Women's World Cup Day 15 Open Thread

The Quarterfinals conclude, as Australia takes on Japan at 1:00pm, and Canada faces England at 4:30

Steph Catley's Australian side has already provided a shock to the tournament field, knocking off perennial challenger Brazil in the Round of 16 off a late Kyah Simon goal.  Simon leads the Matildas in scoring with 3 goals, while Lisa De Vanna has added 2 goals of her own.  Reigning champions Japan has once again looked strong in this tournament, using their quick possession-based attack to break down defenses, while Saori Ariyoshi, Aya Miyama, Yūki Ōgimi, Mizuho Sakaguchi, Aya Sameshima, Yuika Sugasawa have each scored a goal. While Australia has been challenged throughout the World Cup, Japan has been little-tested in the Group stage, and easily handled Switzerland in the Round of 16.  Japan defeated Australia 1-0 in the 2014 Asian Cup Final in their last meeting in May 2014.

Christine Sinclair, Kaylyn Kyle, Rhian Wilkinson, and the hosts Canada used a strong goalkeeping performance by Erin McLeod and a Josee Belanger goal to defeat Switzerland in the Round of 16. While looking stronger, Canada is still looking for their offense, as they have only scored 3 goals in the tournament, with Sinclair scoring on a PK and Ashley Lawrence adding an early goal against the Netherlands.  Jodie Taylor's English side has seen their offense become more potent as their strike corps have regained their health, with Karen Carney leading them in scoring with 2 goals, while Lucy Bronze, Steph Houghton, Fran Kirby, and Fara Williams have each added a goal.  Canada defeated England 1-0 in a pre-World Cup meeting as well as defeated Great Britain 2-0 in the London 2012 Olympics with several of England's players appearing for the British side.

Australia vs. Japan

Kickoff: 1:00pm

Watch: Fox Sports 1 or streaming on Fox Sports Go and NBC Universo

Canada vs. England

Kickoff: 4:30pm

Watch: Fox Sports 1 or streaming on Fox Sports Go  and NBC Universo