The knockout round matchups are set for the Women’s World Cup.
The Round of 16 kicks off early Saturday morning on the east coast as Switzerland meets Spain in the first elimination match. The United States’ knockout round kicks off early Sunday morning against Sweden, after finishing second in Group E.
Here’s a quick look at all eight games from the Round of 16 after the group stage ended on Thursday morning.
Switzerland vs Spain (August 5, 1am ET)
Switzerland topped Group A while Spain finished second in Group C behind an absolutely clinical Japanese team. This game is a contrast in styles. Spain scored eight goals in its two wins – losing 4–0 to Japan – while Switzerland scored two goals in three group stage matches, not conceding a goal. Spain is the heavy favorite with -300 to win in regular time at BetMGM, while Switzerland is +725.
Japan vs. Norway (August 5, 4pm ET)
Japan scored an astonishing 11 goals in the group stage as they easily won Group C. Norway finished second to the Swiss in Group A thanks to a 6-0 victory over the Philippines in the final group stage match. Japan is the favorite with -120 in regular time, while Norway is +320. The winner of this match will compete against the winner of the USA and Sweden.
The Orange squad won Pool E for the United States and will play in primetime on Saturday-evening. Fox is not happy about this. The Netherlands also has a much easier game than the United States; South Africa conceded six goals in three Group G matches and has won a whopping +950 in regular time, while the Netherlands are the hottest first round favorites with -400.
Sweden vs. United States (August 6, 5 a.m. ET)
The United States enters as a favorite in the US betting markets due to the popularity of the team in the United States. In reality, this game is very close and a regular draw at +210 could be the game here. Sweden scored 9 goals in the group stage, but five came against Italy. The USA has only scored four goals in three games and needs to be much better in front of goal to win the tournament as a favorite.
The England women have taken over favorite status to win the Women’s World Cup thanks to the USWNT’s lackluster performance in the group stage. England are now +300 ahead of both Spain and the US with +400 to lift the cup after a strong performance in Group D. Keira Walsh’s absence could be a problem for England after she suffered a knee injury in the group stage and Nigeria has been impressive so far. England is -350 to win this one, while Nigeria is +900.
Australia vs. Denmark (August 7, 6:30am ET)
Will Australia have Sam Kerr for this game? The co-hosts came back to win Group B after a 3-2 defeat to Nigeria, which put them in trouble ahead of the final group stage match. Kerr has not played at all at the World Cup so far due to a calf injury. Denmark has been solid so far, but home court advantage could be the deciding factor in favor of the Aussies. Australia is -125 to win in regulation.
Jamaica finished second in Group F to Brazil, having held on to a 0-0 draw against the Brazilians on Thursday. Their reward is a match against Colombia star Linda Caicedo. She scored in each of Colombia’s first two matches of the tournament before the Colombians were held scoreless by Morocco. Colombia is the favorite here with -135, but don’t be surprised if Jamaica can at least push it to extra time (+250).
France vs. Morocco (Aug. 8, 7 p.m. ET)
France scored eight goals in their last two games after opening the tournament with a scoreless draw against Jamaica. Morocco is one of the surprises of the tournament as it advanced ahead of Germany after a big loss to the Germans to open the World Cup. France is the big favorite in this, but Morocco has not allowed a goal in the last two games. Cagey defense is a recipe for knockout round success. Just ask the Moroccan men.
Teams Eliminated: New Zealand, Philippines, Canada, Ireland, Zambia, Costa Rica, China, Haiti, Portugal, Vietnam, Brazil, Panama, Italy, Argentina, Germany, South Korea
