Women's World Cup 2015: Quarter-Final Results, Semi-Final Bracket Predictions
The 2015 Women's World Cup quarter-finals did not disappoint, and with just four teams remaining in the competition it's really hotting up in Canada.
Germany were the first to book their place in the semi-finals with a dramatic penalty shootout win over France after the pair found themselves evenly matched after 120 thrilling minutes.
The USA joined Die Nationalelf with their 1-0 win over China, who rarely looked like making a comeback after Carli Lloyd's header put the Yanks in the lead.
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On Saturday, two of the most exciting teams of the tournament so far clashed when Australia took on Japan. Mana Iwabuchi's late strike earned the reigning champions a semi-final place, as the Matildas failed to match the performance that saw them beat Brazil in the round of 16.
The final place was claimed by England, who earned their fourth consecutive 2-1 victory in the competition with early goals from Jodie Taylor and Lucy Bronze, beating hosts Canada.
Germany will take on the USA in the next round, while England face the unenviable task of facing Japan.
Here are the full results for the quarter-finals, and a look at those all important semi-final clashes.
| Germany vs. France | 1-1 (Germany win 5-4 on penalties) |
| USA vs. China | 1-0 |
| Australia vs. Japan | 0-1 |
| England vs. Canada | 2-1 |
USA vs. Germany
Despite overcoming France in their quarter-final, things aren't going to get any easier at the business end for Germany as they take on the world's second-ranked team.
The pair have each won the World Cup on two occasions and boast some of the finest players in the women's game, so it's sure to be an incredible showdown.
The Americans will see Lauren Holiday and Megan Rapinoe return after suspension, and their fresh legs could prove the difference with Germany having played extra time in their intense match with Les Bleues.
As the New York Times' Andrew Keh noted, Holiday and Rapinoe are crucial figures in the USA's midfield. Prior to the quarter-finals, they had created 18 chances between them, as well as making 293 and 258 touches of the ball respectively—the most in the team—demonstrating their significant influence on the team's creativity.
Germany possess a multitude of threats to the USWNT among their own ranks, however, including Celia Sasic, who leads the race to the Golden Boot with six goals at the tournament.
Further, the level of resilience they showed to come back from a goal down against an impressive French side and then to hold their nerve in the shoot-out makes them a daunting prospect indeed. Ives Galarcep of Soccer By Ives reflected on Die Nationalelf's coolness under pressure:
Ultimately, this match will be one of fine margins.
In the USA, Germany will face an even tougher prospect than France, and while Jill Ellis' charges have yet to reach their full potential at this tournament, they have nevertheless ground out victories in no small part due to their nigh-impenetrable defence.
The Americans have conceded just once, in their opening game against Australia, and their physicality and organisation at the back can keep out even Germany's attack, which struggled at times against France.
Another intriguing, closely-contested match awaits, but the USA's fresher legs and imposing defence can see them triumph.
Prediction: USA 1-0 Germany
Japan vs. England
England have defied expectation and written themselves into history at this World Cup with a series of well-earned but hard-fought victories after succumbing to defeat in their opening game.
Prior to the competition, the Three Lionesses had never won a knockout match in a World Cup, and have now won two after dispatching Norway and Canada, the latter in front of a partisan crowd of over 54,000 people.
Manager Mark Sampson is enjoying his first tournament as England boss, and he reflected on his side's remarkable achievement. Speaking to BBC Sport, he said:
"What a show of resilience and character from the team. They have shown a desire I've never seen from an England team before to hang on in there and get us through to the next round.
We didn't play much football and Canada were outstanding. But this team just won't give in. We had to get to levels we have never been to before.
"
England face their toughest challenge yet in Japan, but after the performances they've shown, Sampson's charges should fear no one. "Bring them on," he added.
The defending world champions will undoubtedly be the favourites for the clash, however.
The Japanese have conceded just twice in the tournament so far, and as World Soccer Talk's Andrew Jerell Jones reports, have won every single game:
"Japan still the only team in this @FIFAWWC with a 100% record. Never explosive, but always clinical enough. #FIFAWWC
— Andrew Jerell Jones (@sluggahjells) June 27, 2015"
Japan's experience of the latter stages of a World Cup, resolute defending and economical finishing give them the edge over England, and it should be enough to see them through to the final.
England are sure to put in a monumental effort to reach their first World Cup final, but Japan can expose their defence, which is yet to keep a clean sheet in five games.
Prediction: Japan 2-1 England
