We’re entering the business stage of the Women’s World Cup and it’s time for the players to focus and hold their nerves in the mission to lift the trophy.

It took penalties for England to beat Nigeria after a stalemate, and they had to do it with 10 players in extra time which shows their resilience. But the three lions progress and are hoping to win their second international trophy in two years after winning the Euros last year. That win did big things for the women’s game in England and another triumph would be huge for the squad, who are just three games away from glory.

England are the favourites to win the tournament for many now, but Australia also progressed to the quarter-finals after their 2-0 win against Denmark. Australia are hosts of the tournament so have the home advantage and it would be special if Sam Kerr could lead her team to the trophy in front of their fans.

Japan are another team to keep an eye on as they have scored 14 goals, already more then they scored in the 2011 tournament which they won. Japan will play Sweden who knocked out the defending champions on penalties, in the quarter-finals, while Spain won their first-ever knockout game in a major tournament, a 5-1 win over Switzerland to go through to the quarter-finals. 

Spain’s opponents are the Netherlands, who beat South Africa 2-0. While the South Africans are going home, 2023 has already been a historic tournament for them after a dramatic winner from Kgatlana in injury time last week earned a 3-2 win over Italy, which was their first-ever win at the World Cup.

The Dutch could make a surprise again in the tournament but there will be even more luck needed. They could make history in winning the World Cup before the men’s team.

There are just a few games separating each team from glory and the final stretch is going to be entertaining. We’ve seen some underdogs take out some of the favourites already so we may have some more surprises in store. #mmlove