World Cup Daily: Round-of-16 recap, USWNT’s exit, Japan rise

The 2023 Women’s World Cup is in full swing, and these day by day information provide the newest reporting from across the match in addition to betting strains, what-to-watch-for data and finest reads. Check in with ESPN all through the match as we carry you the most recent from Australia and New Zealand.

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The lead: A knockout blow

The 2023 Women’s World Cup is now all the way down to eight groups with the quarterfinals approaching, and a few heavyweights are already on the aircraft dwelling, together with the United States, Canada, Brazil and Germany.

While the U.S. was the one main casualty from the spherical of 16, the match additionally mentioned goodbye to some knockout-round debutantes in South Africa, Jamaica and Morocco, whose tales have hopefully impressed a brand new era of girls’s soccer followers from these nations.

Japan, Colombia, Sweden, France, Spain, Netherlands, European champions England and co-hosts Australia are those who made it by means of. But earlier than we fully flip the web page, our correspondents on the bottom give us their impressions from the spherical of 16.

– Women’s World Cup: Landing web page | Bracket | Schedule | News

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News of the day

• USWNT ahead Sophia Smith mentioned she was “heartbroken” however that the staff “will be back and hungrier than ever” following an early elimination from the Women’s World Cup. Posting on Instagram, the reigning NWSL MVP added that the World Cup run “was more valuable than any experience I’ve ever had.” Smith, 22, scored twice in opposition to Vietnam however could not discover the again of the online for the remainder of match by means of to the USWNT’s round-of-16 exit in opposition to Sweden.

• France coach Herve Renard mentioned the strain shall be on Australia as match co-hosts forward of their quarterfinal conflict in Brisbane. Renard, who took over for Les Bleues this summer season, mentioned, “The host country, we know that can be a good or bad thing. This is what the French team went through in 2019 [when they lost to the USWNT on home soil in the quarterfinals].”

• Global gamers’ union FIFPro has confirmed it’s helping Nigeria’s ladies’s nationwide staff with its pursuit of bonus funds, camp allowances and bills relationship again to 2021. In a press release launched after the Super Falcons have been eradicated by England, FIFPro mentioned the staff have been “frustrated” with needing to pursue the Nigerian Football Federation over the matter earlier than and through the match.

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Round-of-16 evaluate: Biggest second, finest participant, new prediction

The quarterfinals are set! We have eight groups left in 4 big-time matchups arising after two days’ relaxation.

Friday, Aug. 11

• Spain vs. Netherlands: (Sky Stadium, Wellington; 1 p.m. native, 9 p.m. ET [Thursday], 2 a.m. BST)

• Japan vs. Sweden: (Eden Park, Auckland; 7:30 p.m. native, 3:30 a.m. ET, 8:30 a.m. BST)

Saturday, Aug. 12

• Australia vs. France: (Lang Park, Brisbane; 5 p.m. native, 3 a.m. ET, 8 a.m. BST)

• England vs. Colombia: (Stadium Australia, Sydney; 8:30 p.m. native, 6:30 a.m. ET, 11:30 a.m. BST)

What was your greatest takeaway from the spherical of 16?

Progress for smaller groups: The story of the group stage was the nations that unexpectedly progressed by means of to the knockouts. The evolution of that story was their showings within the spherical of 16. For groups like Morocco, Jamaica and South Africa, getting out of the group was the primary field ticked. Continued and improved funding is subsequent to make sure their round-of-16 debuts weren’t a flash within the pan. A better number of nations making it deep within the match is finally higher for soccer. — Marissa Lordanic

Surprise sides add spice: The U.S. was a millimeter away from one other spherical of sudden-death penalty kicks, however given Sweden’s type, that sport wasn’t going to be wide-open. We know issues get cagey within the knockouts, and there are a number of storylines at play, equivalent to Spain searching for redemption after their loss to Japan, Australia transferring by means of the gears on the match and England nonetheless struggling for targets from open play.

