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The group stages are in the rearview mirror and Vera Pauw's Republic of Ireland squad have already been welcomed home but for the 16 teams left standing in Australia and New Zealand, it's time for the unforgiving gauntlet of the knockout rounds and it all kicks off on Saturday.
SYDNEY : While Spain were reeling after their 4-0 rout by Japan in their final group game at the Women's World Cup this week, coach Jorge Vilda said rather than brushing the painful loss off, they studied it from every possible angle.
WELLINGTON : Coach Jorge Vilda said Spain were hurting after their 4-0 defeat at the hands of Japan in their final group match on Monday but had not lost all hope that they can make a big impression on the Women's World Cup.
WELLINGTON : The Spain squad had "great memories" of their training camp in the New Zealand town of Palmerston North and only moved to Wellington early for logistical reasons, coach Jorge Vilda said on Sunday.
Spain underlined their credentials as pre-tournament favourites when they became one of the first teams to seal qualification for the Women's World Cup knockouts with a 5-0 win over Zambia in their second Group C encounter on Wednesday.
Rampant title contenders Spain and former champions Japan became the first teams to reach the Women's World Cup last 16 on Wednesday as both won with ease. Two-times Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas started for Spain following her serious knee injury and played her part in a 5-0 demolition of Zambia. Japan had been on the brink of reaching the knockout rounds following their 2-0 win over Costa Rica earlier in the day and the Spain result sent both of them sailing through.
Jennifer Hermoso and Alba Redondo both scored twice as Spain qualified for the last 16 of the Women's World Cup with a 5-0 win over Zambia on Wednesday, a result that also took Japan into the knockout phase.
The Republic of Ireland return to action on Wednesday when they face Olympic champions Canada in a crucial match in Perth.