Women's World Cup: What to expect on Day 23

And so we arrive at the quarter-final stage, with the all-European clash of Spain and the Netherlands getting things under way, followed by in-form Japan taking on Sweden, who eliminated the holders USA.

Spain fired five past Switzerland in the round of 16, a Swiss side who had kept three clean sheets in the group phase. Aitana Bonmati netted twice for the Spaniards, who had earlier shipped four goals against Japan.

Jill Roord scored her fourth goal of the tournament as the Netherlands accounted for South Africa 2-0 last Sunday, with Lineth Beerensteyn adding the second.

Dutch goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar stood tall when required in a game where the South Africans had chances, but the 2019 finalists had enough in reserve to progress to the last eight for the second successive tournament.

Hinata Miyazawa scored her fifth goal of the tournament as Japan beat Norway 3-1 in a clash of former champions in the round of 16.

That scoreline somewhat flattered the Norweigans who, apart from a ten-minute spell in the second half when they emerged from their defensive shell, were disappointing throughout.

In what is the most open of World Cups, Japan now have the backing of many to go all the way. On the basis of Sweden's performance against the USA, you'd fancy them to make the semis.

The Swedes, who offered little as an attacking threat beat the United States 5-4 on penalties to knock out the defending champions after the teams were locked at 0-0 at the end of extra-time.

In a madcap shoot-out, Lina Hurtig struck the winning spot-kick, though US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher parried the ball on the line and the result needed to be confirmed by VAR.

Sophia Smith had had the chance to win the match for the four-times champions but blasted the