The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup has had slightly little bit of all the things: lopsided wins, stunning underdogs, beautiful particular person wins, and much more unbelievable losses. It’s a event wherein rankings are meaningless, no crew’s legacy is assured, and something can occur. It’s, in essence, the proper proof of idea that the women’s game has evolved and the world is simply now catching up.
With all of group stage matches within the books, the surviving groups now sit up for the event’s knockout rounds, a group of win-or-go-home matches that may whittle the sector even additional as we head towards a remaining that would very nicely make historical past. Forward of the subsequent nail-biting spherical of soccer, we’ve damaged down the largest matchups to be careful for and when to look at them. As for the the place, each World Cup sport is on FS1 and streaming on the Fox Sports activities app.
Right here’s what you should know forward of the Ladies’s World Cup knockout rounds.
Saturday, Aug. fifth
Switzerland (Group A Winner) vs. Spain (Group C Runner-Up), 1 a.m. ET
Switzerland is coming off a gaggle win wherein it posted three clear sheets, which is sort of the achievement in a event that’s seen a complete lot of targets. Sadly, the Swiss scored a pair of targets of their opener in opposition to the Phillipines and haven’t scored since. They’ll must defend higher than ever to disrupt Spain’s possession-based assault and make the most of each time counterattacks come up. For Spain, which suffered a heavy defeat in opposition to Japan, La Roja must cross with function and discover a technique to break down Switzerland’s stingy protection.
Japan (Group C Winner) vs. Norway (Group A Runner-Up), 4 a.m. ET
No crew is placing the ball into the again of the web higher than Japan. They’re scoring seemingly each time they transfer the ball into the opponent’s remaining third they usually regarded snug defending in opposition to Spain. Norway struggled in its group stage, shedding one sport, drawing one other, and successful its third match. That inconsistency would possibly damage them in opposition to a Japan crew that dominated its personal group, but when star striker Ada Hegerberg is ready to return from a groin harm that value her the ultimate two video games of the group, Norway may have a shot.
Netherlands (Group E Winner) vs. South Africa (Group G Runner-Up), 10 p.m. ET
South Africa surprised Italy to win their match and advance out of the group stage for the primary time in historical past. They’re the clear underdogs on this match, however don’t depend them out. If they will shore up what has been a porous protection and lean into their bodily fashion of play, they could give the Dutch issues within the midfield. In fact, Oranje are the favorites for a cause, so anticipate them to play it cool below stress and create harmful possibilities within the remaining third.
Sunday, Aug. sixth
Sweden (Group G Winner) vs. United States (Group E Runner-Up), 5 a.m. ET
It’s uncommon to get a sport worthy of a World Cup remaining within the spherical of 16, however we’re getting precisely that between these two groups, which have been drawn into each other’s group within the 5 earlier tournaments. The U.S. struggled of their group stage play and might want to kind issues out — of their first-choice XI, of their midfield, of their assault — in the event that they hope to carry off a really motivated, very bodily Swedish aspect. For Sweden, set items might be key. If they will discover a technique to get Amanda Ilestedt within the field and on the top of an aerial ball, it may be over for the USWNT.
Monday, Aug. seventh
Australia (Group B Winner) vs. Denmark (Group D Runner-Up), 3:30 a.m. ET
The Matildas pulled off a miracle Down Beneath to advance out of their group. If all goes proper, their dominant efficiency in opposition to Canada gave them confidence and let star striker Sam Kerr relaxation to the purpose that she will put in some minutes on the pitch. They’ll have the home-field benefit right here, however don’t depend out Denmark and their protection that solely allowed one purpose of their group.
England (Group D Winner) vs. Nigeria (Group B Runner-Up), 6:30 a.m. ET
England’s Lauren James is having the event of her life and Nigeria might want to discover a technique to sluggish her down in the event that they hope to beat a well-coached and proficient English aspect, as Sarina Wiegman has finished a spectacular job main the Lionesses. However the Tremendous Falcons have an incredible coach, too, in Randy Waldrum, together with a threatening presence upfront in Barcelona striker Asisat Oshoala. They’ll have to begin scoring extra targets although in the event that they hope to check England.
Tuesday, Aug. eighth
Columbia (Group H Winner) vs. Jamaica (Group F Runner-Up), 4 a.m. ET
This match, greater than every other knockout stage sport, is the type of thrilling toss-up you hope for within the do-or-die rounds. Jamaica is one other crew that has not conceded a purpose through the event, whereas Columbia remains to be using excessive from their win over Germany that ended up being gigantic in preserving the Germans from advancing. They confronted a setback in opposition to Morocco, however their passing sport is robust they usually’ve bought dazzling expertise upfront. For Jamaica, getting the ball to the ft Khadija “Bunny” Shaw and letting her check Columbia’s backline might be key.
France (Group F Winner) vs. Morocco (Group H Runner-Up), 7 a.m. ET
Not solely did France confidently put away a Brazil aspect that was seeking to ship star ahead Marta out on a excessive be aware, they have been additionally capable of relaxation a few of their star gamers like Wendie Renard of their remaining group stage match in opposition to Panama. France has the expertise, however Morocco has been stuffed with combat all through the event. They bounced again after a crushing defeat of their match in opposition to Germany to make it out of the group of their first World Cup look. They’ve bought the followers behind them and one thing to show.
