WTX Sports Round of 16 predictions
The 2023 Women’s World Cup has been the most thrilling edition of the tournament ever. There have been plenty of goals, penalties and questionable VAR decisions. The group stage offered up major upsets – including two-time world champion Germany being knocked out. Brazil, Italy and China also failed to make it to the last-16. Current world champions the USA barely scraped through to the knockout stages.Â
Jamaica, Morocco, South Africa and Nigeria were amongst the teams who beat the odds to make it to the last-16.
For England fans, the Lionesses’ last match against China offered a glimpse into what this team can achieve in the tournament and whilst Nigeria won’t be an easy match, England does have a real shot at winning the world cup. But we’ve got to get through the knockout stage first – here are our predictions.Â
Round of 16 predictions
Saturday 5 August
Match 49: Switzerland vs Spain (06:00, Auckland) – BBC
Switzerland 0-1 Spain: We predict this will be a fairly drab performance with both sides struggling for goals. The Swiss’s last two matches have been goalless and Spain will have to practise patience to break down the defence. Spain should have just enough skill and experience to just edge out the Swiss.
Match 50: Japan vs Norway (09:00, Wellington) – ITV
Japan 2-0 Norway: Japan have had a wonderful start to their 2023 campaign and look to be a real contender for the world cup. Norway won’t be easy, but Japan will likely put in another strong performance.
Sunday 6 August
Match 51: Netherlands vs South Africa (03:00, Sydney) – BBC
Netherlands 2-1 South Africa: The Netherlands are the clear favourites here but we expect South Africa to cause a few problems for the Dutch. Don’t think for a second this will be an easy game – South Africa are tough opponents but the Dutch should have the extra quality and experience to book their quarter-final spot.
Match 52: Sweden vs United States (10:00, Melbourne) – ITV
Sweden 2-0 USA: This is it! The big match that everyone will be watching. The US have struggled this tournament and with serious problems in the midfield and now without key player Rose Lavelle, we see the US run coming to an end here. Sweden – along with England and Japan – are the only teams to have won all three group-stage matches. We can’t see Sweden falter here, they’re on a winning streak.
Monday 7 August
Match 54: England vs Nigeria (08:30, Brisbane) – BBC
England 2-0 Nigeria: Nigeria are a tough opponent, but we think England should have just enough experience to win this game and seal a quarterfinal place. Don’t think for a second it’ll be easy – it won’t. We expect Nigeria to put up one hell of a fight. But the Lioness’s last game showed the skill England have and the adaptability. With Lauren James and the prospect of a returning Keira Walsh – this team can go all the way.
Match 53: Australia vs Denmark (11:30, Sydney) – BBC
Australia 2-0 Denmark: With Sam Kerr reportedly back in the squad following a calf injury – and being on home soil, we can’t imagine Australia will lose this match.
Tuesday 8 August
Match 56: Colombia vs Jamaica (09:00, Melbourne) – ITV
Colombia 1-0 Jamaica: We expect this to be another cagey and tough game that will see few goals as both teams will likely hold their back line well. We think Colombia will ultimately find the back of the net – although don’t be surprised if this game goes to penalties.
Match 55: France vs Morocco (12:00, Adelaide) – BBC
France 3-1 Morocco: It’s been a bit of a mixed performance from France this world cup, drawing with Jamaica, and then a late win over Brazil. Their final match saw them score 6 against Panama, but they conceded still conceded 3. We think having the extra experience will give them the edge but if there is going to be a major upset in this stage we think it’ll be this game.
