Matchday 8 of FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Dominican Republic 2024™ will confirm which sides complete the semi-final lineup.
Spain boast an impeccable three wins from three going into the quarter-finals, while Japan motored on from an opening day stalemate to finish on seven points. Facing them are group runners-up Ecuador and England, who have both blown hot and cold so far.
Quarter-finals
Spain v Ecuador
Felix Sanchez Stadium, Santo Domingo
Kick-off times
15:30: Santo Domingo
20:30: Madrid
14:30: Quito
How they got here: Spain
Spain threw down the gauntlet when they opened Dominican Republic 2024 with a 3-1 win over USA, before confirming their place in the quarter-finals in style as Korea Republic were put in their place, five goals to nil. Goals from two of their brightest stars, Celia Segura and Pau Comendador, have shown Spain have come to dazzle at this tournament, while a much-changed squad came from behind to win 2-1 against Colombia in their final group game. Forward Alba Cerrato remains suspended for this game.
How they got here: Ecuador
Ecuador progressed from Group A with six points, with comfortable wins sandwiching a heavy defeat to Nigeria. Jaslym Valverde’s brace against Dominican Republic got the Ecuadorian campaign off to a good start, but conceding four to eventual group winners Nigeria put progression in jeopardy. Up stepped Caprice Chiuchiolo, unstoppable with two goals in their 4-0 sinking of New Zealand, to progress comfortably to the knockout stage.
Japan v England
Felix Sanchez Stadium, Santo Domingo
Kick-off times
19:00: Santo Domingo
08:00 (Monday): Tokyo
23:00: London
How they got here: Japan
Held 0-0 by one of Poland’s defensive masterclasses in the opening fixture, Japan needed to find another level to make sure they continued their record of reaching the last eight at every U-17 Women’s World Cup. Two goals early in the second half against Brazil was the spark they needed, as the 2-1 victory set up a simple task on the final day: win and qualify. A Miharu Shinjo brace, a Momo Sato penalty and a late fourth from Mitsuki Ota saw Japan comfortably through, defeating Zambia 4-1.
How they got here: England
A steady start came through a 2-0 win over Kenya, before a much more chaotic victory over Mexico sealed the six points England needed to progress. Trailing 2-1 and a player down, England could have crumbled. Instead, goals from Nelly Las, Rachel Maltby and Olivia Johnson secured a stunning turnaround, taking the pressure off their final group game against Korea DPR. Their place as second-best in the group was ultimately confirmed by a 4-0 defeat to the two-time champions.
