Must-See TV: Women's World Cup Quarterfinals

• Associated Press, Friday, September 21, 2007 6 PM

The Associated Press takes a look at Women's World Cup quarterfinal match-ups this weekend. Most of the hype has been reserved for the greatly anticipated clash between the No. 1 ranked U.S. and England. The U.S. women survived three tough first-round games but failed to look convincing tournament favorites. England, meanwhile, is coming off two very good performances against defending World Cup champ Germany (a 0-0 draw) and Argentina (a 6-1 mauling).

The first game on Saturday sees the Germans take on surprising North Korea, which managed a 2-2 draw against the U.S. in their World Cup opener. The Koreans may have barely qualified for the tournament, but have looked strong throughout, despite losing their final group match to Sweden. Germany, on the other hand, is yet to concede a goal.

Sunday's quarterfinals begin with host China taking on Norway. The hosts played terribly in their second game against Brazil, losing 4-0, but they have the historical edge over Norway, winning both previous World Cup meetings. China is the only team in the quarterfinals with a negative goal difference. The last quarterfinal sees Brazil take on Australia. Brazil has certainly played the best soccer in the tournament thus far, highlighted by that drubbing of China. Australia, meanwhile, was lucky to qualify for the quarterfinals, needing a 92nd minute goal to squeak past Canada.

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