Fansided

Women’s World Cup: Power ranking the quarterfinalists

By Clemente Lisi

LE HAVRE, FRANCE - JUNE 20: Tobin Heath of USA celebrates after scoring her team's second goal with her teammates the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France group F match between Sweden and USA at Stade Oceane on June 20, 2019 in Le Havre, France. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
LE HAVRE, FRANCE - JUNE 20: Tobin Heath of USA celebrates after scoring her team's second goal with her teammates the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France group F match between Sweden and USA at Stade Oceane on June 20, 2019 in Le Havre, France. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

And then there were eight. Here’s a look at how the teams rank going into the quarterfinal stage at the Women’s World Cup.

The Women’s World Cup enters the quarterfinal stage on Thursday with pre-tournament favorites Germany still kicking around for a shot at the trophy. Do-or-die remains the name of the game in France as teams look to reach the semifinals.

This is now a tournament with a very strong European presence (the only team outside UEFA is the U.S.), with pre-tournament favorites France and two-time champions Germany still in it. Here’s a look at how the eight remaining teams rank.

1. United States

The Americans remain in the top spot after doing just enough to defeat Spain and advance to their eighth-straight quarterfinals, where they will face a tough challenge in France. The defending champions did beat Spain 2-1, a gritty win in the end. They also conceded their first goal at this tournament, but finding a way to get the W is what matters most at this do-or-die stage.

2. France

The host nation moved up a spot from the last rankings after a tough time against Brazil, but pulled off the 2-1 win in overtime. This team proved both tough and resilient. Games are getting tougher and the French can be just as tough. The backline will need to get better if they want to stay alive at this tournament.

https://twitter.com/FOXSports/status/1143625523110633473

3. Germany

The two-time champions Germany were No. 2 on this list after the group stage and they drop a spot after cruising to a 3-0 victory on Saturday. The game was a favorable last-16 game against Nigeria, one where Germany showed they remain title contenders. The Germans are still a menace at this tournament, but need to face a tougher opponent (like Sweden who is on deck in the quarters) if they want to show they can contend for the trophy.

4.  England

This remains a competitive side, but the Round of 16 win against Cameroon was too easy. Like in the case of Germany, a tougher opponent will go a long way in telling us what this team is made of at this World Cup. The potential absence of captain Steph Hougton to injury will certainly hurt them in their next match against Norway.

5. Netherlands

This appears to be too low a ranking for the Dutch, but they have gone under the radar for much of this tournament. After eliminating Japan, the defending European champions now face Italy in the quarterfinals, a game they can win. These set-piece Dutch masters have the players and fan support to surprise the field and even get to the final.

6. Norway

Following their insane win on penalties against Australia in the Round of 16, Norway has climbed up the power rankings. Those tired legs will need to have gotten plenty of rest over the past few days if the team wants to progress to the semifinals.

7. Sweden

This is a disciplined team that has been relatively quiet at this tournament. They now face Germany in the quarterfinals. Should they pull off an upset, they could very well be the sleeper side no one expects to reach the final.

dark. Next. Rule suspension addresses goalkeeper VAR complaints

8. Italy

No one expected the Italians to get this far, yet here they are. The Italians, who defeated China, can be very tough, scoring nine goals across four games. Six of those goals came in the second half, meaning this never-say-die team remains the only true Cinderella side at this tournament.