(Auckland) Japan have been virtually untested in this Women’s World Cup, going into the quarters with a perfect 4-0 record. A victory against Sweden would prove that the Nadeshiko are real contenders.
But Friday’s quarter-finals will also allow the Netherlands to take control of this very open table of the World Cup. The Dutch were the unfortunate finalists against the United States four years ago, and the Americans also beat them in the quarterfinals at the Tokyo Games.
As the United States are already eliminated, the Netherlands have one less obstacle on their course. But first you have to think about the game against the Spaniards, who advanced to the round of eight for the first time in their history.
Here is an overview of the meetings scheduled for Friday:
Sweden sit third in the world in the FIFA rankings and are the highest-ranked team still in the tournament. After finishing third in the World Cup three times, the representatives of the Three Crowns are ready to play a championship match.
It was Sweden that ended the American women’s third straight title bid. The Scandinavians have reached the semi-finals three times, including in 2019, but have not reached the final game since 2003, when they lost to the Germans.
Japan, however, are nothing like the teams Sweden have faced so far.
“None of our four opponents have anything in common with Japan,” coach Peter Gerhardsson said. But when I watch Japan’s games, I don’t think any of their opponents compare to Sweden. »
At Eden Park, Japan will try to avenge their elimination against Sweden in the quarterfinals of the Tokyo Games. The Japanese are counting on Hinata Miyazawa, who leads the race for the Golden Boot with five goals in four games. Japan have already scored 14 goals in the tournament, a team mark, while conceding just one.
“Since the team was assembled, everything we’ve been trying to accomplish has taken shape and we see it on the pitch,” said midfielder Fuka Nagano. It helps us believe in ourselves. »
Spain looked to be one of the main forces in the competition before they were beaten 4-0 by Japan in the final game of the group stage. La Roja rebounded by easily eliminating Switzerland 5-1.
The goal awarded to the Helvetians was an own goal. The Spaniards had made five changes to their formation before this duel, in order to change the situation after the brutal call to order served by the Japanese. Now in the quarters for the first time, the Spaniards will see exactly where they stand on the world stage.
Spain scored 13 times in four games and showed plenty of aggression, except against Japan.
The Netherlands are trying to reach the final for a second consecutive World Cup. After failing to qualify in the first six editions, the Dutch selection have been part of the world elite since their first participation in 2015.
The duel will feature prolific scorers: Jill Roord has found the back of the net four times so far, while Aitana Bonmati has scored three times.
The Dutch will however have to defend themselves without their midfielder Danielle van de Donk, excluded from this quarter-final due to two yellow cards received in the tournament.
“I feel very stupid,” she said. You don’t want to be suspended for the next round and now I have to live with that. »
