Brazil, France eye last-16 slots

 
Having taken command in Groups E and F thanks to their opening wins and the draws involving the other teams in their sections, Brazil and France are looking to move one step closer to the last 16 on Saturday, when they take on Spain and Colombia respectively.

In contrast, bottom-placed sides England and Korea Republic need to take something from their respective outings against Mexico and Costa Rica to stay in contention.

Match of the day

Brazil-Spain, Montreal, 16.00 local time
The South Americans turned on the style against the Taeguk Ladies in their tournament debut, with Marta and Formiga converting their dominance into goals. Meanwhile, Spain were left to rue missed chances after relinquishing an early lead against Costa Rica and having to settle for a draw.

La Roja need to take something from an intriguing encounter that pitches former Tyreso team-mates and good friends Vero Boquete and Marta against each other. The stars of their national teams, the two know everything there is to know about one another’s games and will surely be providing their coaches with some valuable insight.

Despite going on the front foot against Las Ticas, Spain will likely adopt a more conservative approach against the dangerous Brazilians. Yet while the Spanish need to keep things tight at the back, they will also hope to sharpen their finishing.

The other matches 
France had to roll up their sleeves in defying the wind, the rain and England in their Group F debut, but still managed to show plenty of deftness and style, thanks to the likes of Louise Necib and Camille Abily. Les Bleues’ speed down the flanks and aerial prowess will give Colombia plenty to ponder in Moncton, with the Europeans aiming to add another victory to go with the one they earned over Las Cafeteras in the group phase at the Women's Olympic Football Tournament London 2012, when Elodie Thomis scored the only goal of the game.

Short of ideas against the French, England cannot afford another slip-up when they take on Mexico. The Three Lionesses will need to improve on their finishing in the last meeting between the two sides, a 1-1 draw in the group phase at Germany 2011, a game they dominated in terms of possession and the shot count, but to little avail.

Buoyed by the point they picked up against Spain, their first at the women’s world finals, tournament newcomers Costa Rica will be looking to do the same to Korea Republic as they did to the Spanish: negate their opponents tactically and match them on a physical level. That will be quite a task against the hard-running, muscular South Koreans, who also know a thing or two about tactical discipline and keeping their shape.

Player to watch
Costa Rica’s Shirley Cruz is more than just an inspirational player for her side. The PSG star, a two-time winner of the UEFA Women’s Champions League, gained her coaching badge a year ago and ensures that coach Amelia Valverde’s instructions are carried out on the field of play. A role model for her team-mates, Cruz is the player who makes Las Ticas tick.  

The stat
15 - the number of FIFA Women’s World Cup goals that Marta has racked up in her career, a tournament record. In scoring against Korea Republic, the Brazilian ace moved past the previous record holder, Germany’s Birgit Prinz. Her next target now is to leave the top scorer in the men’s world finals, Germany’s Miroslav Klose with 16, trailing in her wake.

The words
“I think I definitely owe Mexico one.” Recalling the chances she missed on her last meeting with Mexico at Germany 2011, England striker Eniola Aluko makes a vow to thefa.com.

Match schedule
Group E
Brazil-Spain (Olympic Stadium, Montreal, 16.00)
Korea Republic-Costa Rica (Olympic Stadium, Montreal, 19.00)

Group F
France-Colombia (Moncton Stadium, 14.00)
England-Mexico (Moncton Stadium, 17.00)

All times local