Women’s World Cup: Which of the ‘bigger’ nations have impressed?

Spain, whose off-field issues have been well documented, were able to put those distractions behind them to record comfortable wins over Costa Rica and Zambia, qualifying with a game to spare.

But the defeat by Japan has brought them down to earth. Despite dominating possession, they were open at the back and were picked off constantly by the clinical Japanese.

It raises further questions about their off-field harmony, given that 15 players previously refused to play for the team in protest of manager Jorge Vilda’s coaching methods (three of those players have since returned to the squad for this tournament).

However, Spain could have a favourable draw, facing Switzerland in the last 16, followed by the Netherlands or South Africa in the quarter-finals.

Elsewhere Sweden, ranked third in the world, had perhaps the smoothest passage through the group stages of any pre-tournament favourites, winning all three games and scoring nine goals in the process.

They did leave it late to beat South Africa in their opener, but showed their danger from set-pieces in thrashing Italy 5-0 before seeing off Argentina to seal top spot in Group G.

Facing world champions the USA in the last 16 should hold no fear – they beat the Americans 3-0 at the 2020 Olympics.

Meanwhile after a false start in their goalless draw with Jamaica, France look to be a growing threat in Australia and New Zealand.

They outfought Brazil in a crucial win in Brisbane, before sharing nine goals with Panama in a remarkable game which confirmed first place in Group F.

Conceding three goals to Panama does raise some concerns about their defensive stability – although centre-back and captain Wendie Renard was rested for that match – and their squad depth, with manager Herve Renard criticising his players for losing concentration.

But having seen plenty of the world’s biggest teams struggle at this World Cup, France will be relieved they were able to progress with relative ease.