- Spain, Korea DPR and Japan all with quarter-final experience
- New Zealand in the last eight for the first time
- Focus on attack
The FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Uruguay 2018 kicked off with 16 participating teams, but only half that number remain now that the group stage is over. The first two quarter-finals will be held in Colonia del Sacramento, where Spain meet Korea DPR and Japan face New Zealand. Goals are all but guaranteed in both encounters, with the teams collectively scoring 26 times at the competition so far.
The games
First quarter-final: Spain - Korea DPR
Second quarter-final: Japan - New Zealand
What you need to know
Milestone for Japan: The match against New Zealand will be a special one for Japan as it will mark the nation's 30th outing at a U-17 Women's World Cup. Korea DPR are the only other team to have reached that landmark, and will play their 31st game at the competition when they take on Spain.
Unfamiliar territory: New Zealand are in the quarter-finals of a U-17 Women's World Cup for the first time ever. Standing in their way are Japan, who are not only a more experienced side (see above), but one that has never lost or even conceded a goal to New Zealand in the history of the tournament. In 2010 the Asians recorded a 6-0 victory in the group stage and won 3-0 in both 2012 and 2014.
Good omen?: Spain have progressed as far as the semi-finals every time they have qualified for a U-17 Women's World Cup (2010, 2014 and 2016). Will that trend continue this year? They have an experienced backbone in Eva Navarro, Claudia Pina and Catalina Coll, who all not only helped the side win bronze at Jordan 2016, but also participated at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in France this year.
Players to watch
Irene Lopez (ESP): The midfielder demonstrated her eye for goal against Canada, netting a brace in a 5-0 victory.
Anna Leat (NZL): New Zealand will be relying on their goalkeeper to fend off the advances of Japan's dangerous attack if they are to reach the next round.
