Four quarter-finals (eventually) produced four winners who now go on to contest the semi-finals of the 2023 Women’s World Cup – there is guaranteed to be a brand new champion.
Japan were the last of the former winners to fall, going out at the hands of 2003 runners-up Sweden after establishing themselves as the team to beat over the first four games.
Co-hosts Australia broke new ground by reaching their first ever World Cup semi-final, condemning France to yet more underachievement on the biggest stage in the process. It was a similar story for Spain, seeing off a strong Netherlands team to qualify for their first semis.
Meanwhile, England continued their record of major semi-finals, having been to the last four at every major tournament they have played at since 2015.
Here, 90min presents picks for the team of the quarter-finals…
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GK: Mackenzie Arnold (Australia) – The Matildas stopper saved four penalties in the victorious shootout, including the twice taken attempt from Kenza Dali.
RB: Ellie Carpenter (Australia) – Consistently ever since Australia got into their stride at this tournament and delivered another progressive but defensive strong performance.
CB: Jess Carter (England) – First and foremost a defender and she needed to be on top of her game to repel a talented and unpredictable Colombia attack.
CB: Amanda Ilestedt (Sweden) – Got a remarkable fourth goal of the tournament, yet was a top performer in all other aspects, both in terms of possession and defending.
LB: Ona Batlle (Spain) – Excelled on the left rather than her usual place at right-back, underlining her versatility. Good going forward and backwards.
CM: Filippa Angeldahl (Sweden) – Kept a cool head from the penalty spot to fire Sweden into the last four, but overall was outstanding out of possession aganst a very technical Japan side.
CM: Georgia Stanway (England) – Fought hard in the centre of the pitch for the Lionesses in a very physical and intense battle. That kind of grit can never be overlooked.
CM: Teresa Abelleira (Spain) – Showcased a range of passing and also made it difficult for Netherlands to play through the middle to give her team a massive foothold.
RW: Victoria Pelova (Netherlands) – Worked hard off the ball to ensure that Spain didn’t have a free swing at making the semi-finals. Always looked to get the ball forward too.
ST: Alessia Russo (England) – Has struggled to assert herself at this tournament but this was a breakout moment. Played a part in both England goals, scoring the winner and forcing the first.
LW: Mariona Caldentey (Spain) – Enormously created on Spain’s left flank and at times had the ball glued to her feet. Netted from the penalty spot in normal time.
WATCH FARA WILLIAMS PICK HER ALL-TIME LIONESSES XI
Girls On The Ball are joined by England legend Fara Williams as she runs through an all-time Lionesses XI of her former international teammates!
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