Group Play is over at the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Up, and the results so far have not been surprising with nearly every favored team making it through to the quarterfinals. Today kicks off the quarterfinals with four teams playing today and another four tomorrow that will determine who plays in Wednesday’s semi-final matches.
England and France begin today’s competition at 11am CT. France has enjoyed a high-scoring tournament so far, matching the highest overall goal total with 7 — tied for first place with host Germany and Brazil. Marie-Laure Delie and Gaetane Thiney lead France with two goals apiece, and the English defense must account for both players for all 90 minutes.
While France is definitely the favorite here, they are without goalkeeper Berangere Sapowicz, who received a red card last game. Whoever wins this match-up will go on to face the winner of the United States v. Brazil match coming up tomorrow afternoon.
For the second match this afternoon, host Germany is the favored team against Japan. Germany has seven wins and one draw in its last eight meetings against Japan, and with a raucous home crowd, this could be the biggest disparity in the quarterfinals. The winner goes on to play either Sweden or Australia.
ESPN is covering the England v. France match-up beginning at 10:30am CT and will continue consistent coverage throughout the day, so soccer fans can leave the channel on and sit back and enjoy. ESPN3.com will also stream the games, and you can check out full listings here.