4 Key Battles Set to Decide the Last 16 of the Women's World Cup
Sixteen teams from around the world are now gearing up for the business end of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Five different confederations are represented, and the competition looks to be wide open.
For the first time, we go into the round of 16. In it, there are three countries at their debut World Cup who will be delighted to have got this far. The sky is the limit for them.
We are set for eight great matches: Here are four crucial battles that could shape the quarter-final lineup.
Germany vs. Sweden
1 of 4
Full-Backs vs. Sofia Jakobsson
They may have scored 15 goals and conceded just once, but against the Ivory Coast, Germany showed they may be a little vulnerable down the flanks.
Despite the huge 10-0 scoreline, the Africans didn’t just lay down and succumb to the world's No. 1 team. They pushed forward and tried to show a positive side. On a few occasions, especially down the German left, they had some success—they just did not have the quality to expose the space they were allowed.
In Sweden’s 4-4-2 formation, Montpellier’s Sofia Jakobsson runs the channels alongside Lotta Schelin. She has the pace to get in behind any defence and the quality to finish chances.
China vs. Cameroon
2 of 4
Gaelle Enganamouit and Gabrielle Onguene vs. China’s Defence
Cameroon have been a joy to watch in this tournament, full of power, pace and no fear—it is a deadly combination.
Going forward, the stature of Gaelle Enganamouit through the middle and Gabrielle Onguene down the right-flank has caused problems to every team they have faced thus far.
Switzerland couldn’t handle the combination and gave up a 1-0 lead, losing 2-1, and the Chinese defence will need to be at their best if they want to stop the Lionesses from bulldozing through their back line.
Zhao Rong and Li Dongna at centre-back and Wu Haiyan at left-back will be in for the toughest test they have faced in this tournament to date.
Canada vs. Switzerland
3 of 4
Kadeisha Buchanan vs. Ramona Bachmann
Nineteen-year-old Canada centre-back Kadeisha Buchanan has been one of the stars of the tournament so far, and she will face a huge challenge on Sunday as she tries to stop Switzerland’s Ramona Bachmann.
The 24-year-old attacker is a constant nightmare for defences. Her direct running style, ability to change direction and guile on the ball will give defenders nightmares.
Cameroon showed that if you stop Bachmann receiving the ball, you can limit Switzerland’s danger in the final third. However, one slip and the Rosengard player will always be in a position to strike.
Two of the World Cup’s shining stars are set to do battle in Vancouver. It is going to be an intriguing and exciting battle.
France vs. South Korea
4 of 4
Amandine Henry vs. Ji So-yun
During the three group games, South Korea showed they have weapons all over the pitch. Headers from Cho So-hyun and Jeon Ga-eul found the net against Spain and Costa Rica, but France will be confident that the height of Wendie Renard and Laura Georges will be able to deal with that threat.
Les Bleues will need to be wary of Chelsea playmaker and PFA Player of the Year, Ji So-yun. She is the player through whom most Korea attacks go and is easily the most dangerous Korean player.
Tasked with stopping Ji will be Lyon’s Amandine Henry. Excellent against England and Mexico, it is telling that she didn’t play as France lost 2-0 to Colombia.
Not only does she patrol and protect the back four, but she is excellent at pushing the team forward with her driving runs. Henry also has the ability to hit unstoppable shots from distance.
