After several weeks and many late night/early morning matches (with more of those to come), we are down to eight teams who will be vying for a spot in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-finals. Now that the field is down to single digits, here is a look at how these teams got to this point and a few of my thoughts on the quarterfinal matches.
Spain vs Netherlands – August 10, 2023 9pm ET, 6pm PT
How They Got Here:
Spain finished behind Japan in Group C with two wins and one loss. The first two games saw convincing wins over Costa Rica (3-0) and Zambia (5-0). Then, a tough 4-0 loss against Group winners Japan. They beat Switzerland in the round of 16 by a score of 5-1.
Netherlands, surprisingly (depending on who you ask) finished at the top of Group E with wins over Portugal (1-0) and Vietnam(7-0) and a draw against the US (1-1). They faced an entertaining and challenging South Africa team in the round of 16, but were able to come out on top with a 2-0 win.
The Matchup:
While I think all of the QF matches are going to be great, I feel like this is really one to watch. On one side you have Spain, who has had no shortage of goals and has kept teams, minus Japan, mostly off the scoresheet. The fact that Japan showed that it is possibly to completely pick apart their defense is something to note and it will be interesting to see if/how Netherlands try to exploit that. On the other side the Netherlands certainly has the ability to put the ball in the back of the net, but has also allowed teams to penetrate the defense and create solid scoring opportunities. I think tactics are going to play a big part in this match as both sides have the personnel to be successful against the other team but both sides have a lot of questions to answer regarding their back lines. It may come down to who can wear down the other team’s defense the best.
Players to watch for Spain: Aitana Bonmati, Jennifer Hermoso, Alba Redondo, Irene Paredes. I would be remiss if I didn’t include Alexia Putellas on this list as well. Putellas hasn’t played a big a rolI didn’t fans may have liked in this tournament considering her recent return from injury, but she certainly has the ability to be a huge impact player especially in a big game. Players to watch for the Netherlands: Jill Roord, Lieke Martens, Sherida Spitse. Noteworthy that the Netherlands will be without Danielle Van De Donk who is suspended due to yellow card accumulation.
Japan vs Sweden – August 11, 2023 3:30am ET, 12:30am PT
How They Got Here:
Japan easily topped Group C, taking max points with wins against Zambia (5-0), Costa Rica (2-0) and Spain (4-0) while conceding no goals throughout group play. The gave up their first goal against Norway in the round of 16, but were able to advance with a 3-1 win in another impressive performance.
Sweden topped Group G beating South Africa (2-1), Italy (5-0) and Argentina (2-0). They went to penalties against the US off of an amazing performance by GK Zecira Musovic, ultimately winning 5-4 in the shootout.
The Matchup:
Japan has played beautiful soccer this whole tournament, and it is almost difficult to identify a weakness that could be exploited. They have done an excellent job scoring goals even with little possession. Their ability to get behind defenses has really been incredible and they have only given up one goal in the entire tournament even against teams that have scored multiple times against other opponents. One advantage Sweden has is their ability in the air and from set pieces. They are good at creating dangerous chances and scoring goals from set pieces. If they are able to win those opportunities or even able to serve up a few well placed crosses into the box, they have a good chance at finding the back of the net. The only goal Japan conceded came from a set piece, which is a plus for Sweden. They do have the ability to score from the run of play as well, but their ability to move forward and pressure opponents back lines has been somewhat inconsistent throughout the tournament (most notably against the US).
Players to watch for Japan: Hinata Miyazawa, Mina Tanaka, Jun Endo. Miyazawa has scored five goals so far this tournament with Tanaka leading assists. Endo has also been integral to Japan’s play and has been key in breaking through and unlocking opposing defenses. Players to watch for Sweden: Amanda Ilestedt, Kosovare Asllani, Zecira Musovic. Ilestedt is Sweden’s leading goal scorer so far in the tournament, while Asllani is a playmaker who brings leadership and experience for Sweden. Musovic basically stood on her head against the US and will be interesting to see if and how she handles the fast breaks from Japan.
