The group stage of this Women’s World Cup is officially over, and with it, any forgiveness available for the teams left. From here on out, each loss means players will be headed home, and there are no more draws — penalty shootouts will decide games if necessary. In a tournament full of surprises, that assures that they will continue.
Japan vs. Norway
Norway was in trouble. The Norwegians, struggling with injuries and sniping about their coach, were knocking on the door of an early exit from this World Cup until their rout of the Philippines, 6-0, which saw them through to the round of 16. That result finally made Norway look like the team it thought it was heading into this tournament, one with aspirations of lifting the trophy.
Now, anything is still possible — including going home. Elimination will be all the more possible if Ada Hegerberg, Norway’s star striker, still can’t play as she recovers from a groin injury. She is not in Norway’s starting lineup but is listed as a substitute.
Japan rolled through Group C without surrendering a goal. The message was clear: This is one of the most dangerous teams left in the…
