With the round of 16 concluded, there are only eight teams left in the women's world cup. The quarter finals schedule is all set and ready to go for this weekend and some of the match-ups promise to be good games.
Germany, the defending champions, collected all nine points in their group after defeating a very impressive looking French side 4-2. German's star player Birgit Prinz has yet to find her form, which may be a small comfort to Japan, who they will face in the quarter finals.
Japan's impressive 4-0 win over Mexico shouted to the German's that they would not go down without a fight.
Though England made it through top in their group, their one-point victories have been less than convincing. Captain Kelly Smith has been trying to do everything herself but the team will have to tighten up in the middle to defeat the French in the quarters.
The upset of the tournament so far, the United States fell to Sweden 2-1 in a game that two Swedish goals were inaccurately called offside (they weren't even close to being offside, to be honest). Sweden showed more organization in the midfield, more patience in handling the ball, and a more creative offense, looking more like the team that reached the final in 2003.
A penalty from Lisa Dahlkvist put Sweden ahead and a second goal by Swedish captain Nilla Fischer, though it took a nasty deflection on its way, secured Sweden's group C victory and a match against Australia.
USA star striker Abby Wambach (though I personally would go with Lauren Cheney as the more impressive forward) finally ended her dry spell and scored a less then orthodox goal with her shoulder (no it was not a handball). But it wasn't enough for them to avoid a second place standing in the group.
Which wouldn't be a big deal except that their next opponent is Brazil.
Brazil is home to the best female player in the world, Marta. Named best player for the last five consecutive years (and she's only 24), Marta has already proven in this world cup that she means to lead her team to victory.
Erika's fancy goal against Equitorial Guinea (and awesome back flip celebration) opened Brazil's scoring and Christiane, an excellent striker often overshadowed by Marta, solidified the victory with two goals of her own.
The United States defense, who showed a lack of organization in the game verses Sweden, is going to need a game plan to stunt the powerful Brazilian offense.
Brazil's own lackluster defense will have to stand firm as well against Lauren Cheney's outside shots and Abby Wambach's opportunistic presence.
Catch Germany vs. Japan and England vs. France on Saturday July 9. USA vs. Brazil and Sweden vs. Australia are scheduled for Sunday the 10.
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