Switzerland v Spain
Finishing Group A, Switzerland are set to face Spain in the Round of 16, hoping to find a win against Vilda’s side to take them past the last 16 in the Women’s World Cup. In only their second World Cup appearance, they have made the last 16 for the second time. Switzerland emerged from Group A unbeaten without a goal scored against them. They opened their tournament with a 2-0 win over the Philippines, before two goalless draws with Norway and host nation New Zealand.
An eventful group stage saw Spain finish second in Group C. Spain opened their World Cup 2023 journey with a convincing 3-0 win over Costa Rica, with all three goals scored in the first half. Their relentless goal scoring nature continued into their second game, putting five goals past Zambia and setting a new record for Spain’s biggest win in the Women’s World Cup. In their final game of the group stages Spain played group leaders Japan in which they suffered a 4-0 defeat. Spain will hope to prove their ability to be competitive in the Women’s World Cup, and make it to the next stage of the tournament for the first time.
The Netherlands v South Africa
Runners up of the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France, Netherlands have a point to prove in the 2023 edition of the tournament following their quarterfinal exit from the 2022 Women’s Euros. The Oranje Leeuwinnen finished top of Group E with seven points. In their opening match, they had a narrow 1-0 win over tournament debutants Portugal. They conceded their only goal of their group stage campaign against the USA, a rematch of the 2019 World Cup final which ended in a 1-1 draw. They finished their group stage campaign with a convincing 7-0 win over Vietnam.
The Netherlands are set to face South Africa, who make the Round of 16 for the first time in only their second appearance at the tournament. South Africa made history in their group stage campaign, finding a late winner against Italy in their final game to take them to the Round of 16. They opened their World Cup with a 2-1 defeat against Group G winners Sweden, before drawing with Argentina in their second match.
Players to Watch
It is no surprise that Switzerland player Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic ($450,000) is a key player to watch in the Round of 16. Her versatility across the pitch has helped her become a regular starter in all three games. She will be familiar with many faces within the Spanish side, playing in the Spanish league herself for Barcelona.
Aitanna Bonmati ($900,000) is undoubtedly a key part of Spain’s lineup. Her $900,000 price tag reflects her world class quality, with the ability to create chances for Spain across the pitch. She has the ability to break into the box in search of goals. She also has a strong influence on their central defence play, being able to win back the ball in the middle of the park and set up potential attacking runs.
Scoring three goals so far, Jill Roord ($800,000) was an important player in the Netherlands lineup throughout their group campaign, starting all three matches. She scored an important goal to give Netherlands their lead against the USA, and put two past Vietnam in their final game.
Hildah Magaia ($400,000) became the first player to score more than one goal in an edition of the Women’s World Cup tournament, scoring two goals. She picked up player of the match in South Africa’s win over Italy and could prove to be a key player in their Round of 16 matchup.