The matches of the unpredictable Group B unfold before countless fans as the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup continues to roll on. Warm favourites England played New Zealand on the 1st of July, 2011 at the Rudolf-Harbig Stadium in Dresden, Germany. England, having drawed Mexico in its last match, still need a few points as it grappled with Japan over which team would top Group B. New Zealand, in contrast, needs quite a few more points to avoid being eliminated from the World Cup.

Since the first FIFA Women's World Cup, England has shown great promise. Blazing through their qualifying games, being undefeated in a total of ten games, England is ready to take up their banner and shoot straight to the top. England’s key players to watch for are the consistent goal-scorers Kelly Smith and Fara Williams.

New Zealand has been greatly improving since the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup. New Zealand easily qualified for the World Cup this year without conceding a single goal. We can only hope that their luck will play out in this particular match. New Zealand's key players to watch for are the experienced Hayley Moorwood, the notable Ali Riley, and the consistent Rosie White.

Match Overview

The England National Team, known as The Three Lions. From top left: Faye White (c) (Defender), Kelly Smith (Forward), Karen Bardsley (Goalkeeper), Jill Scott (Midfielder), Casey Stoney (Defender), and Rachel Unitt (Defender). From bottom left: Rachel Yankey (Forward), Alex Scott (Defender), Eniola Aluko (Forward), Ellen White (Forward), and Fara Williams (Midfielder). (Image Source)

The New Zealand National Team, known as the Kiwis. From top left: Katie Bowen (Midfielder), Anna Green (Defender), Amber Hearn (Forward), Jenny Bindon (Goalkeeper), Abby Erceg (Defender), and Ria Percival (Defender). From bottom left: Ali Riley (Defender), Katie Hoyle (Midfielder), Rebecca Smith (c) (Defender), Betsy Hassett (Midfielder), and Sarah Gregorius (Forward). (Image Source)

New Zealand's Goal 18 Minutes In

Top: New Zealand Forward Sarah Gregorius scoring the first goal of the match (Image Source). Bottom: New Zealand Forward Sarah Gregorius celebrating after scoring the goal (Image Source).

New Zealand Forward Amber Hearn had made a cross, which New Zealand Forward had put in between England Defender Casey Stoney and England Defender Rachel Unitt.

England's Tying Goal in the 63rd Minute

Above: England Midfielder Jill Scott celebrating after scoring the tying goal (Image Source).

England Defender Alex Scott made a cross, which was headed home by England Midfielder Jill Scott.

England's Goal in the 81st Minute

Above: England Forward Jessica Clarke celebrating after scoring her goal (Image Source).

Inspired by England Midfielder Jill Scott, England Forward Jessica Clarke blasted her shot into the top corner of the goalpost.

Match Aftermath

New Zealand clearly dominated the first half of the match, while England came back so strong that the match ended in a 2:1 England victory. England would go on to play against Japan, while New Zealand was eliminated from the World Cup.

Of the match, New Zealand coach John Herdman said, "It was a truly great performance by the girls, and I’m very proud of them. We held our own against one of the powerhouses of the game for an hour. That isn’t the end of our tournament, because we still have a game against Mexico. It's about pride, and about New Zealand picking up their first three points at a World Cup."

Of the match, England coach Hope Powell said, "Credit to New Zealand, they really put us on the back foot and we struggled with it in the first half. They did well and it was a hard-fought contest. But credit to my girls too, they worked really hard for the three points. It was a very tough match and the three points are what mattered. That's what we came for, and that’s what we’ve come away with."