The final eight teams are now official in the Women’s World Cup. Here are our predictions for the quarter-finals and the rest of the tournament in Canada.
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With U.S.A vs. China, Germany vs. France, England vs. Canada, and Australia vs. Japan there will sure to be a lot of action on the pitch.
Quarter-finals:
USA v. China: Predicted Score USA 2 China 0
The Americans are the obvious choice, they are a stronger and more physical team that will show China a lot of difficulty. Although China has not beaten the U.S in the last 24 matches and last three in World Cup play, they will be determined. The 1999 World Cup final is still etched in the heads of the Chinese, where they lost in dramatic penalty kicks. But the United States has reiterated the fact that they are thirsty for their first World Cup Championship since 1999.
Germany v. France: Predicted Score Germany 2 France 1
In one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament, the first-ranked Germans will take on third-ranked France. Although France lost to Colombia 2-0 in group play, they have still proved to be one of the best teams in the women’s game, but Germany has out-right dominated play. The German’s did tie Norway 1-1 in group play, but have the most goals (19), attempts (117), and top goal scorer Anja Mittag, with 5 goals, in the tournament. Germany will squeeze by to win.
England v. Canada: Predicted Score Canada 1 England 0
Despite England’s incredible come-back game against Norway, they have played inconsistently throughout the World Cup. Canada isn’t much more consistent, but have a 12th man behind them in their home country. Canada also beat England 1-0 in the final match before the World Cup, and this game will end similarly.
Australia v. Japan: Predicted Score Japan 3 Australia 1
Japan is the only team left in the tournament that have won all of their matches, and that won’t change against Australia. The Aussies did come up with a huge upset against Brazil, but are just not as solid of a team as Japan. Japan is looking to get all the way to the finals and repeat as World Cup Champions, and they should breeze through this match.
Semi-Finals:
U.S.A v. Germany: Predicted Score Germany 2 U.S.A 1
Usually the Americans find their groove at just the right time (remember against Brazil in the 2011 World Cup or against Canada in the 2012 London Olympics?). But, we haven’t seen a lot of impressive bouts from the Stars and Stripes. If they continue to play how they have been, there is no way they will get past Germany. But, this could be a game for the ages if Alex Morgan and crew can step it up.
Canada v. Japan: Predicted Score Japan 2 Canada 0
Japan is just too consistent of a team to let down against Canada. Although the home team will have some fight in them, the Japanese will be too much to handle. One huge bonus to Japan is the team is good as a whole. There really aren’t many stand-out players, but when together, the chemistry of the team makes them a world-class squad, and that will put them ahead of the Canadians.
Finals:
Germany v. Japan: Predicted Score Germany 1 Japan 0
The number one team in the world will continue their bout as the best by winning the 2015 Women’s World Cup. Their stats won’t lie, they have an incredible, powerful, goal-scoring team that can bring down just about anyone, and will be too much for Japan to handle.
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