While it may be tempting to look ahead to the quarterfinals and a possible clash with France, the defending champion U.S. has thrived at the Women’s World Cup by keeping its focus on the present.
The Americans will face Spain in the round of 16 on Monday in Reims as the tournament enters the win-or-go-home phase. Games begin Saturday with Germany facing Nigeria in Grenoble followed by Norway’s match against Australia.
The U.S. had emphatic wins in the group stage, routing Thailand 13-0 in the opener before more clinical victories over Chile and Sweden. The team had three shutouts while also collecting a World Cup group-stage record 18 goals.
Coach Jill Ellis said the three-time World Cup champions accomplished their early-round goals.
“When you come out of the group stage, a lot of what we talk about is mentality and being healthy,” she said. “I think they’re in a really good place.”
Spain, ranked No. 13, finished second in its group to reach the knockout stage for the first time.
If the top-ranked Americans can defeat La Roja, they could possibly face No. 4 France in Paris next Friday. They could potentially face No. 3 England in the semifinals before getting a shot at defending their title.
The United States, France, England, Germany and the Netherlands all won their first three games in France. Like the Americans, Germany did not concede a goal.
