Olympics: Friday’s Schedule – Quarterfinals

Friday’s Schedule, With NBC “Live Extra” Links

(all times EDT)
7:00 a.m. – Sweden vs. France (Glasgow)
9:30 a.m. – United States vs. New Zealand (Newcastle)
12:00 p.m. – Brazil vs. Japan (Cardiff)
2:30 p.m. – Great Britain vs. Canada (Coventry)

Matches will air on NBC Sports Network and NBC’s Specialty Olympic Soccer Channel.

Also: NBCSN Simulcast (August 3).

For quick previews of the quarterfinals, see the rest of this post… Continue reading “Olympics: Friday’s Schedule – Quarterfinals”

Olympics: Round-Up of Group Matches on July 31st Plus Notes

Again, the vital statistics, with group tables. Plus the knock-out stage schedule…

(note: some sources are not yet available, post will be updated) Continue reading “Olympics: Round-Up of Group Matches on July 31st Plus Notes”

Olympics: Advancement Scenarios for the Final Match Day of Group Play

[Notes: (1) For those looking for a schedule of Tuesday’s matches, see the third section. (2) Hopefully the math for these scenarios is correct, but if you see an error or would like clarification, (as always) feel free to bring that up in a comment.]

Although five teams, the United States, Great Britain, Brazil, Japan, and Sweden, have secured spots into the quarterfinals of the women’s soccer tournament at this year’s London Olympics, those teams’ placement, as well as the placements for the other quarterfinal hopefuls remains in the balance and will be settled on the final group match day, Tuesday, July 31st. Continue reading “Olympics: Advancement Scenarios for the Final Match Day of Group Play”

Olympics: Television Schedule for July 28th, with “Live Extra” Links

On Saturday, July 28th, all twelve teams in women’s soccer tournament at this year’s London Olympics will play their second group matches. The United States Women’s National Team, fresh off their comeback win over France will take on Colombia at noon Eastern time. This match will be shown live on NBC Sports Network and NBC’s Specialty Soccer Channel, as well as via a live stream on NBCOlympics.com. Continue reading “Olympics: Television Schedule for July 28th, with “Live Extra” Links”

Olympics: Recent Matches Involving Qualified Teams (Updated, 21-July)

Here is a list of friendlies and other international matches involving Olympics-bound women’s soccer teams, for the two months leading up to the start of the Olympic women’s soccer tournament. This post is intended as an “FYI.” After the final tune-up matches on the 20th, a more proper write-up is planned.

This post will be updated as more matches are completed.

If you know of any international matches that are not listed, whether official, friendly, or closed-door, please post that information in a comment. Matches not involving two senior women’s national teams (e.g., scrimmages against club teams) are beyond the scope of this post. Continue reading “Olympics: Recent Matches Involving Qualified Teams (Updated, 21-July)”

Olympics: Nadeshiko Japan Announces Its Roster

Early Monday, head coach Norio Sasaki announced Nadeshiko Japan’s roster for the  women’s soccer tournament at this year’s Summer Olympics in Great Britain (JFA, Japanese version). All eighteen players on the primary roster were part of Japan’s 2011 World Champion squad, including Karina Maruyama, who injured her knee during Olympic qualifying last September. Also making the squad are defender Azusa Iwashimizu and U-20 forward Mana Iwabuchi, who both missed the Volvo Winners Cup in Sweden due to minor injuries (left ankle and foot, respectively). Not among the primary players or alternates is defender Rumi Utsugi, who was injured during Japan’s most recent friendly with the United States. Continue reading “Olympics: Nadeshiko Japan Announces Its Roster”

Opponent Watch: Japan’s Travel Roster For Friendlies in Sweden

Early on Tuesday, Japan released its roster for the two friendlies versus the United States and Sweden that will be held in Sweden in mid-June as part of the Volvo Winners Cup. Twenty-one players were called up, including Homare Sawa and Mana Iwabuchi who were both recovering from medical issues. One uncapped player was called up, Ami Otaki, who finished university at the end of last year and now plays for UEFA Women’s Champion League champions Olympique Lyonnais in France.

Japan and the United States WNT play each other on June 18th at 13:00 local time in Sweden.

Continue reading “Opponent Watch: Japan’s Travel Roster For Friendlies in Sweden”

Olympics: Notes on the Latest FIFA Women’s World Rankings

On June 1st, the latest FIFA Women’s World Rankings were released. While there were no major shake-ups, the most notable rankings movement was by Brazil, whose series of losses to Canada, the USA, and Japan, caused them to drop 33 points and fall from fourth place to fifth place, behind Sweden. Meanwhile, the United States remains in the number one spot and was able to extend its points lead over Germany and the other top teams. Continue reading “Olympics: Notes on the Latest FIFA Women’s World Rankings”