FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 on Optus Sport – It’s day 18 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ in Australia and New Zealand and the football is coming thick and fast.
The Round of 16 kicked off yesterday as Spain claimed a big win over Switzerland and Japan showed their class to send Norway packing.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the 18th day of action, as well as what you missed from the day before.
FROM MATCH DAY 17:
- Japan 3-1 Norway
- Switzerland 1-5 Spain
What’s on today:
It’s another crucial day of football on Optus Sport as the Round of 16 action continues.
Netherlands v South Africa (12pm AEST)
The first match of the day starts nice and early as we head to the Sydney Football Stadium.
The Netherlands enter the knockout stages after an impressive group stage saw them edge out the USA for top spot and claim a 7-0 win over Vietnam in their last match.
South Africa, meanwhile, weren’t expected to make it this far at the Women’s World Cup and booked their place in the Round of 16 with an injury-time winner over Italy on Wednesday.
The African side can’t be taken lightly, having scored in all of their matches so far and pushed Sweden hard in their opening game.
On paper, Netherlands will be strong favourites considering their world ranking of nine compared to South Africa’s 54. But this tournament has already shown us numerous times that those rankings mean nothing with the biggest trophy of them all on the line.
Sweden v USA (7pm AEST)
Speaking of rankings, Sunday’s second match will see the world No.1 and world No.3 face off far earlier than anyone expected.
Sweden topped their group in dominant fashion, winning all three matches, but were rewarded for it with a match against the reigning champions.
The USA are lucky to even still be in the tournament with the 2019 winners under-performing so far and only just holding out for a crucial 0-0 draw with Portugal last time out.
A Round of 16 exit would be a huge disappointment for both teams so expect them to throw everything at this must-watch match.
Players to watch
Esmee Brugts (Netherlands)
The 20-year-old showed why Europe’s top clubs are circling her with a stunning brace in the Netherlands’ last match against Vietnam.
Both of Brugts’ goals came from distance and she was a constant menace moving forward with the ball.
She looms as a real X-factor for the Netherlands moving into the knockout stages and can still take teams by surprise.
Amanda IIestedt (Sweden)
With three goals from three matches, IIestedt has proven to be an unexpected goal threat for Sweden.
The centre-back has quickly shown her potential in the box as she heads home set-pieces with relative ease.
While IIestedt is scoring goals, she’s also played her part in keeping them out with Sweden conceding just once across their three group stage matches.
Where to watch
Like every game of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™, Netherlands v South Africa and Sweden v USA will all be shown live and on demand on Optus Sport.
Live coverage begins from 11am (AEST) on Optus Sport with Netherlands v South Africa on Optus Sport 1, with Sweden v USA to follow.
Media Release – Optus Sport
Link to Optus Sport HERE
TV Central Optus Sport content HERE
