England have a great chance of reaching their first World Cup final thanks to their group stage results. Photo: PA/Isabel Infantes.
England qualified for this Women's World Cup with a tough road to the final, but results ran their course thanks to Germany's shocking early elimination and poor performance by Canada's Olympic champions.
Instead of facing the Canadians or Australia in Brisbane in the Round of 16, Sarina Wigman's team will instead receive a surprise package from Nigeria, who beat Matilda in the group stage.
Instead of facing pre-tournament favorites Germany in the quarter-finals, England — if they reach the last eight — will play either Colombia or Jamaica, a game they should also win based on the FIFA world rankings (Colombia is ranked 25th). place, and Jamaica — 43rd, compared with England in fourth).
Winning this meant a semi-final against Australia, Denmark, France or Morocco. A clash with the hosts in Sydney would have been a huge event and a tough game considering they delivered their first defeat under Wigman's rule earlier this year.
France also deserve credit for going undefeated in the group stage with Denmark ousting Lionesses all through the group stage, hitting the post late in search of an equalizer.
However, England is unlikely to have a better opportunity than this to reach their first World Cup final given how good results were in other countries.
Copy of World Cup Predictor Promotion, Women's World Cup Round of 16 Predictions, Switzerland v Spain, Sat Aug 5. , 6:00, Auckland, BBC
Switzerland were very resilient and difficult to play in the group stage, but Spain should have too much quality for them.
Winners: < /strong>Spain
Japan vs Norway Sat Aug 5 9am Wellington ITV
Japan was the most impressive team in the group stage while Norway almost made it out of their group but you never don't know what you'll get from them.
Winners:Japan
Netherlands — South Africa Sunday 6 August 3:00 AM Sydney Sydney BBC
The Dutch have been quite impressive so far and faced a South African team excited only to come out from their group.
< p>Winners: Netherlands
Sweden vs. USA, Sunday 6 August, 10:00 am, Melbourne, ITV
Draw in the round, reigning champions pairing but badly out of order, United States against strong and physical Sweden. The Americans can be easily knocked out.
Winners: Sweden
England vs. Nigeria Mon 7 Aug 8:30 AM Brisbane BBC
The Lionesses hit after a spectacular setup 3-5-2 and hope to find their best form at the right time.
Winners: England
Australia vs. Denmark, Monday, August 7, 11:30, Sydney , BBC
Denmark caused trouble for England in the group stage, but home advantage should lead Matilda to progress.
Winners: Australia
Colombia vs. Jamaica, Tuesday, August 8, 09:00 Melbourne, ITV
The Colombians were one of the most exciting and interesting teams in this tournament — expect their journey to continue.
Winners:< /strong> Colombia .
France vs. Morocco, Tue 8 August, noon, Adelaide, BBC
The French were not in the best shape and looked a bit dull in the group stage, but they should be too strong for Morocco's first qualifier.
Winners: France
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