The FIFA Women’s World Cup quarterfinals kick off on Friday with a mouth-watering clash between Spain and the Netherlands.
The European heavyweights face off at Eden Park in New Zealand, with kick off scheduled for 11am AEST.
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Spain sealed a spot in the final eight via a 5-1 thrashing of Switzerland, while the Netherlands beat South Africa 2-0.
Later on Friday at 5:30pm, Japan take on Sweden in Wellington.
Japan conceded their first goal of the tournament against Norway in their Round of 16 clash but went on to secure a 3-1 victory and have scored 14 goals throughout the tournament so far.
As for Sweden, they qualified for the quarterfinals after a thrilling penalty shootout victory over the United States, knocking out the defending champions.
The winners of the respective games will then meet in the semi-finals on Tuesday August 15 at Eden Park.
WWC SCHEDULE – FRIDAY 11TH AUGUST (ALL TIMES AEST)
Spain v Netherlands, 11am at Eden Park (NZ) — MATCH CENTRE
Japan v Sweden, 5:30pm at Wellington Regional Stadium (NZ) — MATCH CENTRE
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England forward Lauren James received a two-match ban from FIFA on Thursday for the stamp on Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie that earned her a red card in the Women’s World Cup last 16.
The 21-year-old Chelsea attacker was sent off in the 87th minute of Monday’s match in Brisbane, which European champions England went on to win on penalties.
She will miss England’s quarter-final against Colombia in Sydney on Saturday as well as a potential semi-final, but would be available to return should the Lionesses reach the final on August 20.
James apologised on Tuesday to Alozie over the incident, tweeting: “All my love and respect to you.” “I am sorry for what happened,” added James.
Separately, the England team released a statement of their own saying: “Lauren is really sorry for her actions which led to the red card and is full of remorse.
“It is wholly out of character for her.”