The event bought to Morocco — because it has numerous different groups over time — and Jamaica to a lesser extent. Overall, my takeaway is the progress South Africa and Nigeria have made in the previous few years to only be so near the quarterfinals, save for somewhat extra luck/higher ending. These are groups which have stepped up and proven they’ll do it on the world stage, not simply inside continental tournaments, and we will solely hope they hold transferring ahead. — Sophie Lawson

USWNT’s early exit: Well, on condition that I got here right here to cowl the USWNT and I booked myself by means of to the ultimate, it is bought to be the USWNT’s early exit. To be honest, I did not assume the USWNT would attain the ultimate — in reality, I’d been quietly predicting a quarterfinal exit — however its type and closing placement have been even worse than I may’ve imagined. Quite the autumn from grace for the reigning champs. — Caitlin Murray

I’m biased on this, however for me, the largest speaking level was the USWNT’s exit. Sure, the staff hadn’t regarded good through the match, however to see it play so a lot better after which have the sport in its arms through the shootout, solely to squander the chance, was surprising. — Jeff Carlisle

Australia’s ardour: I simply love the unbelievable ardour and enthusiasm that Australia is exhibiting for the Matildas. Since their win in opposition to Canada and much more so after the victory over Denmark, it appears like the entire nation has gone Matildas wild! The TV scores are proving it, whereas they’re getting all of the media consideration and love from followers throughout the nation. — Julien Laurens

Just how loud the Colombian followers are: The 1-0 quarterfinal win over Jamaica was the primary time this match Colombia had come to Melbourne, and it was outstanding how all-encompassing the noise they created was. It wasn’t the loudest I’ve ever heard the stadium — Melbourne Victory’s 2015 A-League Grand Final win over Sydney FC nonetheless holds that honour — however it ran it very, very shut. And, on condition that an additional 50,000 individuals match into Stadium Australia in comparison with Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Colombia completely may have a twelfth participant on their aspect in opposition to England. They have been revving up the followers towards the tip of the Jamaica sport and feed off the noise. — Joey Lynch

The rise of Colombia: Maybe Colombia’s win over Jamaica was not an enormous shock in itself, however seeing them attain the quarterfinal is actually a shock. Their help has been one of many highlights of the match and their gifted attackers have all stepped up at varied factors. All eyes are clearly on teenager Linda Caicedo, however it was the skilled Catalina Usme who guided them into the final eight. None of it has been potential with out the work price of Mayra Ramírez. — Sam Marsden

James within the highlight: Having been so near the England camp, it must be Lauren James’ crimson card. She’s been within the highlight greater than some other England participant at this World Cup together with her unbelievable performances in opposition to Denmark and China. Then got here the second when she let her frustration get the higher of her and she or he obtained a crimson card within the 87th minute in opposition to Nigeria for standing on the again of an opponent. It was an enormous blow each for her and her staff, as she is suspended for the quarterfinals, with extra punishment to be reviewed by a FIFA disciplinary panel that might see her banned for the remainder of the competitors. But England rallied and managed to get by means of on penalties. — Tom Hamilton

Kelly’s nerves of metal: Chloe Kelly’s readiness to place herself below immense strain and shrug it off as if it’s routine got here by means of once more because the England participant struck the profitable spot kick within the penalty shootout victory in opposition to Nigeria. Kelly, who scored the profitable purpose in opposition to Germany within the Euro 2022 closing, additionally took the decisive penalty to win the Finalissima in opposition to Brazil earlier this 12 months, and she or he stepped up once more to seal the deal in opposition to Nigeria in Brisbane. She displayed nerves of metal allied with good method to attain. — Mark Ogden

Who is your decide thus far for the Golden Ball, awarded to the participant of the World Cup?

Miyazawa leads Japan: I’ll go for Japan’s Hinata Miyazawa. No one has ever doubted Japan’s technical prowess and talent to maintain possession, however discovering a dependable purpose scorer has been a problem for them at occasions throughout their historical past. To discover somebody scoring with such regularity has actually given them a lift. — Carlisle

Keep eye on Karchaoui: First off, it is too early to determine one participant as a result of the true standout stars come to the fore from the quarterfinals onward. This is when it will get severe and all of it comes all the way down to wonderful margins determined by the very best gamers. But when it comes to gamers who’ve excelled and look key to their staff’s hopes of success, the one who has stood out for me has been France full-back Sakina Karchaoui. — Ogden

Foord focus: Coming into the World Cup, we have been anticipating the likes of Spain’s Aitana Bonmati, Japan’s Yui Hasegawa and Colombia’s Caicedo to be within the combine, and relying on how lengthy they’ll keep within the match, there is definitely an opportunity. However, primarily based on the video games thus far, Australia’s Caitlin Foord has performed herself into competition, as has Japan’s Jun Endo. — Lawson

Foord has to have a shout right here, as do Caicedo and Zecira Musovic. (Why cannot the goalkeeper get the Golden Glove and Golden Ball?) From an England perspective, their finest participant has been Alex Greenwood, however general, it must be Japan’s Miyazawa or Endo. — Hamilton

