As we bid farewell to a dramatic Round of 16 stage at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, we now head into the quarter-finals in Australia and New Zealand.
The Round of 16 saw eight tightly-fought fixtures between sixteen of the world’s best, and has left us with the tournament’s final eight nations.
One thing the Round of 16 confirmed for us, is that this FIFA Women’s World Cup will definitely have a new winner.
Sweden knocked out reigning world champions USWNT in remarkable fashion, after 120 minutes of play finished goalless and a sudden death penalty shootout win was decided by goal line technology.
The result sent the USWNT home following their worst-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign.
European Champions England were also forced to penalties. Nigeria held the Lionesses to a 0-0 draw in both normal time and extra time, but England came out on top with a 4-2 shootout win.
England’s Lauren James was shown a straight red card for violent conduct towards the end of normal time which, if not rescinded by FIFA, will see her miss the rest of the tournament.
Spain breezed through to the final eight following a 5-1 win over Switzerland as Aitana Bonmati scored a brace and strengthened her chances of securing this summer’s Golden Boot, along with Japan who progressed with a 3-1 win over Norway.
Co-hosts Australia and 2019 finalists Netherlands both secured their spot in the quarter finals with 2-0 wins over Denmark and South Africa respectively.
History was made yet again in this tournament as Colombiaadvanced to their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup quarter-finals with a narrow 1-0 over Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz, and France eased through to the final eight with a 4-0 win over debutants Morocco.
Schedule: FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 quarter-finals (All times are in SLST)
Spain v Netherlands Friday 11 August, 6.30 am
Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington
Spain kicked off their FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign with two dominant group stage wins, beating Costa Rica 3-0 and Zambia 5-0. Despite a shock 4-0 loss to Japan, Las Rojas secured their place in the quarter-finals with an impressive 5-1 win over Switzerland. The Netherlands, however, had a more understated start to their campaign with a 1-0 win over Portugal and 1-1 draw to USWNT. The floodgates opened for their 7-0 over Vietnam and they booked their spot in the final eight with a 2-0 win over South Africa. If there previous performances are anything to go by, Netherlands will be happy to patiently sit tight whilst Spain will be keen to dominate from kick-off.
Japan v Sweden Friday 11 August, 1.00pm
Eden Park, Auckland
Japan are the only nation left in the competition to have previously won a Women’s World Cup, which gives them a slight upper hand heading into the fixture. Sweden, however, proved stubbornly composed against world champions USWNT. With the experience of extra time and penalties now under their belt, the European side will be confident should this game be undecided within 90 minutes – but the Asian team has only conceded one goal so far this tournament, so the Swedish frontline have a challenge on their hands.
Australia v France Saturday 12 August, 12.30pm
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
Australia’s shock 3-2 loss to Nigeria now seems a distant memory following their confident displays against Canada and Denmark. The co-hosts are yet to start Sam Kerr following her injury, but this could be just the game that requires the spark of the Chelsea striker. France have had no issues scoring goals this tournament, so far netting 12 across four games, suggesting Australia will need a stubborn defence if they are to overcome Les Bleues.
England v Colombia Friday 11 August, 4.00pm
Stadium Australia, Sydney
With the USWNT on their way home, England are now favourites to become World champions. They come up against Colombia who are the lowest-ranked team remaining in the tournament. The Lionesses‘ campaign started off shaky with two unconvincing 1-0 wins over Denmark and Haiti, but they reinforced their ability in a 6-1 win over China. After an average performance across 120 minutes, Nigeria forced them to penalties which will send alarm bells to Sarina Wiegman as she prepares her squad for this quarter final. Colombia head into this fixture with nothing to lose and undoubtedly willing to do all they can to continue their history-making campaign.
How to watch the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 quarter finals
FIFA.com provides complete coverage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, with live match streams of every fixture on their platform FIFA+ (regional restrictions may apply).
