Women's World Cup 2015: Latest Round-of-16 Bracket Results and Tuesday Schedule

Reigning world champions Japan will battle it out against the Netherlands for a spot in the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup, rounding off a tremendous sequence of last-16 fixtures.

This tournament has had everything up to this point, and after Brazil’s—the only team other than Japan to have won all of their group games—shock elimination to Australia, Norio Sasaki’s side will be taking nothing for granted against a dangerous Oranje side. The winner of this tie will face the Matildas in the last eight.

Here’s a reminder of the round-of-16 results so far and a look ahead to the Vancouver showdown between these two intriguing teams.

Team 1	Team 2	Time (ET)	Venue
Japan	Netherlands	10 p.m.	Vancouver

Team 1	Result	Team 2
China PR	1-0	Cameroon
Germany	4-1	Sweden
Brazil	0-1	Australia
France	3-0	Korea Republic
Canada	1-0	Switzerland
Norway	1-2	England
United States	2-0	Colombia

Japan Looking to Continue Vancouver Affinity

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

At this point in the competition, consistency and familiarity will be of comfort to Japan. They continue to grind out results and will be delighted to be playing their last-16 clash at BC Place; it’ll be their third game in four at the Vancouver venue.

You’d expect a top performance from the reigning champions wherever they play at this juncture. They’ve been typically functional in the opening games of the tournament, using all 23 members of their squad in the three group fixtures and winning them all.

"It’s not as if we’ve been hiding what we’re capable of," said coach Sasaki when quizzed on the peculiar rotation policy, per Gary Kingston of the Vancouver Sun. "It’s because the players haven’t been able to expose all their strength. I warn everyone to be prepared for the storm that could happen."

Koki Nagahama/Getty Images

Against Ecuador, who conceded 16 goals in their first two group matches, the holders mustered an underwhelming 1-0 win. It was a disjointed display and a potential side effect of so much rotation within the squad.

Can the Netherlands capitalise on these potential frailties? Jonathan Tannenwald of Soccer Morning thinks they have what it takes:

The Oranje may have the cohesive skills to contain Japan’s attacking talent. Their manager, Roger Reijners, has instilled plenty of defensive solidity—the Dutch conceded only twice in their Group A matches—but if they’re going to get the better of the champions, they must strike a more desirable balance between sitting back and surging forward.

Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images

One player they will need to utilise better is teenage sensation Vivianne Miedema. The 18-year-old is rated as one of the game’s most exciting young players. Here’s a look at why:

But until now, the Dutch have found it difficult to get her or the vibrant attacking ability of Lieke Martens or Manon Melis into games. If that front three can align against the Japanese, then the Netherlands will fancy their chances in this one.

Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images

Womens Football Comp wonders whether this World Cup may have come a little too soon for Miedema, though:

Although the only other side with a perfect record were sent packing by less illustrious opposition, Japan will do enough to get through this tie. Their midfield, which possesses the quality and experience of figures such as Aya Miyama and Homare Sawa, looks likely to be too strong for the Dutch.

While the Netherlands possess the dynamism to cause any side problems, the big stage will hinder the talents of this young team rather than enrich them. By contrast, with memories of their triumph four years ago prevalent, expect the holders to move through the gears in the knockout stages.

Prediction: Japan 2-1 Netherlands