Women’s World Cup Quarterfinals: Preview and Predictions

The final eight at the World Cup remain, and every single team has shown they have enough to win it all. Other than Japan, every single team is looking to become World Champions for the first time, and doing so would ignite a football revolution. It’s anybody’s game at this point, and we’re six games away from a new title holder. Let’s preview what should be an exciting World Cup Quarterfinals. 

Spain vs. Netherlands: August 10, 9:00 PM ET/6:00 PM PT, Fox

This is the best matchup of the Quarterfinals because both teams have been playing incredibly well. In fact, while most will have Spain favored to win, you could argue the Netherlands has performed better overall. Looking at the all-time record between these two teams, Spain has the advantage with a 5-3-2 record. 

However, when it comes to World Cup experience, the Dutch have the advantage as they were the runners-up four years ago, whereas Spain is in the final eight for the first time ever. Jenni Hermoso was moved back into a midfield role against Spain and looked phenomenal, along with Aitana Bonmati, who is a joy to watch. Spain has the better attack, without a doubt, but that own goal they conceded was very concerning. 

That’s not the kind of mistake they can make against the Dutch. Holland has also shown an ability to be tactically versatile whether they keep the ball or counterattack. Spain is more than likely to have the ball for most of the game, but the Dutch have players like Lieke Martens and Lineth Beerensteyn to catch Spain out of position.

This is a true contrast of styles between two nations that have changed the sport for the better. Between tiki-taka and total football, only one can reign supreme. I feel this will be a close game throughout, and I’m taking the Dutch in a slight upset to win this in penalties. 

Prediction: Netherlands wins 1-1 (5-3) in PK Shootout

Japan vs. Sweden: August 11, 3:30 AM ET/12:30 AM PT, Fox

Japan versus Sweden is another exciting contrast of styles. Sweden naturally has strength, size, and set-piece advantage, but Japan makes up for its lack of size with tactics, speed, and technique. The Swedes have a slight advantage with an all-time record of six wins, three draws, and five losses. However, based on recent performance, Japan has looked like a much better team. 

Yes, Sweden defeated the United States, but Alyssa Naeher was barely tested, having to face just one shot on target. The Swedes didn’t create much and survived in penalties when they were in a losing position. They weren’t all that impressive in the upset, whereas Japan hasn’t looked nearly as challenged. Norway kept it close for as long as they could before Japan pulled away in the second half. 

Sweden has to either use the set-piece game to their advantage to score because it’s unlikely they do it in open play. If Sweden doesn’t score that way, it’ll have to be what they did against the USWNT and force penalties. Will we see back-to-back incredible performances from Zećira Mušović? It’s not likely. Japan have been too good as a team, I think they get past Sweden. 

Prediction: Japan wins 2-0

Australia vs. France: August 12, 3:00 AM ET/12:00 AM PT, Fox

Can the Matildas finally enter the World Cup Semifinals for the first time? As co-hosts, this is by far their best chance to do it. Neither team had too many issues winning in their previous match. While both nations have had performances that weren’t their best, both are playing their best at the right time.

Sam Kerr hasn’t had as much of an impact as we all thought she would because of the calf injury. Hayley Raso and Caitlin Foord have been phenomenal in her place, and Kyra Cooney-Cross is a future star who is playing great in the midfield. 

For France, it’s been a combination of Kadidiatou Diani and Eugenie Le Sommer up front. Both have been almost unguardable throughout the tournament. Both sides’ weakness in the past has been their defense, but both kept a clean sheet in the last time out. Teams tend to tighten things up when there is more on the line, making this a slower game than usual. However, both teams don’t seem to know how to play any other way but fast, with great passing and deadly finishing. France should be slightly favored, but I’m taking the hosts to get to the semifinals and advance in a shootout.

Prediction: Matildas win 2-2 (4-2) in PK Shootout

England vs. Colombia: August 12, 6:30 AM ET/3:30 AM PT, Fox

Colombia continues to survive and advance after outlasting Jamaica with a 1-0 win. England is one of the favorites to win it all but will be without Lauren James after her shocking red card.

While Colombia has been tough, and Linda Caicedo can take over the game at any time, England still has too much depth. The fact that England can bring Chloe Kelly, Bethany England, and Katie Zelem off the bench is almost unfair. While they’ve been more of a defensive side this tournament, and England’s last game was 0-0, I don’t think this goes to extra time.

Colombia does have that upset over Germany, but it would be an even bigger upset to take out England in the quarterfinal. England shouldn’t have too much trouble advancing, even without Lauren James.

Prediction: England Wins 1-0

Featured image via Getty Images

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