Semi-finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup will begin on Tuesday (August 15) where four teams will make a bid to reach the final.
The mega event is coming to an end as only four out of 32 teams remain in the tournament.
The quarter-finals concluded with four teams making their way to the semis with some of the most thrilling encounters.
There were upsets in the quarter-finals as well, where the runner-ups of the last Women’s World Cup, the Netherlands were eliminated by Spain.
In the first quarter-final, Spain continued their outstanding form and sent the Netherlands home after beating them 2-1. The game was full of drama, La Roja scored their first in the 81st minute from the penalty spot, it looked all over for the Dutchs but Stefanie van der Gragt’s late equaliser took the game to the extra where Spain’s Paralluelo Ayingono gave her team victory with a 111th-minute winner.
In the second quarter-final, Sweden defeated Japan 2-1 in an even contest. Both teams played well but Sweden’s two-goal lead was too much to cover for the Japanese. Hanoka Hayashi scored one for Japan but that could not do much.
In the third quarter-final, the hosts Australia defeated France 7-6 on penalties as it was 0-0 after 120 minutes. Australia goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold denied three French penalty takers and missed one herself in a thrilling shootout, with Cortnee Vine stepping up to convert the decisive spot-kick and send Australia into the semi-final.
In the fourth quarter-final, England beat Colombia 2-1 with a dominant display on the ball and made their way to the tournament’s semi-final for the third consecutive time.
Women’s World Cup semi-final schedule:
August 15 — Tuesday
Semi-final one: Spain vs Sweden @ Eden Park, New Zealand
August 16 — Wednesday
Semi-final two: Australia vs England @ Stadium Australia, Australia
The final will be played on August 20 at Stadium Australia between the winners of the semi-finals.