Women's World Cup Schedule 2015: Round-by-Round Bracket Dates, Live Stream Info
The quarter-final stages of any major international tournament is usually the trigger for the teams involved to begin believing they have a chance of going all the way.
The eight remaining nations at the 2015 Women’s World Cup, now just three wins away from glory, will all feel as though they have a tremendous opportunity.
Naturally, the quality of football will be improved as we move deeper and deeper into the tournament bracket. Running the rule over the four fixtures to come during the next couple of days prompts plenty of excitement, with high-class action and drama an inevitability at this stage of the competition.
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Here’s a look at how the schedule is shaping up for the rest of the competition and a closer examination of a trio of teams that have a major shot at glory.
| Quarter-Finals | |||
| China PR vs. United States | Friday, June 26 | 4 p.m. | Montreal |
| Germany vs. France | Friday, June 26 | 7:30 p.m. | Ottawa |
| Japan vs. Australia | Saturday, June 27 | 4 p.m. | Edmonton |
| Canada vs. England | Saturday, June 27 | 7:30 p.m. | Vancouver |
| Semi-Finals | |||
| Semi-Final 1 | Tuesday, June 30 | 7 p.m | Montreal |
| Semi-Final 2 | Wednesday, July 1 | 7 p.m | Edmonton |
| Finals | |||
| Third Place Playoff | Saturday, July 4 | 4 p.m. | Edmonton |
| Final | Sunday, July 5 | 7 p.m | Vancouver |
Matches can be streamed via the BBC iPlayer (UK) and Fox Sports Go (US).
United States
Jillian Ellis’ side have pushed on into the last eight, but it’s been far from plain sailing for the U.S. women's national team as they plot their way toward a third World Cup win.
They had no answer to a cohesive Colombia side in their previous encounter before a red card for Las Cafeteras allowed the United States to get a foothold in the match. As noted by Bleacher Report’s Andrew Gibney, although the USWNT went on to win 2-0, there are lingering concerns about this team, especially with a couple of key players set to miss the quarters:
A lack of attacking balance has been worrying to this point, with Abby Wambach struggling to find her best form in Canada. But what’s encouraging is the defensive solidity that’s been prominent at this World Cup, as well as the clear winning mentality that has pushed the team to this point so far.
As we can see here courtesy of ESPN.com’s Paul Carr, the United States have a wonderful record against the quarter-final opponents, China:
It’s a match that’ll likely follow a similar pattern to the clash against Colombia, but even if they are not at their fluid best, you’d be foolish to back against the USWNT grinding out another gritty win. It may not make for aesthetic football, but at this stage of the tournament, results are all that matters.
Germany
There’s little doubt that Germany have been the standout team at this World Cup to this point. Silvia Neid’s side have played with the kind of swagger befitting of pre-tournament favourites, banging in a staggering 19 goals in their four games.
As noted by Carr, there are so many members of this squad who are willing to stand up and make a tangible impression on matches:
It’s why they’ve been so dominant in all of their tournament fixtures so far. Admittedly, against Ivory Coast and Thailand, there was a chasm in class, but the manner in which Germany pummelled Sweden 4-1 in their round-of-16 encounter was extremely impressive.
Going forward, they play with a variety that reeks of potential world champions, too. A lot of sides remaining in this tournament have been neat and tidy around the penalty area but don’t possess the ingenuity or directness to convert their stylish play into goalscoring opportunities.
But that’s definitely not the case with Germany, as we can see here courtesy of OptaJoe:
France have also shone in Canada and will be a testing quarter-final opponent. But after a disappointing performance on home soil four years ago, this German side seems intent on making amends in 2015, and it’s going to take a very special team to stop them.
England
The Three Lionesses won their first-ever knockout match at a World Cup last time out, showcasing an admirable steeliness to bounce back from a goal down to beat a classy Norway team 2-1.
Lucy Bronze’s winning goal was very special, too, as we can see here courtesy of Howler Magazine:
Great credit must go to England boss Mark Sampson as the team gears up to take on host nation Canada next. He’s been brave in his selections up to this point, taking a reactive stance in matches and showing a willingness to alter starting personnel and style based on the opponent.
After a tepid display in their tournament opener against France, it’s a modus operandi the England manager could have easily abandoned. But as the Lionesses surged into the last eight of the competition with a stirring late fightback against Norway, the merits of this mantra were there for all to see.
Bleacher Report’s Nick Akerman thinks the manager deserves great credit:
You suspect England will relish being underdogs against Canada in the quarters, too. The hosts have been extremely inconsistent so far, and if Sampson can concoct a plan to silence what’s likely to be a raucous home crowd, the Lionesses have a brilliant chance of extending their riveting run in this World Cup.
