The women's world cup last 16 knock out stage begins tomorrow, with two matches , Swizerland V Spain and Japan V Norway .
However, before we look at each one of the teams and encounter's , here is the complete schedule :
Teams | Date | Kick off time (UK) | UK broadcaster |
Switzerland V Spain | 5th August | 6am | BBC One |
Japan V Norway | 5th August | 9 am | ITVX |
Netherlands V South Africa | 6th August | 3am | BBC One |
Sweden V USA | 6th August | 10am | ITV |
England V Nigeria | 7th August | 8:30am | BBC One |
Australia V Denmark | 7th August | 11:30am | BBC One |
Colombia V Jamaica | 8th August | 9am | ITV |
France V Morocco | 8th August | 12pm | BBC One |
Tomorrow:
Switzerland V Spain
Switzerland - The Swiss team qualified through a difficult group . Group A included : New-bees Philippines, famed powerhouse Norway and co-hosts New Zealand. They started off the WWC with a win , against Philippines, 2-0. But, failed to score in either of the other matches. Drawing against both Norway and New Zealand, despite having only 5 points they topped the group. The co-hosts where cut after registering the same number of points as Norway , but breaking even on goal difference (Norway GD = +5)
Spain - Of course, as of every tournament the controversy of the Spanish federation V players follows. (I have linked a post below explaining this in more detail for those interested). So, I would like to forefront this by saying all comments made are purely on the football played. Spain won the opening two matches of this WWC. Firstly, by beating Costa Rica 3-0 and then an impressive 5-0 against Zambia. Because of their own scores, and those elsewhere, they qualified with a game to go. But, against Japan (who had also already qualified) they where humbled, beaten 4-0.
My prediction - Spanish win. But, I also wouldn't be surprised if the Swiss do pull it out of the bag.
Japan V Norway
Japan - This year really could be Japan's year. The 2011 WWC winners are back again. With one of the youngest, and freshest teams at the tournament. Only 1 player from their 2011 win remains in the side, but don't rule off this team because of age. Everything done in the tournament so far by them has been done with precision. Scoring a total of 11 goals, and conceding done. Alongside Spain, they qualified with a game to spare. The Japanese performance against Spain was one done like clock work. The side showed just how ruthless they can be. If I was Norway I would watch out for this Japanese side....
Norway- Went into the group stage as favorite's to win. Perhaps I wouldn't say that they 'underperformed' but they certainly did not make life easy for themselves. They lost the opening match of the WWC against the co -hosts, they drew in a goal-less game against Switzerland , leaving it to the final day to qualify. Qualifying on GD alone, after a thumping win 6-0 against Philippines. Perhaps that will set them up for the next rounds? It just seems disappointing that a side with so much talent, players that prevail in club just don't seem to be able to make it work for Country. Is that something wrong with management or higher up?
Prediction - Japan win.
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