PARIS, June 27 (Xinhua) -- After a memorable group stage and round of 16, this year's FIFA Women's World Cup is now at the business end, with the final eight teams all in with a chance of lifting the trophy.
Quarterfinal one: England vs Norway, June 27, Le Havre
England have shown consistency and the ability to handle pressure admirably so far at the tournament. An edgy 3-0 win against Cameroon was a bad-tempered affair that saw England coach Phil Neville criticize the approach of the Cameroon players. The controversial tie demonstrated England's capability in handling a style they were clearly uncomfortable with. Fortunately for the Lionesses, Norway should pose a more familiar challenge.
By contrast, Norway arrive at in Le Havre off the back of a full 120-minute tie against Australia. Their 4-1 penalty shootout victory came after an attritional 1-1 draw that saw an Australian penalty overturned by VAR, as well as a red card for Matildas center-half Alanna Kennedy in extra-time. Norway enter the last eight for the first time since 2007 after a number of disappointing recent tournaments, and the Grasshoppers will be looking to take all the momentum from their penalty heroics into their tie against England.
Prediction - 2-1 to England. The all-round quality and experience in big games will see England through in what will be an exceptionally tight game. The absence of Norwegian star Ada Hegerberg could prove the difference, as Norway have failed to click in big games.
Quarterfinal two: France vs United States, June 28, Paris
France showed guts to defeat a resurgent Brazil in extra-time in the round of 16. However, if the hosts want to progress further they will need to be far more clinical in front of goal. Les Bleus were forced to defend against an attacking Brazilian side desperately in search for a winner, yet it was France, thanks to captain Henry, that grabbed the decisive goal in the 106th minute. The home side will be spurred on by the support in the capital and by the U.S.' faltering performance against Spain in the last round.
Pre-tournament favorites and title holders the U.S. were very fortunate to get through against Spain after VAR awarded them two penalties. Spain would have had every right to be unhappy with the decisions, especially the deciding penalty, which was seen by many as a very soft decision after Rose Lavelle's flop to the floor. Yet Megan Rapinoe was calm under the pressure and converted both spot kicks to put America through. The U.S. will travel to Paris with a target on their backs. A partisan local crowd will want France to progress and potentially set up a tie with rivals England in the semifinals.
Prediction - 1-1 (France on penalties). Les Blues will have the support of a raucous Parisian crowd. Encouraged by their late winner against Brazil, expect the French to live up to expectations. However, the U.S.' talents and all-round quality mean they cannot be discounted. This one is hard to call, but home advantage should see France through after a penalty shootout.
Quarterfinal three: Italy vs the Netherlands, June 29, Valenciennes
Italy shocked China to get through to the quarterfinals. Despite having 20 shots on target and a greater share of the possession, the Chinese could not get past a stubborn Italian defense. The lowest-ranked side left in the competition, Italy will go to Valenciennes looking to pull off another upset. The pressure will be off the Italians and on the Dutch, just as all the pressure was on the Chinese in the previous tie.
The Netherlands scraped through their knockout tie against Japan with a fortuitous last-minute penalty. While the Japanese would have felt hard done by with a handball decision that, until recently, would not have been given, the result was a fair reflection of the balance of play. Yet, after a tight and emotionally draining game, the pressure will be back on the Dutch. Their significant traveling support will demand a victory and the possibility of a tie against archrivals Germany in the semis.
Prediction - 2-0 to the Netherlands. Expect a tight and nervy affair for the first hour before the Dutch break down the Italian defense late in the second half. The Italians have done incredibly well to get this far, but the overall quality of the Dutch will see them through, in spite of the added pressure.
Quarterfinal four: Germany vs Sweden, June 30, Rennes
Nigeria left their round of 16 defeat against Germany upset by a number of VAR decisions. However, in reality, the Germans were much the better side. They controlled the game throughout, boasting an impressive 60 percent possession. When Germany arrive in Rennes on Sunday they will have the luxury of an extra couple of days' rest over their Scandinavian counterparts, at a time in the tournament when fatigue may start to set in.
Unlike Germany, Sweden come into the game off the back of a draining display against Canada. The Swedes did what they needed to do against one of the tournament favorites and ground out a 1-0 victory. A superb defensive display from the side and especially goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl, who saved a penalty, was crucial to the win. A repeat display will be required to progress against Germany.
Prediction - 1-0 to Germany. A stern Swedish defense will make life difficult for the Germans, but Germany usually find a way to win. If Sweden are to have any hope, an early goal will be crucial.
