It took some time for things to get truly interesting in Group D of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, but when things got good, they truly exploded to life. There have been four goals between the two games in a period of about ten minutes, as Brazil now lead Equatorial Guinea by a score of 2-0, while both Norway and Australia have scored in a period of less than two minutes, making their game a 1-1 tie.
Norway scored the opening goal in their game, capitalizing on a total gift. On a long ball that should have been claimed easily, both goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri and midfielder Servet Uzunlar got caught staring at the ball, each waiting for the other to do something. Inexplicably, with the ball at the edge of the penalty area, neither of them played the ball, allowing Norwegian striker Elise Thornses to pick up the ball, run into the box, and score a tap-in finish.
Their lead didn't last long at all, as Australia found an equalizer instantly. Running down the left side of the penalty area, Lisa De Vanna, who has been very good thus far, laid a ball across the box for young Kyah Simon. She finished well at the far post, and Australia are back into the quarterfinals as it stands, since they only need a draw to qualify.
Brazil's goals are of little consequence, as a draw was all they needed to win the group, but they're still a bad sign for whoever does not get their desired result in this evening's USA-Sweden game.