World Cup quarterfinals predictions

Whoever says that women’s football hasn’t advanced, is lying. We have seen the evolution of multiple national teams at the 2019 Women’s World Cup. Women’s soccer was a sport dominated by the Americans, tailed by the Chinese. And suddenly Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Norway, England and France cut the vast difference that prevailed for decades. Using the word “suddenly” wouldn’t be fair to the lengthy processes that those nations implemented to boost women’s soccer.

After the Round of the 16, the FIFA women’s rankings will be more disputed. Canada, Australia, Brazil and Japan most likely will abandon the top 10 to relinquish their places to Italy, Spain and Norway. We are at the point that the ladies gather millions of viewers, they break TV audience records and set a precedent in overpriced tickets. Football grew; it is more competitive, more physical, players are better prepared, it is evener. And the quarterfinals are going to be even closer.

England vs. Norway

The English game is thriving, and match after match the Lionesses strengthen their position to conquer the tournament. Nevertheless, Norway is not a victim. The Norwegians are a sophisticated team. With their strength and game intelligence, they can create difficulties for their rivals. Norway complicated France in the group stage and left another tough opponent like Australia out of the World Cup. But I believe England will impose conditions, even though Norway will be a hard team to open.

Prediction: England 2-0 Norway

France vs. USA

The fascination of this particular match is peculiar; it is hard to remember the last time that a women’s soccer game generated the attention that France and the U.S. are accumulating. The starting price of the tickets reached more than €400, and according to ESPN.com’s Tom VanHaaren, have hit the $11,000 mark, setting a precedent of a Women’s World Cup. Both teams are serious contenders and both faced close rivals in the previous round. However, France displayed better football against Brazil than the U.S. did vs. Spain. There was more perseverance from Les Bleus to get the result, and more suffering and deficiencies from the U.S. We all want a spectacle, and that’s what we will get.

Prediction: France 3-1 USWNT

Germany vs. Sweden

The path of Germany in the 2019 World Cup is perfection. They have an impeccable young generation of players who don’t get enough attention. Die Nationalelf is outplaying all their rivals, and silently occupies the second position of the FIFA rankings. While all the hype is in Paris with France and the USWNT, Germany is knocking at the door to obtain the 2019 championship. Sweden generates doubts; they had a poor appearance against an ineffective Canadian squad. The Swedish side produced almost nothing on offense, but it was enough to reach the quarterfinals.

Prediction: Germany 3-0 Sweden

Italy vs. Netherlands

The closest match of the quarterfinals, which will drive every football fan crazy. Italy and the Netherlands have granted a spectacle in every game that they’ve played. Both teams convert and propose. The Netherlands shows a brave factor: If your opponent scores one goal, you score two and win the game. Their desire consists of finding the opposite goal, even if they leave spaces open. However, it won’t be easy to face the strategy of Milena Bertolini. Coach Bertolini has the aptitude for identifying meticulous game details. She proved a successful tactician and leader of a squad that implements a results-driven system.

Prediction: Italy 2-2 Netherlands, Italy advances in penalties

Follow Luis on Twitter: @LFulloa.

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