With the end of the group stage, the Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, which has been held for the first time with 32 participating teams, has already delivered the first surprises with the elimination of two title favorites like Germany and Brazil and the qualification of debutant Morocco.
The two-time world champion Germany, ranked second in FIFA and current runner-up in Europe, failed to reach the round of 16 for the first time in its history in a group stage where they achieved a victory against Morocco (6-0), a draw against South Korea (1-1), and a loss against Colombia (1-2).
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Brazil also failed to advance to the round of 16 of the tournament, an elimination that had not occurred at this stage since 1995. The 'Canarinha' was eliminated by Jamaica's feat, which surprised Group F by taking the second place from the team led by Pia Sundhage.
This bitter elimination marked the farewell of the legendary Marta Vieira, who has participated in six World Cups and is the top scorer of this competition with 17 goals. Chosen as the best player in the world six times (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2018), she is considered by many as the best female footballer in history.
Meanwhile, debutant Morocco, which knocked out Germany; South Africa, which did the same with Italy; and Jamaica, which drew without goals against France and Brazil, eliminating the latter, have shaken up the groups.
Other renowned teams such as Canada, the current Olympic champion, Italy, and Argentina, which witnessed the farewell of Estefanía Banini and their elusive first victory in a World Cup, were also eliminated.
One of the favorites, Norway, has made it to the round of 16 as well, but as the second in their group after losing to co-hosts New Zealand (1-0) and drawing without goals against Switzerland, who tops Group A. Spain also had to settle for second place after a defeat against Japan (4-0).
Teams like England, Sweden, and France have fulfilled expectations and have qualified for the next round as the winners of their respective groups, while in Group E, the Netherlands and the United States faced each other, with the Dutch team finishing ahead of the four-time world champions.
In addition, in this Women's World Cup, which began with a shooting incident in Auckland (New Zealand) on the same day as the opening match on July 20, and with an earthquake in Wellington (New Zealand) on July 30, less than 24 hours before Japan-Spain, Moroccan player Nouhaila Benzina became the first woman to play in a World Cup wearing a hijab.
Women's World Cup Round of 16 matches
- Switzerland vs Spain
- Japan vs Norway
- Netherlands vs South Africa
- Sweden vs United States
- England vs Nigeria
- Australia vs Denmark
- Colombia vs Jamaica
- France vs Morocco