Japan’s Mina Tanaka, France’s Kadidiatou Diani and Bonmati have all been distinctive for his or her nations and been important of their development to the quarterfinals. The outdoors likelihood for the Golden Ball could possibly be Australia’s Foord, however provided that she is ready to preserve her dazzling type and propel the Matildas deeper into the match. — Lordanic

Diani shines: I feel Diani is exhibiting big potential. France coach Hervé Renard had warned us that she was going to impress, and she or he has. Four targets and three assists in her final three video games is fairly particular. Her partnership up entrance with Eugénie Le Sommer is working nicely and if she continues to be decisive like this, she will not be removed from the Golden Ball. — Laurens

Cool Caicedo: She’s not going to win it, however I’ve cherished watching Colombia’s Caicedo. What a particular and fascinating younger expertise. She’s my participant to observe thus far. — Murray

Buoyant Bonmati: I wrote earlier within the match about how the Spain midfielder creates like a No. 10, presses like a centre-forward, carries the ball like a full-back, takes gamers on like a winger, will get as many touches as a deep-lying midfielder and shoots like a No. 9. She did all of that as La Roja brushed apart Switzerland and shall be key to their hopes. — Marsden

Wait and see: Golden Ball awards are simply as a lot concerning the narrative as they’re concerning the precise soccer, and that makes predicting this 12 months’s award troublesome, as I really feel we’re nonetheless ready for the defining story to emerge. Yes, there’ve been tales of underdogs rising and the large nations falling, however now that they are all out of the best way (for essentially the most half), there’s an opportunity to determine issues. If Colombia proceed their run, for instance, Caicedo comes into the body. If it is England, whoever is seen to fill the opening left by James. If Australia one way or the other pull it off, Foord will possible be not possible to disclaim. But I’d wish to assume Katrina Gorry’s thankless function stands an opportunity of being recognised. — Lynch

Based on who’s left, it’s possible you’ll revise your predictions. Who’s profitable this factor, and why?

Australia, or Japan: I’m making an attempt to recollect whom I predicted within the first place? (Eds. be aware: Japan — run with it, Sophie.) There was discuss of Germany, however it appears like I’ve been calling a Japan-Australia closing for a while, which could simply be sufficient of a jinx to spoil two summers, however let’s stick to an AFC showdown within the closing and a win for the area.

As for the why, once more, simply what I’ve been feeling for some time about Australia choosing up momentum and the way if they’ll get to the semis, they’d solely be 90 minutes from a house closing in Sydney. As for Japan, the soccer has been the very best we have seen at this World Cup, they’ve not misplaced an oz of consistency however have proven new depths and are choosing up impartial followers left and proper. — Lawson

Australia: It’s all about momentum in a match, and the Matildas have now slipped into high gear. They even have unbelievable dwelling help, and that shall be big for them within the quarterfinal in opposition to France in Brisbane. They have additionally gotten this far with Sam Kerr barely taking part in attributable to damage, so her return to motion is one more reason to go along with the Aussies. — Ogden

Spain: I’m sticking with Spain, as I feel Bonmati & Co. are a particular staff with expertise and depth. They have bounced again nicely from their blip in opposition to Japan within the group stage and shall be stronger for it. — Laurens

Japan: I picked Japan after the group stage, and I’m sticking by it. They are so in sync — that is one thing you possibly can’t pressure or pretend. The Japan staff nicely and really clicks — it is each a pleasure to observe and devastating for different groups to attempt to play in opposition to. — Murray

Japan II: I feel I threw a blanket over most contenders within the group stage wrap-up, and I fairly just like the view from this fence I’m sitting on. But at a push, it is Japan’s World Cup with Australia pushing them closest. That dwelling help is vital, and all with Kerr again within the combine. — Hamilton

Japan III: Given what we noticed within the spherical of 16, I’m trimming my earlier prediction of both Japan or England and simply going with the previous. Yes, in some unspecified time in the future it would all go off the rails (most likely from an in-swinging nook onto the pinnacle of Amanda Ilestedt or one thing), however they’ve performed the very best soccer of anybody thus far on this match, and that deserves to be recognised. France have been my pre-tournament prediction and I nonetheless really feel like they’ll problem, as can their quarterfinal opponents, Australia. My concern with the latter is that, whereas they’ll transition any opponent to loss of life, I’m undecided how they beat the very best groups in the event that they’re denied that. — Lynch

Japan IV: I’m strolling again my Sweden prediction and turning my consideration to their quarterfinal opponents, Japan. Nadeshiko are essentially the most convincing, well-rounded staff we’ve seen thus far at this World Cup. — Lordanic

Japan V: I picked Sweden within the earlier spherical, however now I ponder in the event that they’ve used up all of their karma by needing the width of a bank card to see if they might win or extend the shootout stress vs. the USWNT. I’ll change and say Japan, who’ve regarded unbelievable thus far. — Carlisle

Japan VI: I’m wobbling on England however not on Japan. I’ll stick to them, however it’s such an open subject that I would not rule out Spain, Australia or France, both. That feels harsh on the remainder, however I’ve to get off the fence someplace. — Marsden

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Today in USWNT camp

Will U.S. Soccer have a simple choice to make relating to Vlatko Andonovski? Yes.

