The intensity in Australia and New Zealand skyrocketed as the teams moved onto the first knockout stage of the Women’s World Cup. Ahead of the quarterfinals, let’s talk about what went down in the Round of 16.
Spain Crushes Switzerland 5-1
In spite of an early own goal that allowed Switzerland to have a bit of hope, this match was all Spain. The Swiss won Group A through defensive effort including three clean sheets. After five minutes of play in this contest, Spain had already netted one. The Spaniards added three more in the first half and their fifth and final goal in the second.
Netherlands Eliminate South Africa From Women’s World Cup With 2-0 Win
The Netherlands jumped on South Africa early on in their contest and never let up. Jill Roord scored her fourth of the tournament in the ninth minute to give her squad a 1-0 lead. South Africa wasn’t able to muster much of an attack and the Dutch netted one more in the second half. The victory propels the Netherlands on to a quarterfinal matchup with Spain.
Japan Continues Dominance With 3-1 Victory Against Norway
Japan swiftly climbed up the rankings of Women’s World Cup favorites after cruising the group stage of the tournament. That form continued as Japan defeated Norway 3-1 in their Round of 16 match. Norway managed to keep this match competitive in the first half but Risa Shimizu’s early second-half goal gave Japan the lead. Hinata Miyazawa netted her fifth goal of the tournament to close out the match and see Japan advance.
USWNT Crashes Out Against Sweden in Pens
Fears about the U.S. Women’s National Team proved accurate as the attack netted zero goals in regulation against Sweden. Missed penalties from Megan Rapinoe, Sophia Smith, and Kelley O’Hara spelled disaster. With Sweden’s Lina Hurtig securing the game-winning PK, Sweden’s victory over the United States sees them advance to the quarterfinals against Japan.
Hosts Australia Move On With 2-0 Victory Against Denmark
After missing the group stage of the tournament due to injury, Australia’s Sam Kerr returned to action against Denmark and provided a boost to one of the host countries of the Women’s World Cup. Australia took an early lead against the Danish side courtesy of a Caitlin Foord goal in the first half. The Matildas controlled the rest of the contest and tacked on one more goal, this time from Hayley Raso, to defeat Denmark 2-0.
France Routs Morocco 4-0
Three first-half goals in quick succession for France sealed their knockout stage victory over Morocco. Though France would add one more goal in the second half, the match outcome had long been decided. Eugenie Le Sommer netted two for France and will look to keep that form up in the quarterfinal match with Australia.
Nigeria Falls to England in Penalty Shootout
Nigeria put in a valiant effort but in spite of their ability to keep a clean sheet in regulation and the fact that England played through extra time a woman down thanks to a Lauren James red card, they were unable to defeat the English. The match went to penalties where Chloe Kelly punched England’s ticket to a quarterfinal match.
Colombia Defeats Jamaica 1-0
Jamaica’s admirable run in the Women’s World Cup came to an end against Colombia in the Round of 16. After a tight first half which saw both teams go scoreless, Colombia finally broke the stalemate early in the second half. Try as they might, Jamaica couldn’t find the back of the net to tie the game. Colombia moves on to a quarterfinal matchup with England thanks to their 1-0 win.
Be sure to check out the Quarterfinals schedule below!
Thursday 08/10
Spain vs. Netherlands – 8:00 p.m. CT on FOX
Friday 08/11
Japan vs. Sweden – 2:30 a.m. CT on FOX
Saturday 08/12
Australia vs. France – 2:00 a.m. CT on FOX
England vs. Colombia – 5:30 a.m. CT on FOX