Rio 2016 Olympics: Women's Soccer Semifinals

There was a dream match on the horizon: Brazil vs USA at the legendary Maracanã Stadium in the 2016 Olympic semifinals. The two countries played in numerous memorable meetings in the Women's World Cup and Olympics, but not since perhaps the most iconic: the 2011 Women's World Cup Quarterfinals when the shorthanded US tied Brazil late on an Abby Wambach header then beat them in penalty kicks.

It was not to be though, as Sweden upset the 2015 Women's World Cup champion United States in the Quarterfinals, eliminating them in a penalty shootout. Its the earliest ever exit for the USWNT since women's Olympic soccer was added at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.Though it was an upset, its not as shocking as many are making it out to be. First, Sweden have beaten the US 3 times recently, in addition to numerous ties. They know how to play the US, with frustrating defense and a scary counter attack. This of course caused Hope Solo to label them "cowards", though this tactic has been used for decades. Yes she was frustrated, but its out of line to call an opponent "cowards" in the Olympics. 

The United States dominated with 27 shots, but they had trouble finishing. They looked off all tournament, and it never felt like they were headed for gold. Former USA coach Pia Sundhage is now coach of Sweden, and she clearly knows how to game plan against her former team. 

China employed a similar defensive tactic against Germany, though they weren't as successful, with Germany handing them a 1-0 defeat. France continued to be the biggest underachievers in women's soccer, losing to Canada 1-0. Canada also beat France for the Bronze medal at the London 2012 Olympics. France have a ton of talent but have yet to make a final in a major women's tournament (Olympics, World Cup, EURO). Canada have been the most impressive team by far, winning all 4 matches and taking down powerful Australia, France and Germany. Brazil and Australia played one of the most exciting 0-0 draws ever, with Brazil taking down Australia after a long penalty shootout. Surprisingly, superstar Marta had a penalty saved, though it didn't matter as Brazil were able to rally in front of a packed crowd.

So the Semifinals are set: Brazil vs Sweden and Canada vs Germany. These are both rematches from the group stage. Brazil dominated Sweden 5-1, and Canada edged Germany 2-1. Sweden may play Brazil similar to how they played the United States, though I still expect Brazil to pull it out in front of a sold out Maracanã. Canada-Germany is a tough one. Canada look much better, but beating Germany twice in one tournament is a tall task. Christine Sinclair didn't play in the last meeting, which could be enough to give Canada another victory. 

2015 FIFA Women's World Cup: Final Group Stage Matches

The final round of Group Stage matches for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup are here, and plenty of teams still have a chance after some surprising results.

Group B kicks things off today, and this one should be simple. Germany should beat Thailand, Norway should beat Ivory Coast. Based on Goal Differential we'll likely see Germany on top with Norway in second. Thailand is still alive for a 3rd place spot in the knockout round, but their goal differential will likely be too far back.

Group A is the tight, interesting one. Canada plays the Netherlands. Netherlands will want a draw at least to get to 4 points, and Canada will want to head into the knockout round with a win. New Zealand need a win, but have struggled to score and they face the tough "Great Wall of Defense" that is China. We'll likely see Canada top the group and China finish second. Netherlands should get 3rd place, and might have enough goal differential to make it to the knockout round.

Tuesday we'll see Group C. defending champs Japan pretty much have locked up the top seed, as they face the weakest team in the tournament, Ecuador. Switzerland should grab 2nd when they face Cameroon, all they need is a draw. Cameroon have been an exciting team and have a great chance to qualify as a top third place team. A draw would guarantee it, which would be nice for these fan favorites.

Group D is still fairly open. USA sits on top with four points, and face a fading Nigeria team. USA still have plenty to prove, and hopefully we'll see a start from Tobin Heath in the midfield. Australia sits in 2nd with 3 points, while Sweden sits in 3rd with 2 points. If Sweden lose, they're finished. I can see them winning this, but Australia are a tough team and a draw is possible. Either way, both teams should make it through, unless Sweden lose of course. Whoever finishes 2nd in group D is guaranteed to face Brazil. Alex Morgan has been playing sporadically, so if USA can get a comfortable lead here it could allow her some extra rest heading into the knockout round.

Wednesday we have Group E. Costa Rica are the talk of the tournament after pulling draws from both Spain & South Korea. They take on Brazil who locked up 1st place, so they could possibly rest starters like Marta, giving Costa Rica a shot at a draw, or maybe even win. South Korea take on Spain, and both need to win. A draw might eliminate both, unless Costa Rica loses, which helps Spain. South Korea lack Goal Differential and definitely need a win.

Group F had the shocker of the tournament, with Colombia beating Spain 2-0 in one of the biggest upsets in Women's World Cup history. That means France is sitting in 3rd and face Mexico, which won't be an easy one, though they should get a result and advance. England take on Colombia for first place. Either way, both of those teams should advance. The 3rd place team here is likely to face the winner of Group D, which seems like it will be the US.

Aside from Ecuador & Ivory Coast, every team has been competitive so far. with most of them still alive for the knockout round. Only Japan & Brazil had qualified entering into this final round of Group matches.