💫 ❓ Four questions ahead of the WWC quarter-finals | OneFootball

The Women’s World Cup quarter-finals will take place on Friday and Saturday and we have four questions — one for each game — as the excitement builds.

Can Netherlands learn from Japan?

Sit back, stay compact, then break directly into space and in numbers. Japan have shown everyone how to hurt Spain but can the Netherlands pull it off? And will they try?

With Daniëlle van de Donk suspended, the Dutch are missing a key player in the middle of the park but that doesn’t have to hamstring them. They may miss the midfielder’s tenacity off the ball and skill on it but it may help encourage them to have a little less possession.

So far this tournament, the Dutch have averaged 64.4% of the ball. Japan have averaged 49.2% and that was down to 22% in their 4-0 win over Spain in the group stage.

If the Netherlands are happy to sacrifice possession and territory and attack quickly, they may just beat Spain as well.

Defence meets attack but who wins?

Japan haven’t just excelled on the break but also when they’ve had more of the ball too. Their four games so far have seen them score 14 goals and concede just one.

Sweden have struggled at times going forward, relying on set-pieces when they have scored and creating little in open play.

That threat from dead ball situations could be dangerous against a Japan side that isn’t blessed with too much height, but it’s open play that is most interesting. Can Sweden find a way to blunt Japan’s fluid attack and attacking wingbacks?

Nobody else has found one yet and the Europeans already relied heavily on a masterclass from goalkeeper Zećira Mušović as they beat the USA last weekend. They need to protect her better this time around.

How fit is Sam Kerr?

Can Sam Kerr still have an impact on this tournament? Australia have fared well enough without their talismanic striker to date but they will likely need her to play a significant part now we’re at the business end of the competition.

After a stuttering start, the likes of Caitlin Foord and Mary Fowler have found some form for the Matildas but they will need Kerr’s star power as they meet the real heavy-hitters, including France and their legendary centre-half Wendie Renard.

Australia are strong on the break and will not mind France having plenty of the ball in this one but they will have to make their opportunities to attack count and doing so would be a hell of a lot easier if Kerr can play a significant part.

Can England create and keep Linda Caicedo quiet?

Football is all about balance. England haven’t quite found it in their games so far.

Haiti threatened down the left in particular in the first 1-0 win, Denmark were beaten by an early goal in another. China were blown away by a performance inspired by Lauren James but she is now banned after her red card against Nigeria in a game that saw the African nation have the better chances.

What now?

Sarina Wiegman will have to shuffle the pack again and two things stick out: how will England create chances without James? And can Lucy Bronze handle teen sensation Linda Caicedo when Colombia attack?

It should be thrilling when the sides meet on Saturday.