Women’s World Cup 2019: New Zealand (Hassett & Cleverley) 0, Canada 2

New Zealand (0-2-0) had another tough loss in losing to Canada (2-0-0) 2-0 in their 2nd match of group E play. With the loss, the Football Ferns are now eliminated from advancing into the knockout stage need a big match in their finale to possible get one of the 3 3rd place spot to advanced to the final 16. The top two spots in Group E, and automatic bids into the final 16, are clinched by the Netherlands and Canada.

The New Zealand squad with two Golden Bears will seek to score their first goal of this tournament on Thursday when they face Cameroon. The Football Ferns will need to score a number of goals to possibly get a 3rd place spot based on the tiebreaking goal differential.

Hassett again started this match at midfield; she was not subbed out of the match until the 85th minute when the Football Ferns were already trailing 2-0. Daisy Cleverley again remained on the bench for the second straight match.

Coming off a heartrbreaking extra time 1-0 loss to the Netherlands in their opening match, the New Zealand Football Ferns looks to bounce back against an equally challenging foe in Canada. Canada had defeated Cameroon by a 1-0 score themselves.

Of course, two Cal Bears are on the New Zealand squad. Cal alum midfielder Betsy Hassett started the opening match for New Zealand before being subbed out after about 60 minutes. Cal junior midfielder Daisy Cleverley did not get into this match.

If New Zealand wants to have a shot at advancing out of Group play, they almost certainly need to win this match, barring a shocking loss to Cameroon by the Netherlands. New Zealand also played Canada in the group stage of the last Women’s World Cup; the two sides held each other scoreless after 90+ minutes for a 0-0 draw.

New Zealand (0-1-0) vs. Canada (1-0-0)

Where: Grenoble, France

When: 12 pm PT

TV: FS2 and Universo

GO BETSY AND DAISY!

GO BEARS!