The first two spots in the World Cup quarter-finals have been taken by Spain and Japan following their victories in the round of 16.
As we prepare for more blockbuster knockout action, let’s take a look at how the two teams fared on Saturday.
Switzerland 1-5 Spain
A thumping 5-1 victory over Switzerland saw Spain comfortably sail through to the quarter-finals. A brace from Aitana Bonmati alongside contributions from Alba Redondo, Laia Codina and Jenni Hermoso took Jorge Vilda’s side to 13 goals in the competition.
Embed from Getty ImagesA bizarre early own goal from Codina would ultimately prove nothing more than a consolation for Switzerland. The defeat saw the Swiss equal their best finish at a World Cup, with the team making their exit from the 2015 edition at the same stage.
Spain will face either the Netherlands or South Africa in the quarter-finals.
Japan 3-1 Norway
Booking their spot in the quarter-finals, Japan enjoyed a resounding 3-1 victory over Norway. An own goal from Ingrid Engen got the action underway. However, a pin-point header from Guro Reiten brought the tie back level before half time.
Two second half goals from Risa Shimizu and Hinata Miyazawa handed Japan their ticket to the next stage of the competition. Miyazawa remains the tournament’s top scorer, with five goals to her name so far.
Embed from Getty ImagesFor Norway, their ninth World Cup campaign ends disappointingly early. Despite having world class players, the Nowegians lacked the clinical edge and defensive resilience needed to reach the latter stages of the tournament.
Japan join Spain in the next round and will face the winner of the highly-anticipated clash between the USA and Sweden.