Whether it is phrased that he’ll half methods or step down, his tenure with the USWNT, which started in October 2019, shall be over quickly.

The downside: It’s taking place about two years too late.

Opportunities have been squandered on the Tokyo Olympics and now at this 12 months’s Women’s World Cup. Breaking down Andonovski’s tepid two-year tenure, and gleaning what’s subsequent.

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Sights and sounds

France beat TV scores report

France vs. Morocco was watched by a mean of 5.22 million individuals on Tuesday, the very best TV score of the match thus far in France. The sport was proven on M6 with a kickoff time of 1 p.m. native time and had a peak of 5.9m viewers on the finish of the primary half. Almost 50% of these watching tv at the moment have been following the match. And it beat the scores from France vs. Brazil within the group stage, when 4.3m individuals gathered in entrance of their TVs. — Julien Laurens

Stick it on the wall

MELBOURNE — There is a buzz round Australia. When you discuss to individuals within the host cities, they know there is a Women’s World Cup on. With the Matildas progressing, you’d count on the vibes to be rising with Seven — the free-to-air broadcaster for Australia’s video games — saying they’re going to broadcast the France quarterfinal on their predominant channel, pushing the nightly information broadcast till the match is over.

Yet, if you happen to step again past the soccer followers who’ve descended on the 9 host cities, the image stays somewhat bleaker. At Melbourne’s weekly winter night time market in the course of town, a poster vendor admitted he is had issues shifting the Sam Kerr prints he has, having anticipated curiosity within the match to assist him transfer his inventory. He defined he’ll simply promote 1,000 prints of Neymar, Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo for each one in all Kerr, though he has just lately been requested about getting a few of Hayley Raso following her efficiency in opposition to Canada.

He’s hoping that, with one other win or two, he can promote some extra Kerrs. But, on this nook of Victoria, not less than, it speaks additional to the battle that girls’s soccer nonetheless has to achieve the mainstream. — Sophie Lawson

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Features of the day

Here’s to in a single day Women’s World Cup watch events in D.C.
The USWNT have crashed out, however the followers and late nights within the U.S. capital are colliding through the Women’s World Cup.

Mentality to determine France vs. Australia quarterfinal conflict
After dismantling Morocco, France now have a date with future as they face World Cup co-hosts Australia for a spot within the semifinal.

Race for the Golden Boot: Who’ll be the Women’s World Cup high purpose scorer?
Two gamers led the race for the Golden Boot heading into the knockout part, however there are loads extra nonetheless in competition.

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And, lastly …

Players who reached the knockout spherical on the Women’s World Cup bought bigger particular person bonuses that may be life-changing for a lot of of them.

FIFA designated $30,000 for the 732 gamers amongst 32 groups within the match subject. The payout rises to $60,000 for gamers on the 16 groups that superior out of group play. The cash grows to $90,000 for gamers within the quarterfinals, and it is a vital payday, significantly for many who have had monetary disputes with their federations over pay and help. Though there’s nonetheless the prospect for disputes, as nationwide associations must distribute the FIFA funds.

Hildah Magaia helped the Banyana Banyana advance out of group play and into the knockout stage, doubling her bonus. She plans to make use of the cash to take care of her mom.

“I’ll be able to do everything for my mother because I’m the one who’s taking care of her,” she mentioned. “I’m the breadwinner, so I’ll be doing everything for my mom.”

Deneisha Blackwood, a part of the Jamaica squad eradicated by Colombia within the knockouts, described the minimal payouts as an excellent begin for her staff. Jamaica have had monetary difficulties and relied on crowdfunding to boost cash for its journey to the match.

“Obviously we as players have a life outside of football, and I think prize money like that rewards us in ways we can’t imagine. A lot of us have bills to pay and family to take care of,” Blackwood mentioned. “And I think for the younger generation, especially, football doesn’t make you a lot of money. So for [girls] to see us doing what we love and realize that you can make a living off it. … It’s motivational.” — The Associated Press