England, France and Australia have all progressed to the Women’s World Cup quarter-finals – with varying degrees of difficulty – but the USA has made a shock exit from the tournament.
Never have the USA been knocked out of the Women’s World Cup at such an early stage of the tournament. Despite largely dominating, the USA couldn’t beat Zecira Musovic in the Sweden goal. It is largely thanks to the shot-stopping efforts of the Chelsea goalkeeper that Sweden took their opponents to penalties. Momentum swung away from the USA when Megan Rapinoe, in her final World Cup, blazed over when she could have made it 4-2.
Sweden then seized control and after Kelley O’Hara’s miss, Lina Hurtig scored the decisive penalty, although a lengthy check was needed to confirm the ball had in fact crossed the line. Sweden therefore advance by the slimmest of margins (0-0, 5-4 on penalties) and will face Japan, who beat Norway 3-1, on Friday.
England scrape through
USA’s exit made England one of the de facto favourites, but Sarin Wiegman’s side made heavy weather of getting past Nigeria. Neither side could break the deadlock, despite Nigeria being handed the advantage due to a needless Lauren James red card. England, down to 10, were therefore forced into a penalty shootout.
Georgia Stanway was the only player to miss as England won 4-2 on penalties to secure their progression. The reigning European champions will now face Colombia, who narrowly beat Jamaica (1-0) on Tuesday.
France ease past Morocco
France didn’t have such difficulty booking their place in the quarter-finals of the competition. Hervé Renard’s side began the tournament slowly, but are growing in confidence. Kadidiatou Diani’s goal in the 15th minute was the first of three in just eight minutes. Kenza Dali added to the lead and the third was scored by Eugénie Le Sommer.
Just 23 minutes in, France were cruising and only had to manage the game to secure their place. Le Sommer added a fourth in added time.
Sam Kerr returns
Les Bleues will face Australia in the quarter-finals. Whilst the hosts of the competition weren’t as emphatic against Denmark, the Matildas were nonetheless unphased as they booked their place in the next round thanks to a 2-0 win. Sam Kerr’s timely return could spell danger for France in the quarter-finals.
Spain, who thumped Switzerland 5-1, and the Netherlands, who eased past South Africa (2-0), will face each other in the first quarter-final fixture on Friday.
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Photo credit: Ignite Image 2023