 crashing out in the group stages. Copa America winners Brazil were sent packing after being held by Jamaica, Olympic Champions Canada were dismissed following defeat to Australia and - most shocking of all - EURO 2022 runners-up Germany were eliminated after claiming just one solitary victory. That flurry of group stage giant-killings has opened the door for one of the most exciting, unpredictable knockout stages in World Cup history. Among the teams set to battle it out in the Round of 16 are England's Lionesses, fresh from their 6-1 demolition of China and bidding to win the trophy for the first time in their history. Sarina Wiegman's side will, however, face stern opposition from a host of competitors. 2011 winners Japan have looked formidable so far, while Sweden, too, triumphed in all of their group games. But, despite patchy recent form, the reigning champions USA know exactly what it takes to go all the way at this tournament. Our women's football team have their say on who they think are favourites to win the World Cup... Football's fickle nature is perhaps never more evident than at a major tournament. Two short weeks ago, I thought Germany were destined for a third World Cup triumph, with reigning champions USA the most likely candidate to spoil their party. And yet, here we are. Germany are out and the USA - if they don't quickly buck their ideas up - surely won't be far behind them. Coming into this summer, I thought England's injury crisis would prove insurmountable. That feeling was only exacerbated by the sight){kind=link}
THE BIG DEBATE: The Women’s World Cup group stages have finished with two of the tournament’s favourites dumped out and a thrilling Round of 16 set to commence this weekend
The Women’s World Cup knockout stages are upon us and the next few days promise to deliver plenty of mouthwatering match-ups.
This summer’s tournament has already provided us with plenty of memorable moments, with six of the world’s Top 20 teams (at least according to FIFA) crashing out in the group stages. Copa America winners Brazil were sent packing after being held by Jamaica, Olympic Champions Canada were dismissed following defeat to Australia and – most shocking of all – EURO 2022 runners-up Germany were eliminated after claiming just one solitary victory.
That flurry of group stage giant-killings has opened the door for one of the most exciting, unpredictable knockout stages in World Cup history. Among the teams set to battle it out in the Round of 16 are England’s Lionesses, fresh from their 6-1 demolition of China and bidding to win the trophy for the first time in their history.
Sarina Wiegman’s side will, however, face stern opposition from a host of competitors. 2011 winners Japan have looked formidable so far, while Sweden, too, triumphed in all of their group games. But, despite patchy recent form, the reigning champions USA know exactly what it takes to go all the way at this tournament.