Women’s World Cup Round of Sixteen Reaction
Aitana Bonmatí celebrates her goal. Image: Eurosport
AUCKLAND, New Zealand - In the first of the knockout rounds, there was a lot of action, including big saves, incredible goals and even two penalty shoot-outs. A few players and moments stood out from the rest.
Best Player - Aitana Bonmatí (Spain), Daphne van Domselaar (Netherlands), Zećira Mušović (Sweden)
For the Round of 16, this was a tie between Bonmatí, van Domselaar and Mušović for best player, with all three having arguably their best performances so far in the Women’s World Cup. Bonmatí scored two goals and provided two assists in Spain’s rout of Switzerland, van Domselaar’s key saves kept Netherlands in front against South Africa and Mušović made some big saves to keep Sweden in their game against the USWNT. For their efforts, each player won player of the match for their respective games.
Best Goal - Aitana Bonmatí against Switzerland
One aspect that makes this goal so impressive is that Bonmatí draws three defenders and the goalkeeper to her, and still manages to score. She managed to keep calm with the ball on her foot, showcasing the close control Barcelona fans saw throughout this past season.
Best Team - Spain
After their 4-0 loss to Japan, Spain needed to respond, and respond they did. Although Spain did concede an own goal, they responded in emphatic fashion, scoring four unanswered goals to win 5-1. Even Laia Codina, who conceded the own goal, got in on the scoring by powering home Spain’s fourth goal.
Best Match - Sweden 0-0 United States (5-4 on penalties)
This match might not have had a lot of goals, but what makes it the best game is just how close these two teams were in the match. Granted, the USWNT may have created a lot more chances in regular time, but in penalties everything was equalized. For the cherry on top, the deciding penalty created drama and left fans on the edge of their seats.
Biggest Upcoming Match - Spain versus Netherlands, England vs Colombia
Another tie for biggest upcoming matches has heavyweights Spain clashing with Netherlands in a must win game and favorites England taking on the impressive Colombia. Both games have the potential for either team to win. Make sure to tune in to Spain vs. Netherlands on Thursday at 9 p.m. EDT, and England vs. Colombia on Saturday at 6:30 a.m. EDT.
