World Cup: Elite 8 - Quarterfinal Power Rankings
There are 8 teams left in the FIFA Women's World Cup. Each of these countries all have a chance to win it all. It's time for another Power Ranking!
Japan - This team is running like a well-oiled machine and shows no signs of slowing down. Hina Miyazawa and Jun Endo had a masterclass on the left side against Norway. The potential Golden Boot and Ball Winner has been the best player of the tournament. They’ll need to defend set pieces at a high level in their next match versus Sweden. If this team has one weakness, it could be that. Their total team football is shining bright and could carry them the rest of the way.
France - Can they overcome history and continue to move on in this tournament? France has been exceptional this tournament and have scored consistently outside of their group stage opener.
Spain - They were absolutely dominant against Switzerland and scored every goal in that game (including the own-goal!). That wake up call after the 0-4 defeat at Japan is in full effect. Many expected the 2021 and 2022 Ballon d'Or Alexia Putellas to be the the star for Spain at the World Cup, but it has been the Aitana Bonmatí show. Her brace in their 5-1 win over the Swiss led the way.
England - Yes, they struggled to get through and barely did. However, Sarina Wiegman is a big-game coach and that does not change. Nigeria, an insanely talented team, deserves everyone’s respect — and support from their federation. England have not been at their best, but have done just enough.
Australia - Over 75,000 fans saw Australia move on to the quarterfinals! Former Portland Thorns Caitlyn Foord and Hayley Raso scored in their 2-0 win over Denmark. They now must face France in what could be the best matchup in the semi-finals.
Netherlands - South Africa gave the Netherlands everything they could handle. Without the heroics of Daphne van Domselaar they would be out of this tournament. Thembi Kgatlana and South Africa were unlucky to have their World Cup end with a harsh 0-2 scoreline.
Sweden - They did not play well against the USWNT, but still found a way to advance. Sweden struggled mightily to get through this match. Facing Japan next will reveal who this team truly is.
Colombia - What a tournament for Colombia! What a story! They found the breakthrough thanks to Catalina Usme’s game winner. Colombia is playing England at the right time and will give them a heck of a fight.
Some Thorns training info from my reconnaissance mission to Prov Park (aka my PT session this am.)
No Sinc, Soph, or Dunn. Becky and Rocky were both back in full training and I got to watch about 8 mins of a 1/2 field 11 v 11. Becky looked quick and not really hesitant. Rocky, got stuck in a little bit more but maybe still a little hesitant. There was someone tall-ish in warmups sitting on the sidelines but just street shoes. Couldn’t tell who it was, maybe a little bit more tan/darker hair. Could’ve maybe been Sinc? All the usual talls were out training.
Anyways, that’s all I got!
World Cup Wish Rankings:
Who do I *want* to win the World Cup?
1. Australia - have never won despite being good for a long time; home team, so vast numbers of people would be ecstatic
2. Sweden - have never won despite being very good for a long time
3. Netherlands - women and men combined have been to like 5 finals and never won
4. Colombia - have never won; the ultimate dark horse
5. Japan - so much fun to watch, but they're already slated to win it in 2027
6. France - the women haven't won but the men have, and recently (and probably will again in the next decade)
7. Spain - would be ranked higher but for the boost it would give the chauvinists in the RFEF
8. England - their media is already obnoxious about English football and winning would make it 1000x worse; plus the FAWSL doesn't need any more hype than it already gets