The 2023 Women’s World Cup is down to the Quarter Finals and we think you should probably make an extra pot of coffee to stay up every night and watch all four games. As usual, our reliable staff and guests will tell you why!

John Howard-Fusco Picks…
- Spain vs Netherlands
  - Thursday, August 10th - 6:00pm PST / 9:00pm EST
    from Wellington Regional Stadium
  - While England and Japan have been most impressive so far in the tournament, Spain has been getting better and better, now looking like a team that could beat anyone. They face their toughest team yet in the Netherlands, 2019 WWC finalists and no slouch themselves. The midfield battle between these two sides has the potential to be epic.

Lis Schendel Picks…
- Japan vs Sweden
  - Friday, August 11th - 12:30am PST / 3:30am EST
    from Eden Park
  - Japan has been impressive this whole tournament. Unfortunately, most still favor England to win it all even though England barely made it to the QFs. But Japan is the most complete team, in my opinion. Their match against Sweden will be a huge test because while Spain are a giant right now, no one knows how to counteract an opponent and staunch scoring better than Sweden. It’s going to be a great match, considering Sweden is probably still high off of eliminating the largely toothless USWNT, and one that is worth staying up for, even for those who’ve already seen their favorite team eliminated.

MaryBeth Zmuda Picks…
- England vs Colombia / Jamaica
  - Saturday, August 12th - 3:30am PST / 6:30am EST
    from Stadium Australia
  - If you consider the match England played vs Nigeria is a victory - you're wrong. But seriously, after escaping by the skin of their teeth, and now being without one of their biggest stars for a tragic "misstep", the Lionesses now face a Columbia team that "came to play 7 finals" and have already won 4. Sorry England, it's still not coming home.

Dan Vaughn Picks…
- Australia vs France / Morocco
  - Saturday, August 12th - 12:00am PST / 3:00am EST
    from Suncorp Stadium
  - Australia has impressed the hell out of me throughout group and then against Denmark, basically without one of the best players in the world - Sam Kerr. They’ll need her against France and I hope she delivers.

by the Protagonist Staff