Women's World Cup Day 8 Open Thread

Group C closes out play with Ecuador taking on Japan and Switzerland facing Cameroon in simultaneous kickoffs at 2:00pm, followed by Australia versus Sweden and the United States against Nigeria at 5:00pm to settle Group D.

Unbeaten Japan takes on win-less Ecuador in a match that should easily go to the Japanese.  While Japan has not had dominant high scoring performances, they have done enough to get the wins needed to move on to the Round of 16.  Ecuador has had a tough World Cup debut, getting thoroughly dominated in their first two matches, but have an opportunity to pull off a shocker if Japan lets off in this match.

Switzerland and Cameroon have had dominating performances in their matches against Ecuador and tough losses to Japan.  Both sides find themselves on the cusp of advancing to the next stage, and will look to end the other's run to do so.  A win guarantees that side advances to the next stage, while a draw put Switzerland through and Cameroon likely through, depending on results of other matches.

The "Group of Death" has lived up to it's billing, as everyone is still in play to advance to the Round of 16.  Steph Catley's Australian side finds themselves in a good position to move on with at least a draw, while Sweden needs a win to guarantee themselves a spot in the next round, as their even goal differential hurts their prospects of moving on as a third place team.

The United States have looked lethargic and uninspired at best in this World Cup, but are still at the top of the Group going into the final day, needing at least a draw to guarantee they advance, but have a challenge in Nigeria, who's only chance to advance will be from a win and then enter the crowded field of teams on the bubble.  Alex Morgan and Tobin Heath should be vital players to helping the USWNT advance, as they will need to match the Nigerian athleticism with some of their own, but previous lineups suggest that we may only see them in the second half again, as Jill Ellis' lineups and substitutions patterns .have proved questionable, at best.

Ecuador vs. Japan

Kickoff: 2:00am

Watch: Fox Sports 1 or streaming on Fox Sports Go and NBC Universo

Switzerland vs. Cameroon

Kickoff: 2:00pm

Watch: Fox Sports 2 or streaming on Fox Sports Go  and NBC Universo

Australia vs. Sweden

Kickoff: 5:00am

Watch: Fox Sports 1 or streaming on Fox Sports Go and NBC Universo

United States vs. Nigeria

Kickoff: 5:00pm

Watch: FOX or streaming on Fox Sports Go and NBC Universo