The 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup draws closer to conclusion by the day and while we are way off the July 7 final, things are already taking shape. The 16 teams to move on to the first knockout stage were decided on Thursday, June 20, as were the round of 16 fixtures.
All eyes will be on who will make the last eight. Thirteen of the remaining nations are from FIFA's top 15 ranked nations. Here's a look at the round of 16 fixtures and who will likely make the quarter-finals.
Here are the FIFA Women's World Cup round of 16 fixtures
Germany vs Nigeria
Nigeria made it to the round of 16 by the skin of their teeth. Germany, meanwhile, booked their ticket to the knockout stage courtesy of a perfect record, winning every single group stage game without conceding a single goal. Unfortunately for the Super Eagles, this will be an uphill battle to difficult to overcome.
Predicted winner: Germany
Norway vs Australia
Both sides finished second in their respective groups. Both teams won twice and lost once. However, Australia are the favorites to go through in this fixture. The Matildas boast one of the top two scorers so far in France in the form of Sam Kerr, with five goals, and the Scandinavians have not been the most attractive side.
Predicted winner: Australia
England vs Cameroon
Cameroon joined Nigeria in the knockout stage to make this the first FIFA Women's World Cup round of 16 with two African nations. Unfortunately, this will also likely be the end of the road for them as their opponent is an England side with a perfect record. Japan, Argentina, and Scotland all failed to beat the Three Lionesses and we don't see Cameroon doing so either.
Predicted winner: England
France vs Brazil
Brazil may boast Marta in their ranks, the all-time leading scorer in both men and women's World Cup history, but the South American giants have been below par. A controversial VAR penalty helped them beat Italy to secure progression but Cristiane, who has scored four goals so far, will be hoping to lead them to victory. France, on the other hand, topped their group and have the home advantage.
Predicted winner: France
Spain vs USA
Not many nations can stand in the way of the USA and we don't see Spain breaking that trend. The Europeans finished second in their group but Alex Morgan and Co. have been unstoppable so far
Predicted winner: USA
Sweden vs Canada
Sweden did well in their group despite finishing behind the USA. However, they struggle on the counter-attack. Canada, led by Christine Sinclair, have been solid and should see off their European opponent
Predicted winner: Canada
Italy vs China
Italy have been a surprise package so far. The European nation have emerged as one of the favorites after their group stage performance, beating Australia. They are the safest bet
Predicted winner: Italy
Netherlands vs Japan
Japan have reached the last two FIFA Women's World Cup final, lifting the title in 2011, but the Asian giants are a shadow of what they once were. A lack of chemistry between the players plagued their group stage campaign and will thus likely be punished by a Netherlands side with a perfect record.
Predicted winner: Netherlands
Probable quarter-final fixtures at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup
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Australia vs England
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France vs USA
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Italy vs Netherlands
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Germany vs Canada
These are the predicted quarter-final fixtures. This article will be updated with the confirmed last-four match-ups once the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup quarter-finalists have been determined.
