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France’s Eugenie Le Sommer celebrates after scoring her team’s fourth goal during the Women’s World Cup round of 16 soccer match between France and Morocco in Adelaide, Australia, Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/James Elsby)
And then there were eight.
As giants fell, legends retired, and penalty shootouts proved popular in the 2023 Women’s World Cup Round of 16, the contenders have been whittled down to quarterfinalists.
Five European nations, one Asian, one South American, and co-hosts Australia remain with the quarterfinals kicking off Down Under on Friday.
Spain vs Netherlands
This all-European clash sees the 2019 runners-up take on an in-form Spanish side. It could very well be the decider between two potential winners in Wellington, New Zealand on Friday. The Netherlands topped their group and moved past South Africa with ease in the Round of 16. The Dutch have won every game so far except for a 1-1 tie with the US. While Spain is only reaching the quarterfinals of a Women’s World Cup for the first time, its red-hot attack has tallied 13 goals so far. Aitana Bonmatí, Jennifer Hermoso, and Alba Redondo have racked up the scoresheet for Spain on the biggest stage. Even after a 4-0 loss to Japan in the group stages, Spain bounced back to beat Switzerland 5-1 in the Round of 16.
Favorites: Spain
Japan vs Sweden
Japan are unbeaten, have racked up 14 goals, and remarkably only conceded just once at the Women’s World Cup so far. Their terrific run of form is expected to be challenged by a robust Swedish side in Eden Park on Friday. Sweden is coming off an emphatic penalty shootout win over the US that will only strengthen the spirit of their squad. Swedish goalkeeper Zećira Mušović has been crucial for the Blågult, conceding just three goals and keeping Sweden afloat in its Round of 16 clash with the defending…
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