The game everyone is talking about for the World Cup is France vs the United States. People cannot believe the number one ranked team and the number four ranked team would be playing each other in a quarterfinal matchup. This game feels like it deserves to be a final, but the structure of the World Cup does their knockout rounds based on group finishes not world rankings.
The winner of the France vs. the United States may very well go onto win the World Cup, but there are way too many games left and quite frankly quality teams in the other quarterfinalists. There are plenty of story lines and angles the other six teams have created and to focus the majority of coverage on just France and the United States would do them a disservice.
We’re going to take a closer look at the other three quarterfinal games and hopefully you will be just as excited to watch them as you are France vs the United States.
England vs Norway
The first game of the quarterfinals will take place between England and Norway. England, ranked third in the world and last World Cups’ third place finisher, was a not a surprise to advance to the final eight teams. Norway ranked just 12th in the world and having to beat the fifth ranked Australia to get the quarterfinals is a bit of a surprise.
England returned 12 players from their 2015 squad, but only seven of their starters from their third place victory returned. They also had to adjust to a new coach in Phil Neville who was named in January of last year amid controversy. But the Lionesses have proven that is all behind them and they are wanting to get one game further and play for a World Cup title.
They cruised through the group stage earning all nine points confirming they were a top team. Their impressive wins over Japan, Scotland and Argentina were almost washed away by a rocky showing against Cameroon in the Round of 16.
England was bailed out multiple times by Cameroon miscues and had goals practically handed to them. Their three goals were scored from an indirect free kick inside the box, a penalty kick and a corner kick. Not being able to score in the run of play questions England’s ability to finish when goals will come few and far between as they face tougher opponents. England also gave Cameroon opportunities to score, but offside and their inability to finish kept them off the scoresheet.
Norway is going to be more of a test for England. They’re the 1991 World Cup Champions and 2000 Olympic gold medalists but have not had much success since then. People thought they would not be able to make a deep run at this tournament without the help of Ada Hegerberg, the best player in the world who is boycotting the Norway National team. But like England, Norway is choosing to put controversy behind them. They finished second in their group behind France. Their only loss was to France but it was just 2-1 with France getting the go ahead goal from a penalty kick.
Their second place finish meant playing Australia in the round of 16. Australia had under-performed in the group stage, but it was believed they would get going in the knockout round and live up to their sixth world ranking.
But Norway showed grit and pushed Australia as far as they could go. The game went to a penalty shootout with Norway not missing a single kick. Australia was playing a player down after a red card and looked defeated. Norway gained confidence as the match went on and proved they were the superior side.
It’s unknown if England and Norway will go to a penalty shootout of their own, but if so Norway has the upper hand and the continued chip on their shoulder to prove they belong and perhaps hoist the World Cup trophy after a 28 year drought.
Italy vs The Netherlands
The game of firsts, the first time both teams have played in a quarterfinal in a World Cup and the first time these teams have ever played each other at a World Cup. Italy has been deemed the Cinderella story of the tournament while the Netherlands are seen as a finalist at the World Cup.
Italy is the lowest ranked team left in the tournament at 15. They had not been to a World Cup since 1999, but they were one of the first teams to qualify out of Europe. No matter how a team qualifies the World Cup is its own entity and tends to favor those with experience in the tournament. And then there’s the exception to the rule —Italy.
The Azzurre shockingly won Group C over top teams Australia and Brazil. Perhaps the most impressive thing about them is not that they have won, but how they have won. They play fluid soccer, often called pretty soccer. They play with passion and confidence, proud to represent their country at new heights.
Their first Knockout Round matchup was against China PR, a team who had committed the most fouls in the tournament. The constant stoppage of play from the fouls was thought to be an issue for Italy’s game-plan, but the team was unwavered. They settled into the game and posted their second shutout of the tournament. The Italians have only given up two goals at the World Cup, a statistic proving their defense is a staple for their team.
On the other-side there is arguably the best offensive power in the world, with the Dutch forwards. The Netherlands have scored eight goals so far and will be looking to stretch the Italian back line. Holland was able to earn first place in Group E earning all nine points, with the most notable victory over Canada.
Even with eight goals the Dutch still seem to have more in them and looks like their offense is not always in sync. They were able to get the early lead against Japan in their first game in the Knockout Round. Japan was able to fight back and tie the game up 1-1 before halftime. The second half was mainly full of possession for Japan leaving the Dutch with limited opportunities to score and questioning whether they would advance. But it does not matter how many chances you get, all that matters is converting them. Japan could not convert them thanks large in part to goalkeeper, Sari Van Veenendaal. Late in the game the Netherlands were awarded a penalty and they seized the chance and are now in the quarterfinals. If the Netherlands are to advance past Italy then their offense will have to live up to its full potential.
Whichever team wins, the result will be emotional and have a a team reach the semifinal for the first time. When the game is done, you’ll undoubtedly want to stay tuned to see the winner’s reaction.
Germany vs Sweden
The final game of the quarterfinal matchup has two of the more prominent European teams as of late. Both teams ranked inside the top ten will undoubtedly bring an exciting match.
Germany is the second ranked team in the world, but has not been receiving the same recognition as some. They have been quietly making their way through the tournament with a business-like demeanor. Germany won their Group without conceding a single goal. They continued their shutout streak into the Round of 16 when they faced Nigeria. They won in commanding style beating Nigeria 3-0.
All of Germany’s wins have felt commanding which shows they are a powerhouse. But it also means they have not had too much diversity and Spain was their highest ranked opponent at 13. Their biggest obstacle has been the injury to their star player, Dzsenifer Marozsan. Germany said she was out for the group stage and whether she can play in the quarterfinals is unknown. Even with the injury, they have not been tested in games which begs the question how will Germany do when they are tested by an even better opponent?
That quality opponent might just be in their next game against Sweden. The ninth ranked team in the world and the second place finisher in Group F, Sweden has also quietly made their way through the World Cup. They won their first two games easily and then knowing they were already through to the Knockout Round, they took the chance to rest players in their matchup against the USA. Some critiqued the decision, but it seemed to payoff in their game against Canada.
Canada was assumed the favorite with their higher ranking. The game was evenly played and would be 0-0 for the majority of the game. But Sweden waited it out patiently and was able to score a goal. Canada looked to tie the game back up with a second half penalty but Hedvig Lindahl, the Sweden goalkeeper, made the save of the tournament denying Canada a goal.
Sweden and Germany have quietly made the quarterfinals, but their game might just be the best matchup showing a back and forth game. Expect this game to be anything but quiet.
The matchups are set and they start tomorrow to see who will advance to the semifinals.
- Norway vs England: June 27th at 3:00 pm ET on FOX
- France vs the United States: June 28th at 3:00 pm ET on FOX
- Italy vs the Netherlands: June 29th at 9:00 am ET on FS1
- Germany vs Sweden: June 29th at 12:30 pm ET on FS1