Australia vs France – August 12, 2023 3am ET, 12am PT
How they Got Here:
Australia topped Group B with wins over Ireland (1-0) and Canada (4-0). They lost to an impressive Nigeria (3-2) in the second group match. Australia played all three group matches without Sam Kerr as it was announced right before the first group match that she had picked up a calf injury during pre-match training. Australia defeated Denmark 2-0 in the round of 16 to advance to the quarterfinals in a match where Kerr subbed in the final 10 or so minutes.
France topped a tough Group C by beating Brazil (2-1) and Panama (6-3). They opened group play with a 0-0 draw against an outstanding Jamaica side. France booked their ticket into the quarterfinal with a 4-0 win over Morocco, it what many would say was the most complete and performance from the France side.
The Match Up:
As mentioned, Australia played all three group matches without Sam Kerr. While it took them a few games to figure out what that meant and how to execute a successful game plan without her, by the last group stage against Canada, the team was firing on all cylinders and putting in a solid performance that carried on into the round of 16 match. Kerr did see the pitch in the last 10ish minutes against Denmark, but it is going to be interesting to see how they now adjust to having her back on the pitch. I would expect Kerr to see significantly more time in the quarterfinal match and for her presence to have an impact, whether it be directly on the ball herself or drawing defenders off her teammates. On the other side, France, except for the first game against Jamaica, have had little trouble scoring goals with several different players scoring multiple goals throughout the tournament. Where they have seemed to struggle a little, is on the defensive end. They conceded a goal two minutes into their match against Panama, and while they ended up scoring five themselves after that, gave up two more in the latter stages of the match. They also have had four or five different CB pairings throughout the tournament and I think that makes it difficult to create consistency. They did hold Morocco scoreless, but this Australia side has a knack for getting the ball over and through opposing defense and mounting a quick counter attack.
Players to watch for Australia: Hayley Raso, Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler. I also have to include Sam Kerr on this list because she’s Sam Kerr, but it is still unclear how many minutes she will see in this quarterfinal match (you’d imagine surely more than in the round of 16) and how she integrates with a team that’s played almost four whole matches without her. Players to watch for France: Kadidiatou Diani, Eugenie Le Sommer, Grace Geyoro. I am also including Wendie Renard on this list because you almost can’t omit her. Her leadership and presence on the field is incredible and she did score a critical, game winning goal against Brazil.
England vs Colombia – August 12, 2023 6:30am ET, 3:30am PT
How They Got Here:
England won group D, winning all three matches against Haiti (1-0), Denmark (1-0) and China (6-1). They went all the way to penalties against Nigeria in the round of 16 after going 120+ scoreless minutes and won 4-2 in the shootout. They did so playing down a player for all of extra time as Lauren James was sent off after stepping on Michelle Alozie’s back.
Colombia topped a Group H that saw Germany eliminated before the knockout rounds. They did so by beating South Korea (2-0) and Germany (2-1). They lost the last group match to Morocco and actually tied them with points, but won the group on goal differential. In the round of 16, they beat a Jamaica side that had not given up a goal the entire tournament up to that point.
The Matchup:
England is by far the favorite here. In fact, since the US has been eliminated, many have them as the favorites to win the whole tournament. England, however, got off to a fairly slow start this tournament despite winning their first two matches. The found great form against China, but were taken the distance from a strong, determined Nigeria team in the round of 16. Lauren James is serving a two match ban for the aforementioned red card in the round of 16 and while England has plenty of attacking players who can step up and have a major impact, James was one of, if not the best player for England up to that point. Colombia, however, in my opinion, have been one of the more fun teams to watch throughout the tournament. They have also been incredibly dangerous and have known that they have what it takes to score huge goals and to beat a highly ranked tough team on the world’s stage. I think Colombia will also see themselves as the underdogs and that, as well as what will surely be a lively Colombia fanbase, could give them an edge.
Players to watch England: Rachel Daly, Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo. One or a combination of players will need to step up to replace the gap left by the absence of Lauren James. They are all up for the task. Players to watch for Colombia: Catalina Usme, Maya Ramirez, Linda Caceido. There have been some great goals scored in this tournament by far; two of those include goals by Ramirez and Caceido.
