Australia v Denmark
As winners of Group B, co-hosts Australia began the group stages with a 1-0 win against Ireland. Yet, qualification from their group was decided on its final match day, as the Matildas fell short against Nigeria to a 3-2 defeat in their second game. They will hope to build on their final game’s achievements where they achieved a 4-0 victory to knock Canada out of the tournament.
Australia are facing Denmark who have made it past the group stages for the first time since 1995. They took the second spot in Group D following results of 1-0 to China, 0-1 to England, and 2-0 to Haiti. These small margins, plus Denmark’s only goal conceded being against group winner England, may provide hope. The last time the two sides met was in a friendly last October, ending 3-1 to Australia.
France v Morocco
France are looking to achieve a quarter-final place at a World Cup for the third successive time. Their group stage ended with a 6-3 win over Panama, and finishing at the top of Group F with seven points. However, it was a slower start for France, as they were held to a 0-0 draw against Jamaica to start their World Cup campaign, and their second match against Brazil ended 2-1.
Morocco have made history as the first Arab nation at the World Cup and now, on their first appearance, have reached the knockout stages. Their progress was sealed with a 1-0 win against Columbia which completed their group stage campaign, and left them tied with their opponents with a total of six points. Morocco opened their journey with a 6-0 defeat to Germany, before a 1-0 win over South Korea.
Players to Watch
Steph Catley (900,000) has captained Australia to this round of last 16, being a key player and playing every minute so far. A progressive defender on the left wing, Catley has scored twice. She converted the penalty for Australia to win their opening match, and stepped up again to take the penalty to put them 4-0 up in their final game. Eyes may also look to striker Sam Kerr (1,000,000) who is expected to get her first minutes at this World Cup following her recovery from a calf injury.
Karen Holmgaard (350,000) has started every game for the Danes. As a defensive midfielder, she could prove to be crucial for Denmark through her switches of play and positioning which, so far, has been important to carry out Denmark’s shifts in formation during matches.
Kadidiatou Diani (1,000,000) is a major player in France’s lineup. Scoring a hat-trick, including two penalties, showed an impressive performance in France’s final group game. From being the first French player to score a hat-trick at the World Cup, Diani will look to continue being clinical as an attacking threat for Les Bleues.
Ibtissam Jräidi (250,000) became the first Moroccan goal scorer at a World Cup and can be a key player in their forward line. The striker’s important header against South Korea led her to pick up player of the match.