1) Japan (–)
Futoshi Ikeda’s side continue to look the most in-form team in the competition. After a 3-1 win against Norway in the last 16 they progressed comfortably with their 100% win rate intact. Hinata Miyazawa starred once again and remains top scorer with five goals, equalling Homare Sawa’s Golden Boot-winning total in 2011, when Japan won the World Cup.
2) France (up 9)
Hervé Renard’s side have clicked at the right time. Their new World Cup record goal-scorer Eugénie Le Sommer and the forward Kadidiatou Diani are stealing headlines but Kenza Dali has been hugely impressive pulling the strings in midfield, too. The 2019 hosts, who disappointed on home soil and were knocked out by USA at the quarter-final stage, have a strong chance of progressing past this year’s co-hosts Australia when they meet in the quarter-final on Saturday.
3) Australia (up 4)
The Matildas have already gone one better than 2019 by reaching the quarter-final stage. In the last-16 game against Denmark the Scandinavians could not make their possession count as Australia went on to win 2-0. Mary Fowler played one of the passes of the tournament to send through Caitlin Foord for one of the goals and there were bonus minutes for Sam Kerr.
4) Colombia (up 1)
After a thrilling start to the tournament Colombia were made to work hard against a Jamaica side that had not yet conceded. Catalina Usme scored a well-taken goal and the 18-year-old full-back Ana María Guzmán impressed filling in for the suspended Manuela Vanegas. It will be interesting to see who will start against England.
5) Netherlands (down 1)
Andries Jonker said his side had “the conviction that we can beat everybody” as his Dutch team saw off a stern South African test in Sydney. The goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar put in a player-of-the-match performance in goal to ensure victory but Daniëlle van de Donk’s yellow card means she is out for the quarter-final against Spain.
6) Spain (up 2)
Four first-half goals got Jorge Vilda’s team back to winning ways as they cruised through against Switzerland after the surprise defeat against Japan. Aitana Bonmatí starred once again with a brace and a superb performance in the midfield. The Netherlands will provide a sterner test when they meet in Wellington on Friday.
7) Sweden (down 5)
Somewhat fortunate to progress past USA on penalties after the holders dominated the game. The Chelsea goalkeeper Zecira Musovic was exceptional, making 11 saves in normal time to deny the Americans. Their set-piece threat could be crucial against arguably the best team in the tournament, Japan.
8) England (down 5)
The Lionesses scraped past Nigeria on penalties to make it four wins from four, but only one those results convincing. Sarina Wiegman is struggling to find her best formula, both in terms of personnel and formation. Defensively they have been very solid, Colombia will offer a sterner defensive test, though, and Lauren James is suspended.
9) Jamaica (–)
It was a question of too little too late for Jamaica as they were beaten 1-0 by Colombia in Melbourne. Lorne Donaldson’s players seemed happy to rely on their defensive strength until Catalina Usme’s 51st-minute winner. Chances presented themselves to level but their ineffectiveness in front of goal meant the Reggae Girlz went out.
10) USA (up 3)
The Americans were unlucky to come up against an in-form goalkeeper in Sweden’s Musovic and arguably should have wrapped the game up in normal time or extra time before the pot luck of penalties. That said, the reigning champions have whimpered out of the tournament, looking lost and tactically wanting.
11) Nigeria (down 5)
After their penalty heartbreak Nigeria departed Australia despite an eye-catching campaign. Arguably the better side against England, they could not find the clinical touch needed to progress. There will be hope that impressive performances will provide a platform to build on but battles with their federation continue and uncertainty over the future of the manager, Randy Waldrum, remains.
12) Norway (up 4)
It was a bit of a surprise that the Norwegians escaped the group after some underwhelming performances but there was no chance they were progressing past a slick Japan side in the last 16. A serious rethink of how to best maximise the extraordinary individual talent at their disposal, and who is best to do that, is needed.
13) Denmark (up 1)
Denmark’s return to the tournament was ended by an energised Australia. The Danish side’s youthful potential was in no doubt, but this campaign was probably too early for those coming through. The Swede Andrée Jeglertz will now take over the managerial reins from Lars Søndergaard, whose tenure lasted more than five years.
14) South Africa (down 4)
Played three, lost three, conceded eight, scored once. That was the South Africans’ record in their first World Cup in 2019. This time round they collected four points and progressed from the group stage. They held the Netherlands to a two-goal margin in the last 16 and have exited the competition with the progress evident despite the lack of support from the federation.
15) Switzerland (–)
Inka Grings’s team never really set the tournament alight despite heading through top of Group A. They managed just two goals all campaign (plus an own goal against Spain). Attentions will now turn to Euro 2027, which they will host, with hope they can build a legacy for the future.
16) Morocco (down 4)
France were always going to be a step too high for the debutants. The federation is investing, and it shows, progressing to the knockout stage ahead of the heavy favourites Germany was hugely impressive. The signs are good.
A Woman’s Game by Suzanne Wrack (Guardian Faber Publishing, £9.99). To support The Guardian and Observer, order your copy at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply.
