The group stage of this Women’s World Cup is formally over, and with it, any forgiveness accessible for the groups left. From right here on out, every loss means gamers will likely be headed dwelling, and there aren’t any extra attracts — penalty shootouts will determine video games if essential. In a match filled with surprises, that assures that they are going to proceed. It stays to be seen whether or not this yr’s upstarts had been merely stronger than anticipated or if they will craft sustained runs. Some of essentially the most gifted groups which have faltered even have a brand new likelihood to drag issues collectively.
The most susceptible contender on Saturday’s schedule must be Norway. The Norwegians barely made it out of a chaotic group, and their star, Ada Hegerberg, remains to be uncertain with a groin harm. Norway is about to face Japan, a longtime worldwide expertise that many appeared to underestimate heading into this World Cup. Spain and the Netherlands will likely be trying to maintain off their opponents or be a part of the ranks of Germany and Canada, worldwide powerhouses that did not carry out to their expectations.
Switzerland vs. Spain
Switzerland received a gaggle that eradicated one of many match’s host international locations, New Zealand, and featured a minimum of two main upsets. Not unhealthy for a staff that did not qualify for the 2019 World Cup. But now, the Swiss should face Spain — a high contender for the title that was truly performing like a high contender, decisively beating Costa Rica and Zambia, earlier than stumbling in a rout to Japan, 4-0. The Spaniards now must reply, and a win over Switzerland would obtain Spain’s aim of advancing deep into this match. They’re off to an excellent begin: Spain took a 4-1 halftime lead, and has one foot within the quarterfinals already.
Japan vs. Norway
Norway was in hassle. The Norwegians, combating accidents and sniping about their coach, had been knocking on the door of an early exit from this World Cup till their rout of the Philippines, 6-0, which noticed them by way of to the spherical of 16. That outcome lastly made Norway seem like the staff it thought it was heading into this match, one with aspirations of lifting the trophy. Now, something remains to be potential — together with going dwelling. Elimination will likely be all of the extra potential if Hegerberg, Norway’s star striker, nonetheless can’t play.
Japan emerged rolled by way of Group C with out surrendering a aim. The message was clear: This is without doubt one of the most harmful groups left within the match. Underestimated after a stretch of middling play after it received the 2011 World Cup, Japan is exhibiting itself to be a staff to beat once more.
Netherlands vs. South Africa
The Netherlands received Group E and was rewarded with avoiding Sweden within the first knockout match. Instead, the Dutch will face South Africa on Sunday in Sydney (10 p.m. Eastern time on Saturday evening). South Africa topped Italy, 3-2, within the 92nd minute to safe a spot within the spherical of 16. The South Africans are to not be underestimated — they’ve misplaced just one match thus far, to Sweden, 2-1, and are led by striker Thembi Kgatlana, who has already scored two targets on this World Cup.
Source: www.nytimes.com