Switzerland’s Fabienne Humm broke the record for the fastest hat trick
Last Friday BC Place hosted Group C in another double header for this year’s Women’s World Cup. The Swiss took to the field first against Ecuador, both sides needing a win to move on to the second stage of the competition. Within minutes Switzerland, led by Bachmann and Humm, established dominance and made solid runs on goal. The back line of Ecuador looked shaky to start, allowing the Swiss to break through several times within the first minutes of the game. Although Switzerland were not able to capitalize on their chances, defender Angie Ponce helped them get on the board first, deflecting the ball into the back of her own net in the 24th minute. Ecuador came back, putting pressure on the Swiss with a fantastic run by Monica Quinteros, who was tripped up in the box, however no penalty was called. They continued to threaten throughout the first half, testing Swiss keeper Gaelle Thalmann. However, in the 46th minute the Swiss made another breakthrough with an arching pass ahead to Ana Maria Crnogorcevic who connected with Aigbogun to put it past the Ecuadorian keeper.
Ecuador, who had been keeping up with the Swiss, fell apart in the second half. Fabienne Humm made history scoring in the 47th, 49th and 52nd minute; the fastest hat trick in any FIFA Women’s World Cup. Soon after Bachmann converted a penalty kick, and then scored again within minutes bringing the score to 7-0.
While Ecuador was also awarded a penalty kick, converted by Ponce for their first in a World Cup, they were not able to get back into the game. Ponce scored her second own goal of the match in the 74th minute, followed by a goal from Swiss midfielder Martina Moser in the 76th. Bachmann completed her own hat trick in the 82nd to finish the scoring with Switzerland dominating Ecuador 10-1.
Japan secured a spot in the knockout round after defeating Cameroon 2-1.
In the second match of the night Cameroon took on Japan. Starting the scoring off early, Japan’s Sameshima went unmarked in the box and got on the board in the 6th minute. Cameroon countered, but wasn’t able to put it past Japanese goal keeper Fukumoto. In the 17th minute Sugasawa, another player unmarked in the box, was able to head it past the keeper to put Japan up 2-0. While the two teams kept pace with one another throughout the match, Japan was clearly the stronger team, keeping control of the pace and possession.
Ajara Nchout scored for Cameroon in the 90th minute.
Coasting their way to the top of the table Japan has all but ensured their continuation in the tournament. Their last hurdle will be getting past Ecuador on Tuesday, which should not present much of a challenge. On the other hand, Cameroon and Switzerland will have to fight it out for second spot, a game that is sure to show the depth of talent on these first time teams.
