The state of play as the FIFA Women’s World Cup reaches knockout rounds
It feels like just yesterday that the FIFA Women’s World Cup kicked off, but already we’ve witnessed some huge upsets as we move into the knockout rounds.
So where does the tournament stand?
Only three teams took maximum points in the group stage, with England and Japan most impressive and Sweden quietly putting Group G to the sword.
And yet Spain and the United States loom large despite - particularly in the Americans’ case - some disappointing days in the opening weeks.
Australia will enter the Round of 16 ostensibly on a second rung of contenders alongside the likes of France and the Netherlands but in truth this could still be anyone’s tournament.
The knockout rounds promise even more drama with the introduction of extra time in the form of two 15-minute halves. If the scores are still level afterwards, a penalty shootout will decide the winner.
Switzerland v Spain
Saturday, August 5 - Auckland, 5pm NZST (3pm AEST)
Switzerland emerged out of the underwhelming Group A with a 2-0 win over the Philippines and two 0-0 draws with Norway and New Zealand. And while it would be easy to sell a stout defence as a strong point heading into this knockout clash, the Swiss showed precious little in attack in the two draws.
But maybe that won’t matter. A counterattacking masterclass by Japan showed the perfect blueprint for beating Spain when they won 4-0 in the group stage despite holding possession for just 22.9 per cent of the game. The Spaniards, though, will surely back themselves to make at least a few passes count over 90 or even 120 minutes against Switzerland.
Japan v Norway
Saturday, August 5 - Wellington, 8pm NZST (6pm AEST)
As mentioned above, Japan flicked the switch from toying with Zambia and Costa Rica to sitting deep and waiting to strike against Spain. The 2011 champions’ form so far suggests they weren’t rated nearly as highly as they ought to have been, with the team working as one and flourishing.
Norway’s tournament was on the brink after day one and their situation had hardly improved by their second match, but they’re in the Round of 16 and that’s all that matters now. Can this talented team of individuals overcome their much more organised Japanese opponents?
Netherlands v South Africa
Sunday, August 6 - Sydney, 12pm AEST
The Netherlands probably still aren’t as much of a threat as they were in 2019, when they lost the final to the United States, but finishing on top of a group with the US is a feather in the cap. They will, though, have their work cut out for them against South Africa.
The reigning African champions are producing the kind of football that makes tournaments like this so memorable: they’ll throw everything at their opponents and it will put the pressure on. Where most Round of 16 matches are evenly matched, this one has serious upset potential.
Sweden v United States
Sunday, August 6 - Melbourne, 7pm AEST
Save for the Matildas, this is right up there as one of the most anticipated matches of the Round of 16. Sweden entered the tournament with one of the strongest recent records of any team but haven’t been able to lift a major trophy. With form on their side, condemning the United States to their worst Women’s World Cup result by far would be a significant scalp.
And there is no doubt all the pressure is on the US. Supremely talented but yet to put the foot down, this is the Americans’ chance to prove they can still be the all-conquering champions who fear nobody. It might just take some drastic line-up changes to do so, though, which only risks upsetting the apple cart more.
England v Nigeria
Monday, August 7 - Brisbane, 5.30pm AEST
What a test this promises to be for England after already seeing off Denmark and China in the group stage. The reigning European champions will be asked plenty of questions by Nigeria but more moments of brilliance from Lauren James might just be enough to separate the haves from the have-nots.
Nigeria, in truth, should have avoided this game but failing to break down Ireland meant they finished runner-up behind Australia in Group B. Still, we can’t put it past Nigeria to rise to this challenge just like they did against the Matildas.
Matildas v Denmark
Monday, August 7 - Sydney, 8.30pm AEST
The big one. The one we thought we’d missed out on, and the one we should absolutely savour. With the Matildas’ knockout mindset already in place after needing to beat Canada to stay alive, the hosts are in prime position to put the foot down - especially if Sam Kerr is finally fit enough to take the field.
Denmark did what they needed to do to get out of a tough group without really looking like they were going to beat England in the match that decided top spot. Do they have what it takes to challenge an Australian side backed by 80,000 fans? The Matildas were largely untroubled by Canada but the chances will be there for Denmark.
Colombia v Jamaica
Tuesday, August 8 - Melbourne, 6pm AEST
Teenager Linda Caicedo announced herself on the world stage with two stunning performances to help Colombia top their group. They suffered a shock loss to Morocco in the final group game, but will fancy their chances of progressing further on the back of Caicedo’s brilliance.
Jamaica have progressed to the knockout rounds for the first time in their history and, incredibly, have yet to concede a goal at this World Cup. They have only scored once themselves - but keeping heavyweights Brazil at bay in their final group game will give them the belief they can produce another big result.
France v Morocco
Tuesday, August 8 - Adelaide, 8.30pm ACST (9pm AEST)
France head into the knockout rounds riding high after scoring six in their final group game against Panama. They also showed their resilience with a hard-fought win over Brazil that was key to topping their group. Looming large as the Matildas’ next opponent should results go as expected.
After losing 6-0 to Germany in their opening group game, Morocco’s chances of qualifying appeared all over. But the world No.72 produced two gritty 1-0 results to remarkably seal their passage to the next round. They are the lowest-ranked team still in the tournament.
Quarter-final match-ups
There will be two days off between the Round of 16 and the quarter-finals as the tournament nears its crescendo.
So how will the last eight shake out? Here’s where the match-ups will land:
FRIDAY, AUGUST 11
Wellington, 1pm NZST (11am AEST)
Switzerland or Spain v Netherlands or South Africa
Auckland, 7.30pm NZST (5.30pm AEST)
Japan or Norway v Sweden or United States
SATURDAY, AUGUST 12
Brisbane, 5pm AEST
Matildas or Denmark v France or Morocco
Sydney, 8.30pm AEST
England or Nigeria v Colombia or Jamaica
