There are some beautiful match-ups en route to what could be a sensational final four of the Women’s World Cup.
And the good news is, thanks to upsets and other minor surprises, the Round of 16 and quarterfinals should be plenty fiery, too.
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The US women’s national team will play Colombia, one of several fun matches in the knockout rounds of this year’s tournament. The US knocked off Colombia in group play of both the 2011 World Cup and 2012 Olympics.
Should the States get by Colombia, which upset France in group play, they’ll get the winner of China and Cameroon in a fairly easy path to the semifinals.
The next quadrant isn’t kind to anyone, as only one of Germany, Sweden, France and Korea Republic will emerge to the semis, which would be the soonest we could see a Sweden/US rematch.
The third sees Brazil test its spotless defense against an Australia side that knows how to score plenty, while Japan earns a date with the Netherlands.
Finally, Canada will have to beat Switzerland to get either Norway or England. It’s purposely been set up nicely for the hosts.
Field in full
China vs. Cameroon
United States vs. Colombia
Germany vs. Sweden
France vs. Korea Republic
Brazil vs. Australia
Japan vs. Netherlands
Norway vs. England
Canada vs. Switzerland