With shock exits from US, Germany and Brazil, who can win the Women's World Cup now?

The 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand is proving to be one of the most exciting editions of the tournament ever. With big upsets and cinderella stories, penalty shoot outs and stars returning from injuries, it’s non-stop excitement. With just eight teams remaining, it’s truly anyone’s game!

When Germany put six past Morrocco in their first group game, it felt like business as usual for the two time winners. They proceeded to lost to Colombia and draw against South Korea which was enough to see them crash out in the group stages in shocking fashion.

Even bigger than Germany missing out was the US Women’s National Team losing in the round of 16 to Sweden. It is fair to say the USWNT were not at their best throughout the tournament but to see them not even make the quarter finals is a huge moment in women’s football and opens the door to a potential new winner.

Since the inception of the Women’s world cup, there have only been four winners, the two mentioned previously, Norway and Japan. The latter two met in the round of 16 with Japan coming out on top, winning 3-1, booting the Norwegians from the 2023 tournament.

The Brazlian side has often been amongst the best in the world in the women’s game, despite not having the trophies to show for it. Things didn’t go well for the Brazilians in 2023, however, as they only managed four points in the group, finishing behind France and Jamaica.

That leaves only one previous winner, Japan, remaining in the tournament. The Japanese have looked formidable so far, winning their three group games with a cumulative scoreline of 11-0. With a further three goals against Norway, they are looking like the team to beat.

Sweden emerged from the group stage with an enviable record, three wins from three with just one goal conceded and eight goals scored. They looked to have gotten very unlucky with their round of 16 game, drawing the favourties, the US. A gritty performance against the Americans showcased the Swede’s gritty defense and a nerveless 5-4 win on penalties puts them in good stead.

Hosts Australia are starting to grow into the tournament, after never getting past the quarter-finals at previous editions of the tournament, they are looking as likely as anyone to make a run for the final. Especially with the return of talismanic striker Sam Kerr who got some minutes in the  Matilda’s comfortable 2-0 round-of-16 win over Denmark.

France haven’t quite been able to crack women’s football in the past, despite some decent finishes at major tournaments and huge resources at their disposal. This year could well be different as they are sweeping past everyone in front of them and looking every bit like champions-in-waiting.

Not many in the game were expecting anything from a Colombian side that few knew much about, but their impressive performances, including a 2-1 win over Germany, saw them top their group. Teenager Linda Caicedo has stamped her authority on the tournament with impressive displays throughout.

The current European champions, England, haven’t looked at their best so far, but they are showing an important trait, knowing how to win. After scraping through their round of 16 matchup against Nigeria on penalties, they are set to play Colombia in the quarter-finals. They will be without Lauren James, whose red card looks sillier every time you watch it.

Aside from a loss against Japan, Spain have looked like a real force in this tournament, and that is mostly without the services of two-time Balon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas. Their 5-1 win against Switzerland in the round of 16 was a statement win against a good side. They’ve set up a mouth-watering class with the Netherlands in their quarter-final.

Spain’s opponent, the Netherlands, have steadily risen to become one of the best teams in the world. With a runners up medal at the last World Cup and European Championship in 2017, this is a team with real class. Like Spain, they have also been rocked with injury to a superstar, as Arsenal’s Vivianne Miedema’s long term knee injury led to her missing the tournament, but so far they haven’t missed a beat.

Possibly the most exciting game in the quarter-final stage as two of the best sides in the competition go up against each other. Both sides boast talent across the board and try to play exciting and highly technical football. The Dutch look like they could well have the beating of Spain, but this really could go either way!

Japan look like they are peaking at just the right time for this tournament, with goal-scoring looking remarkably easy for them at this stage. You would think this makes them comfortable favourites in their match up with Sweden, but the Swedes have the quality to cause an upset here. Can the Swedish defense remain resolute once again?

Will Sam Kerr start? Sam Kerr’s return to fitness couldn’t come at a better time for the Matildas as we enter the business end of the World Cup, her presence and with the home crowd backing them, they have every chance of beating a very, very good France team. France look to be the favourites here, though, and have a great chance of reaching the final.

England will be without Lauren James in their matchup with the upstart Colombians. This could prove to be a huge loss for the Lionesses as they relied on James’ goals and assists in the early stages. Colombia shouldn’t be good enough to beat the European champions, but after defeating Germany in the group stage, anything is possible!