The women have been separated from the girls: the grain from the chaff and the contenders from the pretenders. 32 teams started this journey, but, we are now left with only 16.
In Group A, co-host, New Zealand and debutants Philippines have been eliminated while European sisters Switzerland and Norway progressed. Super Falcons of Nigeria joined the other co-host to progress in Group B as Olympic champions, Canada and debutants, Ireland went home.
Nigeria’s coach, Randy Waldrum has silenced his critics
In Group C, Copper Queens of Zambia could not cope with the fire-power of Spain and Japan, who qualified from the group, but the Africans, at least, defeated Costa Rica 3-1 in their last group match.
European duo of England and Denmark qualified for the round of 16 from Group D, while China and Haiti are already in their home countries. Defending champions, the United States of America and Netherlands qualified from Group E as Portugal and debutants Vietnam were eliminated.
France and Jamaica qualified from Group F at the expense of highly rated Brazil and Panama while Bayana Bayana of South Africa overcame their opening match loss to Sweden to join the Europeans in qualifying for the round of 16 as Italy and Argentina crashed out.
Despite losing their opening match 6-0 to Germany, Atlas Lionesses of Morocco fought bravely and qualified for the last 16 alongside Colombia while Germany and South Korea were eliminated.
The Germans weep as their World Cup comes to a painful end
In the 48 group stage matches, 126 goals were scored, 92 yellow cards were dished out, and five red cards were issued with Nigeria’s Deborah Abiodun being the first player to receive the marching orders at this World Cup. 22 penalties were awarded and 17 were converted while five were missed, including the one Nigeria’s goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie saved in their first match against Canada.
Action resumes on Saturday in the round of 16. Switzerland will take on Spain in a battle of the Europeans at Eden Park in Auckland. Switzerland did not taste defeat in the group stage and they will be basking in that euphoria when they take on their more experienced opponents. Despite their 4-0 loss to Japan in their last group match, Spain will give Switzerland a run for their money. Both sides have never gone beyond the last 16, so either side that win will be bettering their World Cup record.
Japan will lurk horns with Norway at Wellington Regional Stadium. The Asians are the most prolific side in the group stage with 11 goals. On the other hand, Norway has a very strong defense that conceded once in their three group matches. Both sides have met three times with Japan winning only once while Norway has won twice.
On Sunday, the Netherlands will take on South Africa at Sydney Football Stadium. The Europeans are very strong to have won their group ahead of the defending champions, the USA. South Africa on their part, has shown resilience and will fancy their chances against the 2019 runners-up.
Bayana Bayana of South Africa qualified for the last 16 despite losing their first match.
Both sides met in an international friendly, on April 12, 2022, and the Netherlands whitewashed South Africa 5-1.
Sweden battles defending champions, the United States of America at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium. This match will be a very big test for the defending champions, who have won only once against their opponents in their five previous meetings. Sweden has won twice while they have settled for a draw on two occasions
Nigeria will be in action on Monday against England at the Brisbane Stadium. Both sides are already talking tough. They met once at the World Cup on June 10, 1995. The English ladies defeated the Super Falcons 3-2 with Adaku Okoroafor and Rita Nwadike scoring for Nigeria.
But, in a friendly match in 2002 played in Norwich, Florence Omagbemi scored the lone goal with which Nigeria defeated England. Two years later in Reading, Perpetual Nkwocha’s brace and Rita Nwadike’s goal gave Nigeria a comprehensive victory over the Three Lionesses in a friendly match. This round of 16 match is evenly poised. The winner will take on the winner between France and Jamaica.
Australia will battle Denmark at the Stadium Australia in Sydney. The home side will have the complete support of their fans as they seek to eliminate Denmark. However, in their three previous meetings, Denmark has won twice while the co-host has only won once.
The last two matches will take place on Tuesday. Colombia will take on Jamaica at the Rectangular Stadium. To qualify from a group where Brazil failed to qualify is an indication that the Reggae Girlz must not be underrated. They did not concede any goal during the group stage, so they have a defense that can hold their own against any big team. Colombia on their part defeated Germany in the group stage to show that they have a team that can destroy their opponents. Both sides will be meeting for the first time at the World Cup.
Morocco are the only Debutants to reach the last 16
France will battle Morocco at the Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide. The debutants from Africa qualified ahead of Germany to show that they have the fortitude to fight for glory and will throw all they have at their more illustrious opponents, who are among those tipped by bookmakers to lift the World Cup. It will be a big match for Morocco, who will leave no stone unturned to frustrate France. However, the French side is very strong and will fancy their chances of taming the Atlas Lionesses. Both sides are meeting for the first time at the World Cup.
