From upsets to record attendance, these trends have emerged at Women's World Cup

The traditional elite have been cut down to size at the Women's World Cup.

That has been the standout theme as a tournament that has already set records for attendance and goals scored enters the quarterfinals stage, and it has made for high drama.

"It's been absolutely incredible and a great testament to some of the work that is happening around the world," FIFA's head of women's football, Sarai Bareman, told The Associated Press. "To see the results of this World Cup brings so much meaning to the work that we do.

"It's really special, not only for the players and the teams, but for those of us who are working on the game day in and day out."

Soccer's world governing body FIFA is trying to grow the women's game at pace, and it seems to be having an impact.

Established nations have fallen one by one over the past two weeks, with the back-to-back defending champion U.S. team joining No. 2-ranked Germany, Brazil and Olympic gold medallist Canada by going home early.

WATCH | Soccer North reacts to Canada's elimination:

The tournament, being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, has produced one upset after another.

The U.S. team's penalty shootout loss to Sweden in the round of 16 ended its bid for an unprecedented three-peat of World Cup titles.

Lina Hurtig's spot kick crossed the line by a tiny fraction and that was enough to send the pre-tournament favourites packing, and prompting questions about the future of U.S. soccer.

Tournament newcomer Morocco, as well as South Africa, Jamaica and Colombia all advanced. The Colombians, the only team from the Americas still in contention, face England in the quarterfinals after edging Jamaica 1-0 in the round of 16.

"This World Cup has been amazing. As you can see, the gap