We have reached the quarter-finals stage of the World Cup and there are two cracking ties to get us underway. 2019 finalists the Netherlands take on Spain, while 2011 champions Japan take on Sweden. Here is all you need to know about Friday’s action.
Spain v Netherlands
Where: Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington
When: 2am (BST)/1pm (NZST)
TV: ITV1, STV, ITVX, STV Player
Referee: Stephanie Frappart (France)
Last meeting: Spain 1-0 Netherlands (Friendly, 2021)
Spain’s round of 16 result: 5-1 win v Switzerland
Netherlands’ round of 16 result: 2-0 win v South Africa
Both these teams have an array of talent to choose from, which should set up an exciting quarter-final clash. The Netherlands are looking to go one step further from 2019 by winning the tournament for the first time, six years after they won Euro 2017.
It says a lot about Spain’s squad depth that two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas has only started two matches so far and yet they have progressed just nicely. Spain’s shining stars so far have been Aitana Bonmati, Alba Redondo and Jenni Hermoso, who have all contributed three goals each. This is what the Netherlands will need to be most wary about on Friday.
Betfred odds: Spain 5/6, Netherlands 3/1, Draw 11/5
Sportsman stat: Spain are into the quarter-finals of the World Cup for the first time. They’ve scored more goals in their last three games of the competition (10) than they did in their first eight combined (9).
Japan v Sweden
Where: Eden Park, Auckland
When: 8:30am (BST)/7:30pm (NZST)
TV: BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website
Referee: Esther Staubli (Switzerland)
Last meeting: Sweden 3-1 Japan (Olympics, 2021)
Japan’s round of 16 result: 3-1 win v Norway
Sweden’s round of 16 result: 5-4 win on penalties v USA (0-0 AET)
This is a contest that should have a lot to give because, in their own ways, both Japan and Sweden have been among the most exciting teams to watch at the World Cup over the past few weeks. Japan’s intense attacking style has seen them score 14 goals already this tournament. Hinata Miyazawa has bagged five of them and is currently the World Cup’s leading scorer.
Hoping to contain Japan's frightening attack, Sweden themselves have showcased their talent over the course of their World Cup campaign. Their shape and organisation both in and out of possession has been most impressive.
Betfred odds: Japan 23/20, Sweden 11/5, Draw 2/1
Sportsman stat: Sweden will play their seventh World Cup quarter-final against Japan. Only USA and Germany (both eight) have made more appearances at this stage.
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