FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 on Optus Sport – It’s day 23 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ in Australia and New Zealand and the football is coming thick and fast.
It’s quarter-final time in Australia and New Zealand with two massive matches kicking off the last eight of the tournament, as Spain and Netherlands face off before Sweden take on Japan.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the 23rd day of action, as well as what you missed from the day before.
FROM MATCHDAY 20:
- Colombia 1-0 Jamaica
- France 4-0 Morocco
What’s on today:
It’s quarter-finals time! We have two massive matches both live on Optus Sport as four must become two by the end of the day.
Spain vs Netherlands (11am AEST)
It’s almost a pity this game is only a quarter-final given the talent packed into these two squads but it’s the nature of a FIFA Women’s World Cup™.
The top half of the draw is incredibly difficult to predict and this game sums it up, with the runner-up from 2019 Netherlands taking on arguably the most talented squad in the tournament in Spain.
The Spanish have been somewhat overlooked given their shock 4-0 drubbing to Japan in the group stages but they eased past Switzerland in the Round of 16, scoring five in the process to remind everyone of the firepower they have.
The Netherlands looked just as comfortable as they brushed aside South Africa a day later to set up the first of two mouth-watering ties on Friday.
The big news is that Dutch midfield star Danielle van de Donk will miss the game after picking up a yellow card against South Africa to earn a one-game suspension.
It means more will be required of Jill Roord in midfield if they are to keep the likes of Aitana Bonmati, Jenni Hermoso and Alexia Putellas quiet.
Japan vs Sweden (5.30pm AEST)
It’s one of the surprise favourites to win the whole thing against the highest-ranked team left in the competition who just dumped out the back-to-back champions.
Japan have stunned everybody with their scintillating brand of football in this tournament so far and established themselves as potential winners with a 4-0 win over Spain before brushing aside a resurgent Norwegian side in the Round of 16.
Both Japan and Sweden have only conceded one goal each throughout the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ so far and have scored 23 goals between them.
Sweden have been to the semi-finals on four previous occasions, including in France four years ago, while Japan are looking to replicated their 2011 success in lifting the trophy.
Both sides are expected to start with the same XI that got them to the last eight as one of the tournament’s best defenders in Amanda Ilestedt will come up against the Golden Boot race leader Hinata Miyazawa.
Players to watch
Lieke Martens (Netherlands)
Lieke Martens showed off her creative flair against South Africa in the last round with and excellent chest control and volleyed pass to set up Lineth Beerensteyn’s second and she will be needed for more of that against Spain.
She usually works in tandem with Danielle van de Donk but the No.10’s suspension means Martens will be a lone ranger in setting up the Dutch’s attacks while still having to keep the dangerous Spanish midfield at bay.
Hinata Miyazawa (Japan)
With five goals in four games, Hinata Miyazawa is leading the Golden Boot race and has become the face of this impressive Japanese attack.
Spain will need to keep her quite to have any chance of shutting out the most prolific attack at this tournament, but that is far easier said than done.
Where to watch
Like every game of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™, Spain vs Netherlands and Japan vs Sweden will all be shown live and on demand on Optus Sport.
Live coverage begins from 10am (AEST) on Optus Sport with Spain vs Netherlands on Optus Sport 1, before the build up to Japan vs Sweden begins at 4.30pm (AEST).
Media Release – Optus Sport
Link to Optus Sport HERE
TV Central Optus Sport content HERE
