2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup Quarterfinals
Canada vs England
BC Place – Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Saturday, June 27, 2015, 7:30 pm Eastern, TV: Fox Sports 1, NBC Universo
Spread: Canada +1/2 (+136) / England +1/2 (-151)
Money Line: Canada +137 / England +263 / Draw +202
Odds to Advance: Canada -160 / England +140
Total: under 2 (-141) / over 2 (+126)
All Odds Courtesy of 5Dimes Sportsbook
Canada and England are both ranked in the top 8 in the world as they meet in the quarterfinals of the 2015 FIFA World Cup Saturday in Vancouver. England is #6 in the rankings and Canada is #8. The Canadians are a slight favorite though as they are the host nation. The winner will face either Japan or Australia in the semifinals Wednesday.
Canada was placed in group A and were the #1 seed as the host nation. Canada opened group play with a 1-0 win against China. The Canadians converted a penalty kick late in stoppage time to win the match. Despite a scoreless draw against New Zealand and a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands, Canada still won the group with five points. In the round of 16, Canada beat Switzerland 1-0 Sunday in Vancouver. The two teams combined for only 12 shots, including 4 on goal. Canada looks to return to the semifinals for the second time and first since 2003.
England was placed in group F for the World Cup. England lost to rival France 1-0 in the opening match. Since then the English have won three straight matches all by identical 2-1 scores. England beat Mexico and Colombia in the group stage. Both England and France finished with six points but the French won the group via goal differential. In the round of 16, England beat Norway Monday in Ottawa. After trailing 1-0 against Norway in the second half, England scored two goals in 15 minutes to win the match and advance to the quarterfinals. It was the first ever knockout stage win for England.
England leads the series 6-5 against Canada. The two teams have played twice this year with each claiming a 1-0 win. England won in the Cyprus Cup Final in March. The Canadians returned the favor earlier this month in a pre-tournament friendly. England won the only previous World Cup match-up in 1995. Canada beat Great Britain (with many English players) in the Bronze medal match of the 2012 Olympics.
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Canada is coached by John Herdman. Canada uses a 4-3-3 formation. While Canada has only allowed one goal in the tournament, they have only scored three goals themselves.
Goalkeeper Erin McLeod has recorded three shutouts in four games. Forward Christine Sinclair has 154 goals for Canada in her career in 227 caps. She has a goal and an assist in the World Cup. The goal was the winning penalty kick against China. Forward Josee Belanger scored the game winner against Switzerland.
England is coached by Mark Sampson. England uses a 4-1-3-2 formation. England is more known for their defense but have scored six goals in the tournament.
Keeper Karen Bardsley has conceded 4 goals in the tournament including 3 in the second half. Midfielder Karen Carney has two goals in the tournament. Midfielder Fara Williams has a goal and an assist. Defenders Steph Houghton and Lucy Bronze also have a goal each. Forward Fran Kirby also has a goal.
While Canada will have a decided home field advantage in Vancouver, there will be a vocal English presence as well in the crowd. This should be a low scoring game, and I think Canada escapes with a 1-0 win. The game could even go into extra time or a shootout.
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