Day 17 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup marked the first day of the knockout rounds, with Spain and Japan advancing with wins by at least two goals and only conceding one.
Switzerland and Norway were the two teams eliminated, meaning notable players like Ada Hegerberg, Caroline Graham Hansen, Frida Maanum, Ramona Bachmann, Lia Wälti and Coumba Sow were all sent home.
THE RESULTS
Spain 5, Switzerland 1 (in Auckland) — Game stats || Report
Japan 3, Norway 1 (in Wellington) — Game stats || Report
MAIN TALKING POINTS
Spain redeems itself with convincing win
After a 4-0 defeat to Japan in the group stage, there was slight cause for concern as to whether the Spanish side had what it takes to beat Switzerland. Coach Jorge Vilda benched five players including the two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, this allowed the team to find their rhythm just five minutes into the game.
Barcelona’s Cata Coll made her international debut, while defender Laia Codina made her first start of the tournament, though the communication between the two needed work as the only Swiss goal of the match was an own goal off Codina's attempt to turn the ball towards an unprepared Coll in the 11th minute.
But another six minutes later Alba Redondo headed home a cross from Ona Batlle and Aitana Bonmatí added insurance in the 36th minute. Codina would get her redemption on the attacking third from a corner just before the half-time to put Spain up 4-1 at the break.
The Bonmatí masterclass continued in the 70th minute as she grabbed a loose Switzerland pass to set up all-time leading scorer Jenni Hermoso for her team's fifth and final goal.
Spain will now face the winner of Netherlands and South Africa.
Japan's top form continues with dominant second half
For the fourth consecutive World Cup Japan had made it to the knockout rounds, and their consistency and excellence was on display once again defeating Norway 3-1 to keep their dream alive.
The Japanese side grabbed a 1-0 lead as Hinata Miyazawa's cross was put into the back of the net by the outstretched leg of Norway's Ingrid Engen, resulting in an own goal. Guro Reiten would get the Norwegians level just five minutes later.
But the second half showcased Japan's technical ability and attacking press as they looked to be on cruise control. In the 50th minute, Risa Shimizu slotted the ball home after receiving a ball right from Norway's Bøe Risa in an attempt to clear.
Japan's prolific goal scorer Miyazawa would add a third in the 81st minute after a defence-breaking set up from Aoba Fujino that would seal their victory. Japan now awaits the winner of United States and Sweden to face off in the quarterfinals.
GOAL OF THE DAY
In the 20th minute against Japan and down a goal, Norway's Guro Reiten leaped from near the penalty spot to head in the ball beautifully to the back left side of the net that also marked Norway's 100th World Cup goal.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“There is nothing that any of my players did wrong. They did everything right. They played a really, really good tournament. I think that my team has invested everything and I’m very, very proud of them." - Switzerland coach Inka Grings after her team's defeat to Spain.
MOMENT OF THE DAY
No matter the margin of victory, Japan always show their respect to their supporters, and bowed to their loyal fans after defeating Norway and moving on to the next round.
THREE STARS OF THE DAY
1. Aitana Bonmatí, Spain: Scoring twice and assisting on another two goals, Bonmatí put on a masterclass against Switzerland with 90 per cent pass accuracy, 12 passes into the final third and 86 touches as she controlled the attack for Spain.
2. Hinata Miyazawa, Japan: With five goals in the competition Miyazawa now leads the Golden Boot race as she scored the insurance goal for Japan who advance to the next round of the competition.
3. Meriame Terchoun, Switzerland: Despite the loss Terchoun subbed on and gave Switzerland an ounce of life with one of their best chances of the match, grabbing a pass from Bachmann put Coll was there to make the save and keep Spain far ahead.
LOOKING AHEAD
Spain will play either 2019 runner-up Netherlands or South Africa in the quarterfinals in Wellington on Friday while Japan will play the winner of the United States and Sweden in Auckland on Friday.
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