Quarter Finals - Recaps

"At the end of the day" (actually two days), all the group winners advance to the semi-finals.

Germany v North Korea
Germany took advantage of their opportunities and North Korea did not. Simple as that. Not an overly impressive outing for the defending champions but the scoreline shows that North Korea, for all its great work at this World Cup, is still a bit aways from true championship form. Not much though.

Germany 3 North Korea 0
FIFA Recap:
http://www.fifa.com/womenworldcup/matches/round=248548/match=56339/index.html

USA v England
A similar story in this quarterfinal with England just not ready to take the step up to the elite level. The USA played its best match in the tourney to date and actually started playing a more flowing passing game once the outcome was decided. Good sign for future matches? USA fans can only hope. Also a plus was seeing Shannon Boxx create a goal for herself with an aggressive tackle and strong strike. She'll be needed for the USA to advance.

USA 3 England 0
US Soccer recap:
http://www.ussoccer.com/articles/viewArticle.jsp_2490382.html
BBC Recap:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/women/7008367.stm

Norway v China
Norway scored early and ground out the victory. China just couldn't get the equaliser and the hosts disappoint the crowd who were hoping that China could return to their form of the late '90s.

Norway 1 China 0
FIFA Recap:
http://www.fifa.com/womenworldcup/matches/round=248548/match=56337/index.html

Brazil v Australia
Brazil was tested and came out on top - not without a few nervous moments. The Matildas just wouldn't quit but couldn't get that equaliser. Just a great match, looks to be the match of the tournament at this point.

Brazil 3 Australia 2
FIFA Recap:
http://www.fifa.com/womenworldcup/matches/round=248548/match=56336/index.html