The Women’s World Cup has served up loads of upsets, some shock early exits and a quantity of thrilling matches in Australia and New Zealand.
Three of the world’s high 10 are out after the group phases, together with two-time champions Germany, who failed to qualify for the final 16 for the first time of their historical past.
It means the match is extensive open with a number of groups beginning to impose themselves. But which of the ‘greater’ nations have impressed to this point?
Japan blow away competitors as USA stumble
Japan are blowing groups away and have arguably been the standout crew of the match to this point, having scored extra targets than anybody else, whereas they have but to concede in 270 minutes.
In Hinata Miyazawa, who has 4 targets in two begins, they possess the match’s joint-leading scorer however the expertise runs deep on this squad, which incorporates eight gamers aged 23 or beneath.
Boss Futoshi Ikeda began 17 gamers in the three group video games with solely goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita, captain Saki Kumagai, defender Moeka Minami and full-back Risa Shimizu beginning all three video games.
They have been a pleasure to look at in the 4-0 demolition of Spain regardless of having solely 5 makes an attempt on purpose. It was a masterclass in precision ending as they scored three targets from their first three touches in the field.
Next for the Nadeshiko are Norway in what shall be a battle between two former world champions.
Meanwhile, one of the largest surprises of this match has been to see the USA, so dominant and highly effective over the years, splutter and stumble in the group stage.
It is a really completely different squad to the one which conquered the world in 2015 and 2019. Fourteen of the 23-player squad are at a World Cup for the first time – and it reveals.
But it isn’t simply the debutants who’re struggling to ship – World Cup veteran Alex Morgan has but to essentially impress whereas Megan Rapinoe has needed to be content material with the odd substitute look.
The United States survived an almighty scare in opposition to debutants Portugal earlier than scraping into the final 16, and a showdown with Sweden in Melbourne.
Portugal substitute Ana Capeta hit a first-time shot previous Alyssa Naeher in the 91st minute however the ball hit the put up.
The primary crew in the world have been inches away from going out, prompting criticism from Carli Lloyd, who helped the USA win back-to-back World Cups in 2015 and 2019.
The USA have lacked the type required to win an unprecedented third World Cup in a row – however one factor you by no means do is write them off.
Lionesses able to pounce on alternative
While Japan have raised eyebrows, European champions England produced arguably the most spectacular efficiency of the group phases of their 6-1 thrashing of China.
Lauren James, 21, has been the star of the present, scoring three targets and offering three assists in two begins at her debut World Cup.
She spearheaded England’s slick show in Adelaide as Sarina Wiegman’s aspect shrugged off strategies they’d battle following an harm to instrumental midfielder Keira Walsh.
Germany’s early exit has opened up England’s aspect of the draw and so they might not have to face a aspect ranked inside the high 10 till the semi-finals, ought to they get that far.
The Lionesses had underwhelmed in wins over Haiti and Denmark however comfortably progressed to the final 16 in the finish and have now despatched a message to their challengers that they imply enterprise in Australia.
Sweden ease by means of as Spain and France have blended bag
Spain, whose off-field points have been effectively documented, have been in a position to put these distractions behind them to document snug wins over Costa Rica and Zambia, qualifying with a sport to spare.
But the defeat by Japan has introduced them right down to earth. Despite dominating possession, they have been open at the again and have been picked off continuously by the scientific Japanese.
It raises additional questions on their off-field concord, on condition that 15 gamers beforehand refused to play for the crew in protest of supervisor Jorge Vilda’s teaching strategies (three of these gamers have since returned to the squad for this match).
However, Spain might have a beneficial draw, dealing with Switzerland in the final 16, adopted by the Netherlands or Italy in the quarter-finals.
Elsewhere Sweden, ranked third in the world, had maybe the smoothest passage by means of the group phases of any pre-tournament favourites, successful all three video games and scoring 9 targets in the course of.
They did depart it late to beat South Africa of their opener, however confirmed their hazard from set-pieces in thrashing Italy 5-0 earlier than seeing off Argentina to seal high spot in Group G.
Facing world champions the USA in the final 16 ought to maintain no concern – they beat the Americans 3-0 at the 2020 Olympics.
Meanwhile after a false begin of their goalless draw with Jamaica, France look to be a rising risk in Australia and New Zealand.
They outfought Brazil in a vital win in Brisbane, earlier than sharing 9 targets with Panama in a exceptional sport which confirmed first place in Group F.
Conceding three targets to Panama does elevate some issues about their defensive stability – though centre-back and captain Wendie Renard was rested for that match – and their squad depth, with manager Herve Renard criticising his players for shedding focus.
But having seen loads of the world’s largest groups battle at this World Cup, France shall be relieved they have been in a position to progress with relative ease.
