another double header June 12th,starting with Switzerland and Ecuador at 4pm, followed by Japan taking on Cameroon at 7pm.
