Result Rundown of FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Round Of 16
Round of 16 of the Women’s World Cup had a surprising ending. The quarterfinals in Australia and New Zealand are currently underway. We now have the final eight nations in the competition after eight highly competitive matches between sixteen of the greatest teams in the world.
Results:
August 4
Switzerland vs. Spain 1-5 (Spain wins)
This is the first time Spain and Switzerland faced each other in the Women’s World Cup. Aitana Bonmati scored twice as Spain defeated Switzerland 5-1, advancing to the final eight and increasing her hopes of winning this summer's Golden Boot. Switzerland scored a shock equalizer thanks to a back pass from Spain defender Laia Codina that caught her goalie off guard near the halfway line. Following a spectacular save from Switzerland goalkeeper Gaëlle Thalmann to stop Alba Redondo from getting near, Bonmatí maintained her impressive campaign by scoring the game's first goal in the fifth minute with a strong finish. Spain controlled most of the possession and scoring opportunities in the second half as Switzerland tried to create breakaways.
Goals: Ingrid Syrstad Engen 15’ (OG), Guro Reiten 20’, Risa Shimizu 50’, Hinata Miyazawa 81’
August 5
Japan vs. Norway 3-1 (Japan Wins)
This was the second meeting between Japan and Norway in the Women’s World Cup. In this World Cup, Japan has not had many issues, and when they have, the strategy has been consistent. With 11 goals scored in the group stage, Japan was dominating in their three-game sweep of Group C. Although it resulted from a mistake, Japan's aggressive offense forced an own goal from Norway's defense. Karina Saevik's shot was undoubtedly Norway's greatest chance to equalize the game in the second half because it was one of the few opportunities they had.
Goals: Ingrid Syrstad Engen 15’ (OG), Guro Reiten 20’, Risa Shimizu 50’, Hinata Miyazawa 81’
Netherlands vs. South Africa 2-0 (Netherlands Wins)
All nine of Netherlands' encounters with South Africa have ended in victories for Netherlands. The teams had never previously met in a World Cup match. After South Africa goalie Kaylin Swart makes a save, star midfielder Jill Roord scores with a header. Early chances were made by South Africa, notably off this run by Thembi Kgatlana. Daphne Van Domselaar of the Netherlands made the stop after Thembi Kgatlana had another outstanding possession run and a clear shot on goal. The South African team had more than enough chances to score, but the Dutch goalkeeper surprised everyone by pulling off another full-extension save.
Goals: Jill Roord 9’ & Lineth Beerensteyn 68’
August 6
Sweden vs. United States 0-0 {Penalties: 5-4} (Sweden Wins)
This was the seventh meeting between Sweden and the USA at the World Cup. Each of the previous meetings, USA has only won 4. Sweden advances in amazing circumstances after 120 minutes and a dramatic penalty shootout, while the four-time champions are eliminated. The USA quit the competition at its early point in history, leaving everyone puzzled how it could have occurred after they had dominated the game. Horan and Morgan were both stopped by incredible saves by Sweden's Mušović, who also had a first-half header that struck the crossbar. After winning the first five penalties, sudden death resulted from a series of misses for Gerhardsson's team, who had persevered to force penalties. Despite the USA goalkeeper's best attempts, the ball fell back down and crossed the goal line after Naeher at First saved her penalty, and a VAR review determined that Sweden advanced because she had not scrambled the ball out in time.
Penalty Goals: Andi Sullivan, Fridolina Rolfö, Lindsey Horan, Elin Rubensson, Kristie Mewis, Hanna Bennison, Alyssa Naeher, Magdalena Eriksson, Lina Hurtig
August 7
England vs. Nigeria 0-0 {Penalties: 4-2} (England Wins)
England and Nigeria have faced off against each other once previously, at the 1995 World Cup, with England coming out on top both times. Nigeria launched a sustained effort early on in the game, but they were unable to get a chance past the English goalie. After a VAR review, Rasheedat Ajibade was not given a penalty kick for what seemed to be a shove on Rachel Daly. When Lauren James purposefully tread on Michelle Alozie's back, she was given a red card and removed from the game.
Penalty Goals: Bethany England, Rachel Daly, Rasheedat Ajibade, Alex Greenwood, Christy Ucheibe, Chloe Kelly
Australia vs. Denmark 2-0 (Australia Wins)
This was their second meeting between Australia and Denmark in the World Cup. Their first time meeting each other, Denmark had won 5-0 in 1995. Denmark came out and showed no signs of anxiety at all during the opening minutes despite playing in front of Australia's home fans. Caitlin Foord, who was running ahead, received a flawless ball from Australia's Mary Fowler, who scored to give Australia a 1-0 lead right away. After a difficult struggle with Caitlin Foord, Janni Thomsen was issued the first caution of the game. Australia now leads 2-0 after Hayley Raso's third goal of the competition.
Goals: Caitlin Foord 29’ & Hayley Raso 70’
August 8
Colombia vs. Jamaica 1-0 (Colombia Wins)
Early on, as she attempted to work her magic in the corner of the attacking end, Caicedo displayed her dribbling prowess. Early in the game, Jamaican goalie Becky Spencer leapt into the box to save a Colombian cross to prevent a goal. When fighting a ball with Colombia's Mayra Ramírez along the sideline, Chantelle Swaby of Jamaica received the first caution of the game. After controlling Ana Guzmán's pass in the area and firing a shot toward the goal, Catalina Usme gave the Colombians their first goal in the 51st minute. It was the first goal that Jamaica has given up in the competition. In the waning moments, Jamaica applied a strong assault, forcing Colombia to struggle to maintain its advantage.
Goals: Catalina Usme 51’
France vs. Morocco 4-0 (France Wins)
Only the second African country, Morocco, has advanced to the round of 16 in a World Cup. Despite drawing 0-0 with Jamaica to open the match, France has already scored 12 goals in the World Cup this year. Kadidiatou Diani opened the scoring in the game on Tuesday after netting three goals in a victory over Panama. After scoring the opening goal, Kadidiatou Diani caught everyone's attention as she entered the attacking zone. That made it possible for Kenza Dali to find space at the top of the box and shoot the ball into the goal. The first half was dominated by France, who scored three goals in less than 10 minutes. Le Sommer added a fourth goal for her team after a slow start to the second half.
Goals: Kadidiatou Diani 15’, Kenza Dali 20’, Eugénie Le Sommer 23’ 70’