The group stage of the 2023 World Cup is over, and we’re on to the Round of 16.
Traditional powers in the sport, like Canada and Brazil, didn’t advance. It’s surprising for the Canadians, considering they just took home the gold medal two years ago at the Olympics. For Brazil, it’s disappointing, because it’s probably the last time fans will see Marta play on a stage of this magnitude.
But other teams are on the rise. Jamaica, Morocco and South Africa are all in the knockout stage for the first time ever.
Here’s a few storylines you need to pay attention to as we enter the win-or-go-home portion of the tournament in Australia and New Zealand.
MORE WORLD CUP:
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- Carli Lloyd on why she criticized USWNT so harshly: ‘I poured my heart and soul into this team’
1
Are the Americans vulnerable?
The U.S. entered this tournament as the overwhelming favorite and was expected to win its third straight title — something that has never been done before. But after draws against the Netherlands and Portugal to finish group play, it doesn’t exactly look like a juggernaut anymore.
Now facing criticism — including some from former national team standouts like Carli Loyd — the U.S. will have to drown out the noise to top Sweden to keep advancing.
And Sweden won’t be an easy out. The U.S. lost 3-0 to Sweden in the group stage of the Olympics just two years ago.
2
Jamaica!
Watch Jamaica! The Reggae Girlz are in the Round of 16 for the first time ever. They’re armed with goal-scorer Bunny Shaw, and a defense that just held France and Brazil scoreless, the latter of which prompted an incredible celebration from Jamaica’s coach.
Beautiful: Moments after Brazil shocked and eliminated, their 6-time World Cup ace, Marta has the class to hug Jamaica’s star Bunny Shaw. No Man or Woman has scored more than Marta’s 17 World Cup goals. Here she passes Torch with Humility and Respect 🇧🇷🇯🇲🙌pic.twitter.com/WUkX4mlNj2
— roger bennett (@rogbennett) August 2, 2023
3
Colombia!
Watch Colombia too! This is Jamaica’s Round of 16 opponent, and it’s shaping up to be a fun showdown. Colombia is led by a young star, 18-year-old Linda Caicedo, who scored twice in the group stage — including once during Colombia’s upset over Germany.
The winner of Colombia versus Jamaica will face the winner of Nigeria versus England in the quarterfinals.
Colombia’s 18-yr-old star Linda Caicedo with a beautiful goal. 💥💥pic.twitter.com/oxVHgUc3Lc
— Felipe Cárdenas (@FelipeCar) July 30, 2023
4
Is England the team to beat?
England went 3-0 in its group and allowed just a single goal, which came during its 6-1 thrashing of China.
The Lionesses feature stars at every position, from Lauren James to Lucy Bronze, and seem to have all the talent and skill that’s needed to go far in this tournament.
First up is a matchup with Nigeria.
First time my friend showed me Lauren James playing, I couldn’t believe how young she was because she was toying around with defenders like they were kids pic.twitter.com/uvIw9ELyAG
— Zito (@_Zeets) August 1, 2023
5
Have the Matildas found their groove?
After losing to Nigeria in the second group stage match, Australia responded with a 4-0 victory over Canada in a crucial game.
Next up for the Matildas is Denmark — a match that is expected to feature the return of Australian goal-scorer Sam Kerr.
Denmark will be a tough opponent though. They allowed just one goal in three group stage matches, and it came in a 1-0 loss to England.
It’s a must-watch matchup.
